Editor’s Note: During this period of social distancing, Group Tour magazine will continue to provide group travel inspiration. Many attractions and destinations are closed at this time; please contact them directly for updated information.
Located along Interstate 75 in northwestern Ohio, Bowling Green is full of opportunities for groups. “Think ‘Green and Garden’ in Bowling Green, Ohio,” said Wendy Chambers, executive director of the Bowling Green Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“You are invited to walk among the award-winning hosta gardens at the Simpson Garden Park, just one of many theme gardens,” Chambers said. “Peek inside a turbine at the very first wind farm in the state of Ohio. Enjoy the fruits of nature on one of our many offerings visiting apple, pumpkin, strawberry or lavender farms! Throw in dining and shopping in our vibrant historic downtown and your day will leave you ‘Thinking BG.’”
A variety of options exist for the Green and Garden tour itinerary.
Bowling Green Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-866-0046
visitbgohio.org
TOUR
Credit: Bowling Green CVB
Arrange a guided tour of Bowling Green Wind Farm. The four turbines are 257 feet tall and generate up to 7.2 megawatts of power — enough to supply electricity for about 2,500 residential customers. Drop by the visitor kiosk. The wind turbines are designed to run when wind speeds range between nine and 56 mph.
STROLL
Credit: Bowling Green CVB
The l03-acre Wintergarden/St. John’s Nature Preserve protects and re-creates several historic habitats in the area. About 2 miles of walking trails meander through the preserve. Choose from a variety of trail loops to go for a 15-minute walk or an hour-long hike. Trails begin and end at the Rotary Nature Center.
UNWIND
Credit: Bowling Green CVB
Simpson Garden Park is 11 acres of rolling gardens in the middle of an urban landscape. The focus is a display of plants that grow well in the city’s climate and various soil conditions and education on the role plants play in the web of life. Trails lead to a variety of gardens.
VISIT
Credit: Bowling Green CVB
Schooner Farms, established in 2009, offers several tour options. Schedule a farm tour with take-home berries or a plant (seasonal); a lavender labyrinth tour with a take-home spray (seasonal); a beekeeper demonstration with take-home honey; or a make-and-take option with herb planting or aroma therapy rub.
