Bowling Green MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bowling Green, Missouri.
1. Champ Clark House
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL LANDMARK
The Champ Clark House, also known as Honey Shuck, is a National Historic Landmark and regional museum in Bowling Green that was once home to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Champ Clark. The 134-year-old residence features collections that interpret the personal lives and political legacies of the Clark family. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of public service by elected office-holders from Pike County and Northeast Missouri.
2. Bankhead Chocolates
LOCAL CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Bankhead Chocolates is a chocolate factory in Bowling Green offering visitors a sweet experience. The factory produces handmade chocolates and confections that have become a local specialty. Visitors can shop for delicious treats and unique gifts while learning about the chocolate-making process.
3. Bowling Green City Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Bowling Green City Park is a popular recreational area offering outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. The park features open green spaces, playground equipment, and facilities for community gatherings. It serves as a central location for local events and family outings in Bowling Green.
4. Cancer Memorial Park
PEACEFUL REMEMBRANCE SPACE
Cancer Memorial Park in Bowling Green is a dedicated space honoring those affected by cancer. The park offers a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance with landscaped grounds. Visitors can pay respects and find solace in this community memorial space.
5. Henry Lay Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART EXPERIENCE
The Henry Lay Sculpture Park is a 20-acre artistic haven located between Bowling Green and Louisiana on a 350-acre property owned by Saint Louis University. The park features sculptures from internationally renowned artists including Wendy Klemperer, Devin Laurence Field, Bing Cheng, and Brian Rust. Visitors can enjoy a 40-minute walk through a working Maple Grove and the McElwee Cemetery while experiencing the various art installations.
6. Pike County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Pike County Courthouse is a historic 1917 courthouse located in downtown Bowling Green. This architectural landmark serves as the center of county government and showcases period design. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance and craftsmanship of this century-old structure.
7. Pike County Genealogical Society and Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Pike County Genealogical Society and Museum preserves the rich history and heritage of Pike County families. The museum houses historical documents, photographs, and artifacts chronicling the area's development. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history can research their family connections to the region.
8. Amish Community
TRADITIONAL CRAFT VILLAGE
Just outside Bowling Green lies a thriving, self-sufficient Amish Community known for its talented craftspeople. Visitors can explore shops featuring handcrafted woodworking, furniture, and delicious homemade baked goods. This cultural experience offers insight into the traditional Amish way of life and their remarkable craftsmanship.
9. Bowling Green Lakes
OUTDOOR FISHING DESTINATION
The City of Bowling Green owns and maintains two lakes that provide excellent fishing opportunities for locals and visitors. These scenic bodies of water offer a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Anglers can enjoy catching various fish species in these well-maintained lakes.
10. Vandalia Country Club
PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Vandalia Country Club is a 9-hole regulation length public golf course located on Hwy 54 between Bowling Green and Vandalia. The course offers an accessible golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Golfers can enjoy the natural landscape while challenging themselves on this public course.
11. Eagle's Bluff Golf Course
SCENIC RIVER GOLF
Eagle's Bluff Golf Course is located two miles south of Clarksville at 16500 Hwy 79 S, offering a 9-hole public golfing experience. The course features scenic views along the Mississippi River corridor with challenging holes for golfers of various skill levels. Visitors can enjoy affordable green fees while experiencing the natural beauty of the area.
12. Pike County Country Club
PRIVATE GOLF FACILITY
The Pike County Country Club is a private golf club located between Bowling Green and Louisiana at 19538 Hwy 54. The club offers members access to well-maintained greens and fairways in a secluded setting. Membership provides exclusive access to this local golfing institution.
13. Mark Twain's Boyhood Home
LITERARY HISTORICAL SITE
Mark Twain's Boyhood Home in Hannibal is a historic site dedicated to celebrating the early life of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Located just 30 minutes north of Bowling Green, this museum preserves the home where the famous author spent his formative years. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase how Hannibal inspired many of Twain's most beloved literary works including Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
14. Mark Twain Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Mark Twain Lake is a large reservoir located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Bowling Green that offers extensive recreational opportunities. The lake features 18,600 acres of water and 285 miles of shoreline perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking, and wildlife observation in the surrounding 38,000 acres of public land managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
15. Effigy Mounds National Monument
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS HERITAGE
Effigy Mounds National Monument extends 3 miles along the bluffs of the Mississippi River near Marquette. The monument preserves more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Indigenous peoples, including rare effigy mounds shaped like bears and birds. Visitors can hike scenic trails while learning about the cultural significance of these ancient earthworks that date back more than a thousand years.