What You’ll Love About the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky
We have driven by the National Corvette Museum several times. Even though we always say we’re gonna stop, we never do. But, we were recently in the area to explore Mammoth Cave National Park. and found ourselves on a rainy day while in Bowling Green. That’s when we decided to spend the morning at the Corvette Museum.
As much as I enjoyed this museum, my son and husband were in heaven. They loved all of the cars, interactive exhibits, and the opportunity to “drive” a Corvette. I think the Corvette Museum is a great place for families to spend a couple of hours, whether you are a car enthusiast or not!
After parking, we entered the 115,000-square-foot building. First, in the lobby area, we saw the Corvette Library, The Archives, a Conference Center, the Stingray Grill, and a huge gift shop. The bathrooms are also located here. The Corvette Simulator is next to Admissions and you can attempt this optional attraction before or after your museum tour (it costs extra).
Even the restrooms are Corvette themed:
The Museum
After you purchase your tickets and make your way through admissions, you enter the museum and you will see The Chevrolet Theater to your right. This movie gives a brief history of Corvette.
The National Corvette Museum showcases over 80 Corvettes, including concept cars. Corvettes from every era since 1953 are on display in the nostalgia area. The museum is set up in a way that showcases the different time periods. We walked through a mid-century barbershop, a service station, and a historic race track. I thought this was an excellent and interesting way to display the cars.
You can walk through the museum at your own pace and spend as much or as little time at each exhibit. There is also an audio tour available. Visitors download a free/complimentary audio tour to an MP3 player or mobile device. You can use your own phone or MP3 player and earbuds/headphones or rent them at the museum. Just let someone know what you need at the Admissions counter.
It was so interesting to see all of the advancements and evolving designs of the Corvette over the years. We also learned that all Corvettes are assembled here in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Since 1981, every Corvette in the world had been assembled at the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant. This plant is located a quarter of a mile from the National Corvette Museum.
Skydome Entrance
Before heading into the SkyDome area, we saw a mural of this white Corvette. As we stepped closer, we saw that the mural is made up of hundreds of tiny photos of Corvettes (and Corvette-related things).
This area also has some interactive and hands-on exhibits that explain what happened when the sinkhole swallowed up 8 Corvettes in 2014. This was very interesting and I liked that the kids learned about the science behind sinkholes.
Simulation
This short simulation experience lets you “see” firsthand the damage caused by the 2014 sinkhole. This sinkhole was 40 feet wide and 20 feet deep and opened up in the facility’s yellow SkyDome wing. We were able to see exactly how the ground opened up and how the cars fell into this hole.
The SkyDome Exhibit & Hall of Fame
When you enter the SkyDome, you are first impressed with the 100-foot high vaulted dome and the iconic 12-story red spire. The room is a cylinder shape with Corvettes lined all around the outer part of the circle. The middle is dedicated more to the cars damaged in the 2014 sinkhole (read more below).
We really enjoyed our visit to The SkyDome Exhibit and spent quite a bit of time there. Here, we saw the Corvette Hall of Fame. There are also several one-of-a-kind Corvettes in this area, including the only 1983 Corvette in existence (GMC only made 43 1983 Corvettes, but they were all destroyed- except for one. Then GMC started making the 1984 Corvettes and the one remaining 1983 Corvette was stored here at the museum.)
The SkyDome Exhibit: Remains from the 2014 Sinkhole
One of the most interesting parts of this exhibit (to me, anyway) was the damaged and destroyed Corvettes. These cars were damaged when 8 Corvettes fell into a 40-foot sinkhole that opened up at 5:44 AM on February 12, 2014. Employees who witnessed the aftermath of the sinkhole said that the Corvettes looked like Matchbox cars down in the hole.
Engineers and geologists from Western Kentucky University studied the damage with remote-controlled drones and discovered no structural damage. The hole was basically a cave (part of the nearby network of Mammoth Caves, maybe?)
The 8 Corvettes that fell down the sinkhole:
- 1962 “Black Corvette”
- 1984 PPG pace car
- 2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil”
- 1992 white “1 Millionth Corvette”
- 1993 ruby red “40th Anniversary Corvette”
- 2001 Mallett Hammer Z06 Corvette
- 2009 white “1.5 Millionth Corvette”
- 1993 ZR-1 Spyder
In the photo below, you can see directly down into the sinkhole. This viewing area is in the SkyDome area.
“Famous” Corvettes & Cars Throughout the Years
Special Exhibits
The Corvette features special exhibits that are on display for a limited time. Then they are changed out and a new exhibit is brought in. During our visit, we saw Corvette Powered. There were so many vehicles (including the boat pictured above ) that used Corvette engines and drivelines. Many of the vehicles on display were not GM or Corvette but did use the Corvette V8 blog engine. This exhibit is open until April 2022.
The Kid Zone
There is a Kid Zone at the Corvette Museum for children ages 8 and under. The kids can sketch their own design concept for Corvette with paper and crayons or on a magnetic drawing board. Next, the kiddos can build their own car with wheels and Lego-type blocks. After their car is assembled, kiddos “test” the car by taking it through a series of bumps, ramps, and even a crash course of foam blocks. Kids can also get their picture taken for a driver’s license, drive a Chevy peddle car through town, and visit the service station.
Corvette Racing Simulator
The Corvette Simulator is located in the entrance/lobby area – near admissions. We paid for our son to drive the Corvette Racing Simulator at the Admissions desk and waited in line. This costs $10 per driver. There wasn’t an age limit – the person/child just has to be able to reach the steering wheel and pedals. After getting acquainted with the C6 Corvette, my son was able to “race” it around a virtual racetrack.
There was quite a long line for this experience so be prepared to spend some time here. That being said, it was totally worth it. My 12-year-old son had a BLAST!
The Gift Shop
At the end of your museum tour, you’ll find yourself at the Corvette Store (gift shop). You can spend some time here shopping for clothes, souvenirs, gifts, and Corvette collectibles. Even if you don’t want to tour the museum, you can shop at the gift shop. So, if you’re in the area or passing through, you can stop here for a restroom break and a Corvette t-shirt.
You can also shop the Corvette Gift Shop online HERE.
Things to Know:
- Many of the cars at the Corvette Museum are on loan. Because of this, no food or drink is allowed in the museum. It is also important to not cross barriers or touch the vehicles.
- There is a Chevrolet Theater at the museum where you can watch a short film on the history of the Corvette
- Masks are encouraged if you are not vaccinated against COVID-19
- You can check out the Museum’s Special Event Page to find out more about upcoming races, car shows, and special events.
- You can visit the Corvette “Nursery” where you can pick out your own Corvette to buy. Your car is delivered from the Corvette plant across the street and then detailed for you.
- The museum has a restaurant called the Stingray Grill if you want to eat while you are there. We went early and it wasn’t open so I can’t tell you if it’s good or not. You can see the menu HERE.
Hours:
Tickets are available on-site or online.
January 1 – March 1
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CLOSED on Tuesdays
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
March 1 – October 31
Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 1 – December 31
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission:
$15 Adults (13-61)
$13 Seniors (62 +)
$10 Youth (5-12)
4 and under Free
NCM Members Free
Active Military Free
National Corvette Museum // 350 Corvette Drive – Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 (I-65 Exit 28) // 270-781-7973
Have you been to the National Corvette Museum? What was your favorite part?
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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You were walking on sacred ground. I have owned 3 Corvettes. My wife is actually a bigger fan than me!
I haven’t heard about National Corvette Museum in Kentucky before, but the place seems so exciting and worth visiting for sure. This exhibition is fantastic! For sure it is an excellent place as a family trip!
Hey! We were just here last summer, but we didn’t go inside. Just took picture outside with our dog Snoopy. We drove by and stayed in Bowling Green every time we went to Pittsburgh and went to the museum about 10 years ago. I saw there are new things in the museum. I think we will make another stop soon.
I would definitely want to visit the Corvette Museum. There was a time when they were my desired treat car! I love to see how the shapes changed over the years. How sad to think of 8 Corvettes falling into the sinkhole. A cool historical moment to learn more about. I would probably be lining up with the kids for that simulator!
Honestly, there were just as many adults as there were kids lining up fo the simulator! The whole experience was a lot of fun.
These Corvettes are beautiful and this museum looks like it’s really cool.
Ohhh the pictures are amazing. Perfect place to have a fun filled day out for kids and family. Hope you guys had a great time.
Wow. This looks really interesting. I’ve always liked classic cars. I pinned this for a future trip.
Oh wow this looks so cool , my girls would love it here
It really is a cool museum!
I haven’t been to this museum before but I would so much love to. I would love to see those vintage cars and reminisce that good feeling!
There are definitely plenty of vintage cars to see here.
Oh wow! My husband would love this!!
Mine was in car heaven!
This looks super cool. I’d love to take my kids to see this and explore!
You will have a great time!
I haven’t been in Kentucky yet. I’ll definitely visit National Corvette Museum as I love visiting museums whenever I travel abroad.
It’s a really cool city! In addition to the Corvette Museum, Bowling Green has the Mammoth Cave National Park, which is the longest known cave in the world.
Oh gosh, my kids would LOVE this! Thank you for sharing about it x
They will – well, at least mine did. Lots of games and interactive exhibits and the simulator was a big hit.
The Corvette Museum looks like a fun place to visit. Very interesting!
Yes, I highly recommend it if you’re ever in/near Bowling Green, Kentucky.
This unique museum is such a home, a library, archives, and exhibition space for all things Corvettes. I love it here!
Yes!!
The museum is awesome! I`d love to visit it again.
Yes, with so much to see and new exhibits added regularly, it’s a great museum to visit more than once.
I know a lot of friends who are Corvette enthusiasts. They will surely love it here
Oh yes, they would love this place!
I love visiting Car museums. The history of making cars is always fascinating.
This is the perfect museum for you!!
Oh this is too fun! I’m not a huge fan of newer Corvettes but I LOVE vintage Corvettes!
Well, you’ll see plenty of both here!
What a cool museum. We have a similar one near our home that my kids love.
I was surprised at how much my kids loved it. We mostly went because the hubs wanted to go, but we all ended up having a great time.
Oh my goodness! This looks like such a fun place. I was just at the Harley museum in Milwaukee, and that reminds me of this. Such unique museums!
Oh my goodness! My husband would love the Harley Davidson museum!
My husband will love this museum! Looks like a lot of fun! Hopefully, it will satisfy his Corvette dreams! But I’m worried, he will never want to leave!
Yes, that could be a problem! Lol!
I love looking at old cars, so thank you so much for sharing so many beautiful pictures! What a lovely place.
Sounds like this is the perfect museum for you!
I have never been to Kentucky but what a fun place to visit! My hubby and son would love this. So many amazing cars to see and check out! Total eye candy!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I know, right?! I never thought of Kentucky as being a great place for a family vacation, but there is Mammoth Cave National Park, the Corvette Museum, and lots of outdoor activities for families (oh! and Dinosaur World, can’t forget that one).
Looks like something my husband would definitely love to do! I’ll have to show him this, hope to visit someday.
I think you guys will love it!
Oh wow how cool to be able to see all those awesome cars from throughout the ages. Especially love the vintage ones and the simulator looks like lots of fun!
Yes, the vintage cars were beautiful! And, my son loved the simulator for sure!
Despite the fact that I’m not into cars, this looks very fun! It would be great to go here with my mate. He’s all into cars.
I was the same way – not really into cars- but I went with my husband and son and we had a lot of fun.
I have never been to a car museum, but this looks very interesting! Especially the part with the damaged and destroyed Corvettes. And I definitely would like to try the simulator! Thanks for sharing!
That was my favorite part, too – even though it was kinda sad. Learning about the sinkhole was very interesting. Yeah, I wish I had done the simulator – why should the kids have all the fun? Ha
The cars look so perfect! I’m amazed by the number of photos you took. It looks like a nice place for people who love cars, especially Corvettes.
Yes, it’s perfect for car lovers/fanatics/enthusiasts. And, I didn’t take pictures of everything. There was so much more!
This museum looks fabulous. My hubby would love it. If we ever visit the USA it will be on our list of things to do. The mural made up of photos of cars is amazing.
You guys would love it! But, if ya’ll come over to the USA, you’ll need several weeks to see everything. This museum is just the tip of a huge iceberg (which I’m sure you already know).
What fun! It is always so interesting to see how cars have evolved over the years.
I have to say…this museum is immaculate and expertly laid out. It’s one of the best museums we’ve visited.
I have never been to Kentucky, and while I am not much into cars, this would be a fun place to check out. Sounds like an interesting and unique museum.
I’m not really into cars either – I honestly went along with my hubs and son. But, it was very interesting and I had a great time.
This looks like so much fun! My husband would love to go here – just have to keep him out of the Nursery : )
Lol! I totally understand!