Bowling Green (Ohio)

Bowling Green was settled in 1832 near the center of the Great Black Swamp, and was named by its settlers after Bowling Green in Kentucky. It got its start as a city thanks to the oil boom in the 1880s and the resulting clearing of the swamp. The college was established in 1910 as Bowling Green State Normal School to train teachers along side its sister college in Kent. By the 1930s it became a fully fledged university. During World War II the University helped train Navy personnel. After World War II ended, the influx of returning soldiers and their baby boomer children greatly increased the size of the university, as well as the surrounding city. While current events are university focused, many relics of the oil days remain in and around the Bowling Green area.

Since its founding, the university has taught many notable people including Olympians, scientists, captains of industry, and Hollywood actors.

Bowling Green has four distinct seasons. The spring brings plentiful cherry blossoms. The summer can have sweltering and humid heat, but the hydrangea and hibiscus bloom. During the fall the temperatures drop and the trees change the color of their leaves to shades of red, orange, and yellow. Winters in Bowling Green can be highly variable. Some winters are mild with only a few inches of snow accumulation. However sometimes winters can be quite harsh with blizzards and several feet of snow accumulation or ice storms. A constant of all seasons are frequent windy days. A windbreaker is recommended, even in the early summer.

1 Bowling Green Visitor Center (BGVC), 130 S Main St (Four Corners Center), ☏ +1 419-372-2336, toll-free: +1-800-866-0046, fax: +1 419-575-9691, info@visitbgohio.org. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 8AM-noon. Information about the city, maps, as well as BGSU information, coupons on retail and dining in the historic downtown district, travel and overnight packages and a variety of self-guided and guided tour options. Free. (updated Mar 2020)

2 BTSU Info Desk (First floor of the union across from Falcon Outfitters), ☏ +1 419-372-2741. The Bowen Thompson Student Union Information Desk can provide information specific to the Student Union, and general campus information. Offers car rentals for a fee. This also serves as the general BGSU lost and found. Upstairs on the fourth floor is the LGBTQ+ resource center, which can offer advice specific for LGBT travelers. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

3 BGSU Office of Admissions (University Hall on the second floor of the foyer), ☏ +1 419-372-2478, toll-free: +1-866-246-6732, choosebgsu@bgsu.edu. M-F 8AM-5PM. While intended for prospective students, the Office of Admissions is familiar with providing directions on and off campus. The Office of Admissions also offers free tours of the campus for prospective students. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

BGSU Events Calendar. The official university calendar. Highlights trending upcoming events related to the university campus, and is useful for finding smaller niche events. Usually details ticket prices, locations, parking info, and other details for each event. Free. (updated Mar 2019)

The nearest major airport is the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW IATA) at just over an hour north of Bowling Green by car. Some passenger flights may also go to the closer Toledo Express Airport (TOL IATA) which is only a half hour north of Bowling Green by car.

1 Wood County Regional Airport (Bricker Field), 1261 E Poe Rd, ☏ +1 419-354-2908. Private pilots may land at this general aviation airport, and non pilots may charter flights here. This airport is on campus and offers a lounge, fuel, and an airport shuttle. The airport has some historic significance - During World War II the airfield was used to train pilots for the Navy. There is also a Korean War-era Lockheed T-33 jet on display near the lounge. While many organizations take pictures of their members on the wings of that jet, you should ask permission before attempting it yourself. (updated Nov 2023)

Bowling Green is on I-75 at exit 181, and it is a quick 25 mi (40 km) drive south from Toledo, a 130 mi (210 km) drive north from Dayton, and an 80 mi (130 km) drive south from Detroit.

Regional car services include: a city subsidized van service with low rates, B.G. Transit Reliable Taxi, Supercab, BG Airport Shuttle, and Bill's Limousine.

A community group Bike BG offers slow bike rides throughout the city once a month.

2 Slippery Elm Trail (trail entrances at Montessori school and the black swamp nature preserve). Dawn to dusk. Goes 13 mi (21 km) south to North Baltimore, passing through the villages of Portage and Rudolph. If you are a pump cyclist, the village of Rudolph contains a pump track that is among the largest in the world. The trail is asphalt and features several rest stops and water fountains. At the entrance at the Bowling Green Black Swamp Preserve, there is a free bicycle repair station. Van Buren is 5 mi (8.0 km) south from the end of the trail on flat country roads. Free. (updated Nov 2023)

Bowling Green is next to Interstate 75, and its Main Street is also an important local highway (Old US 25). Outside of the downtown area and campus, it may be time consuming to go without a car.

Free parking is available along both sides of Main Street in the downtown area. However getting a spot can be difficult during business hours and late at night from Thursdays to Saturdays.

The city operates public parking lots in the downtown area. The university also offers public parking in many of its parking lots. These are both available for small fees, and may be free during certain hours, especially during the weekend.

BGSU and the city both have parking enforcement units! BGSU uses automated plate readers and human patrols to quickly catch parking violations. Those parked illegally will almost certainly get caught, and the small fee at the kiosk is much better than a moderate fine. Most public parking lots that charge a fee have replaced their coin operated meters with an automated kiosk that lets you register your licence plate number, eliminating the need to go back to your car to place a permit on it.

There are a few car rental agencies in town, and one on campus.

3 BGSU Shuttle Services, ☏ +1 419-372-0236, shuttleservice@bgsu.edu. M-F during the school year. The shuttle service does not operate during breaks. The university provides a shuttle service, with some routes going off campus. The central hub of the bus service is the Centrex building. Shuttles are wheelchair accessible. Current shuttle locations and ETAs can be viewed with the live shuttle tracker or via an app. SMS "BGSU" to 41411 for route info on all cell phones. Free. (updated Nov 2023)

Some residential areas will charter a private bus to make regular stops between their neighborhood and campus. The city also sometimes runs buses between parking and major events downtown, such as the Black Swamp Arts Festival.

Taxicabs are very inexpensive at $3-4 per fare (as of January 2019).

B.G. Transit, toll-free: +1-800-579-4299. M-F 6AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-4PM, closed on public holidays and Sundays. A city-subsidized public transportation service whose route is determined by scheduled rides. Vans are accessible to the disabled. Since it is not a traditional taxi service, schedule your ride at least an hour in advance, but accommodations may be made for short-notice trips if capacity is available. It does not go beyond more than 1 mi (1.6 km) from the city limits. $3.50-$4.00. (updated Nov 2023)

Most of Bowling Green is about as walkable as any American city, with a few exceptions.

BGSU is even more walkable than the rest of Bowling Green. Almost every major building is within 1 mi (1.6 km) of another.

The Downtown area too is similarly extra walkable, as it is less than 1 mi (1.6 km) long. Walkability is helped by shaded building passages, ample crossings, and frequent benches.

Wooster Street opposite of the university is unpleasant to walk due to a lack of shade and close proximity to vehicle traffic. Many locals choose to cross the street to the University Sidewalk, or walk down Clough Street (Pleasant shaded residential street parallel with Wooster).

Bowling Green tends to be cyclist friendly. Most destinations have ample bike parking.

On-campus bike parking is widely available outside each building. Some buildings, such as the Art Building and the Student Recreation Center have newer green roofed racks that can keep your bike dry in light rain. Watch out for small delivery robots with low profiles when cycling on campus.

The downtown core of BG should be bypassed by cyclists who are passing through. Because of heavy traffic and low visibility around corners biking on the street is less easy here, and biking on the sidewalk is illegal downtown. For cyclists visiting downtown as a destination there are some anchored stands for bicycle parking.

1 BGSU Planetarium. Tu 8PM, F 8PM, Sa 2PM, Su 7:30PM during the school year. An planetarium open to the public. Has regular educational showings for all ages, and holiday features. Most shows feature a regular star talk, then proceed with the show. Upstairs there is an observatory where public stargazing sessions are offered after weekend showings at the planetarium, or separately when events such as eclipses are ongoing. $1 (suggested donation). (updated Nov 2023)

2 Biology Greenhouse, ☏ +1 419-372-2375. Contains a tropical plant collection, and a desert plant collection. Also houses a student projects room and an aquaponics lab. Tours are available if scheduled in advance. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

3 Fine Arts Galleries, ☏ +1-419-372-2786, artschool@bgsu.edu. Several galleries dedicated to showcasing student artwork. The Dorothy Uber Bryan Gallery and Willard Wankelman Gallery are conventional art galleries.The Hiroko Nakamoto Gallery, created by an interior design alumna who survived the Hiroshima atomic bombing, is stylized as a traditional Japanese tea room, and is a work of art on its own. Outside the galleries, the Fine Arts Building houses many smaller displays down its corridors which are typically accessible even if the main galleries are closed. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

4 The BGSU Film Theater (Formerly Gish Film Theatre), Bowen Thompson Student Union (on the 2nd floor of the Student Union). A movie theater that often showcases classic and modern movies, as well as the occasional guest speaker. Free public screenings are usually held during the spring or fall semester on Tuesday nights at 7:30PM, or Thursday nights at 7:30PM for international films. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

5 Life Sciences Building (Herpetarium is on the first floor, Marine Lab is on the second). The first floor houses the BGSU Herpetarium, a lab for the care and observation of over 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. Open to the public with an escort. The second floor houses the BGSU Marine Lab, which also offers public tours if planned in advanced. The Marine lab offers a variety of fish, as well as a touch tank where fish can be touched. The upper floors contain Professor Moseley's taxidermied animals on display in the hallways, as well as more modern specimens. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

6 BG Wind Farm. One of the first commercial wind farms in Ohio, it started in 2003, and recouped its costs in 2015. The site consists of four turbines that stand at over 250 ft (76 m) tall that can generate over 7 megawatts. On clear days they can be seen from Wooster Street. Has an info board on site. Free. (updated Nov 2023)

7 Bridge Over Troubled Waters (The Elephant/The Dinosaur) (between the Education building and Kohl Hall). 24/7. A 14 ft (4.3 m) tall memorial to the events of May 4th, 1970 that took place at BGSU's sister school, Kent State University during the Vietnam war. This is a sister sculpture of a piece that was pierced by a bullet at Kent State during the shooting, made by the same artist with the same metal. Free. (updated Nov 2023)

8 Clough Street (Clough Windmill). A residential street with many interesting houses built in a fanciful style. Notably, one house is a traditional style windmill. The inside is not open to the public, but it serves as a local landmark. (updated Nov 2023)

9 Education Memorabilia Center (Little Red Schoolhouse / District #6 School) (between the Education building and Kohl Hall). Sa Su 2-5PM, contact College of Education to confirm. A preserved schoolhouse from the frontier era. It was built in 1875 in the Norwalk area, and was moved to its current location in 1976. Free. (updated Nov 2023)

10 Wood County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, ☏ +1-419-354-9000, toll-free: +1-866-860-4140. Built in the oil boom era, the courthouse is castlelike and the exterior is lined with turrets and stone carvings. On the courthouse grounds there are many war memorials. The courthouse is topped with a giant clocktower which is visible across the city, and has a nest for peregrine falcons. The grand staircase of the original courthouse is lavish, with giant painted murals. The law library is cozy and a relaxing environment to take a breather. The grounds outside feature a fountain and war memorials. This is an active courthouse, so you will have to pass through a security checkpoint to enter. Free. (updated Nov 2023)

11 National Construction Equipment Museum (NCEM), 16623 Liberty Hi Rd (Northwest edge of town.), ☏ +1 419-352-5616, info@hcea.net. By appointment only. Showcases historic construction machinery including trucks, excavators, paving equipment, drills, scrapers, rollers, graders, cranes, excavators, and tractors. $7 adult, free for kids 12 or under. (updated Sep 2025)

12 Snook's Dream Cars, 13920 County Home Rd (On the southern outskirts of town by US-6 and I-75. Best to go by car.), ☏ +1 419-353-8338. M-F 8AM-Noon & 1PM-5PM, Sa Su by appointment. Classic car museum features a recreated 1940s-era Texaco gas station with authentic antique signage, a showroom of extensive automobile memorabilia, coin operated antique machines and classic cars that are all in excellent working order and are even driven on a regular basis. Within the museum painted murals and background scenes recreate the looks of a 1930s general store to a racetrack from the 1960s. The car collection features models from the 1930s to the 1960s. The facility also houses a complete four-bay shop for maintaining collector cars and a special area for events. Adults $8, seniors $6, children $5. (updated Sep 2025)

13 Wood County Museum (Wood County Historical Society), 13660 County Home Rd, ☏ +1 419-352-0967, museum@woodcountyhistory.org. M-F 9:30AM-4:30PM, Sa Su 1-4PM. The Wood County Historical Center and Museum is the original site of the Wood County Infirmary, which was in operation from 1869 to 1971. The site re-opened as an Historical Center & Museum in 1975, and has rotating exhibits and self-guided tours inside, plus a public park outside with trails, picnic tables, herb garden, and original out-buildings. The Historical Center also hosts a variety of educational experiences and public events throughout the year. $5 adult, $1 child (10 or under). (updated Nov 2023)

1 Black Swamp Arts Festival (BSAF) (Downtown), ☏ +1 419-354-2723. Annually in early September - F 5PM-midnight, Sa 10AM-midnight, Su 11AM-5PM. Bowling Green's local artists come and share their work with the community to help celebrate the arts. Fine arts and crafts throughout the Downtown area. Children's activities, live music, demonstrations, and various art events all weekend. Free. Parking shuttle may require cash, but it is possible to park and walk for free. (updated Sep 2025)

2 Art Walk (Downtown), ☏ +1 419-354-4332. Annual event held the last Saturday in April. Stroll through the historic downtown and visit the many galleries and exhibitions featuring visual and performing arts from all ages. Artists' demonstrations, family activities and performances continue throughout the day. Has a raffle with prizes. Free. (updated Mar 2019)

3 Heritage Days, 13660 County Home Rd (Wood County Historical Center & Museum), ☏ +1 419-352-0967. Annual event held the second full weekend in June. Step back in time and get your hands on history with soap making, rope making, fresh butter churning, free blacksmith and farm demonstrations, farm-themed activities, farm animals, historic games, swap meet, kiddie pedal pull, Power of Yesteryear antique tractor show, BBQ and live music. All set amid the rustic historical museum grounds. (updated Mar 2019)

4 Wood County Fair, 13800 W Poe Rd (Wood County Fairgrounds), ☏ +1 419-352-0441, wcfair@amplex.net. Annual event held the last weekend in July until the end of the first week in August. The fair typically includes concerts, a car show, a demolition derby, tractor, truck and semi pulls, championship horse and pony pulls, dances, a cheerleading competition, live music, food, games, rides, industrial arts, woodworking and carving demonstrations, cookie decorating, balloon artists, livestock, flower show, quilts, needlework, karaoke, 4H projects, baked and canned goods, ice cream, wine competition and a parade of floats. $7, children under 9 are free. (updated Nov 2023)

5 National Tractor Pull Championships (Pulltown), 13800 W Poe Rd (Wood County Fairgrounds), ☏ +1 419-354-1434, info@pulltown.com. Annual three-day event in late August. One of the three National Tractor Pullers Association Super National Events. This has all kinds of tractor pulling, from two-wheel drive to Super Semis. Part of the fairground is turned into a temporary campground with 2,107 campsites, making it the fourth-largest campsite for motorsport events in the USA, highlighting the sheer size of the tractor pull. $20-100. (updated Jul 2021)

7 Animarathon (Anime Marathon) (Bowen Thompson Student Union), Animarathon@bgsu.edu. Sa 9AM-midnight, Su 9AM-6PM. Animarathon is an annual two-day student-run spring Japanese anime convention. Animarathon has taiko, cosplay competitions, a maid cafe, special guests, and panels related to anime and Japanese popular culture. The Student Union ballroom is used to host artists and vendors of Anime merchandise. $20 at door, $15 pre-registration. (updated Jul 2021)

8 Cherry Blossom Festival (O-hanami) (Bowen Thompson Student Union Ballroom). The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually in April by the Japanese Club at BGSU. The Cherry Blossom festival hosts Japanese cultural programming, origami and shodo brush writing workshops, a Taiko drum performance, Martial Arts demonstrations, a bon-odori dance, kimono try ons, Japanese game tables, and free Japanese snacks including sushi and green tea. The event started as a small gathering of 75 people in 2001 to thank the support of Tokyo Alumni, and hosts over 800 people as of 2018. Free. (updated Mar 2019)

9 Dance Marathon (DM / Ziggython) (Perry Field House). Annual 24-hour-long event in April. A charity dancing event in support of the Children's Miracle Network. The largest student-run event on the BGSU campus. (updated Sep 2019)

10 STEM in the Park (Wood County Air Fair) (Perry Field House), nwo@bgsu.edu. late September. Annual event to promote science, technology, engineering, and math to youth. Exhibits include robotics, food science, digital media, water science, and demos from Toledo institutions such as the Toledo Zoo and Imagination Station. Features live music with local bands. Operates jointly with the Wood County Air Fair, which showcases and flies current and historical aircraft, helicopters, hot air balloons, and rockets. Free. (updated Mar 2019)

11 Falcon BEST Robotics Competition (Stroh Center). Early November. Annual robotics competition at BGSU featuring teams from Ohio and Indiana middle schools and high schools. (updated Jun 2021)

12 The Hatch (Stroh Center). Annually in the Spring. Annual spring entrepreneurship competition at BGSU operated by the College of Business. Each participating student, referred to as Hatchlings, work on a project over the course of several months with local business mentors. This culminates in a gameshow style event held in the basketball stadium where the Hatchlings compete to try to get investors to take a stake in their entrepreneurial projects. Free. (updated Jun 2021)

13 Oktoberfest (Bowen Thompson Student Union Ballroom). late October. BGSU's German club hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring polka music, and merryment. There is a buffet as well as a cash bar with beer. Free admission, buffet costs $5 for students, $10 for general public in advance, and $15 for the general public at the door. (updated Mar 2019)

A popular fight song is "Ay Ziggy Zoomba" (pronounced Aye Zigg-e Zoom-ba). If someone shouts, "Ay Ziggy Zoomba", you should respond "Ay Ziggy Zoomba Ze!". Games against rival school the University of Toledo are often shorted to TSUN, meaning "That school up north".

15 Bowling Green Bobcats, 530 W Poe Rd. Bowling Green High School has an athletics program with a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, track, wrestling, bowling, hockey, golf, and lacrosse. (updated Jul 2021)

16 Cochrane Stadium. BGSU's soccer stadium. The Stadium has bleachers, a modern design and hosts both men and women soccer games. (updated Jun 2021)

17 Doyt L. Perry Stadium (The Doyt). BGSU's football stadium. The layout of the stadium is like a horseshoe, with the south end open. The north building is the Sebo Athletic center, where BGSU's collegiate athletes train. The stadium interior contains sports faculties, offices, and lounges. On years ending with an odd number, this stadium hosts the Battle of I-75 with BGSU Falcons' arch rival the Toledo Rockets. While it's not part of the stadium, the University of Toledo's Glass Bowl keeps a Cold War era US Army Nike Ajax rocket aimed at the Doyt's 50-yard line. (updated Jul 2021)

18 Slater Family Ice Arena (BGSU Ice Arena), 417 N Mercer Rd, ☏ +1 419-372-2264. BGSU's dual rink ice arena. The ice area includes a pro shop, and a lounge area. Hosts hockey games, figure skating, skating lessons, and public skating. The Falcons, Local High Schools, and the Black Swamp Ice Frogs play hockey here. The lobby has a small section with memorabilia of Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, who used to skate here as a student. 50 minutes $10, 80 minutes $15. (updated Jul 2021)

19 Steller Field (Warren E. Steller Field). BGSU's baseball field. Features bleacher seating, natural grass turf, and an electronic scoreboard. (updated Jul 2021)

20 Stroh Center, 1535 E Wooster St. BGSU's primary basketball arena, replacing Memorial Hall for most events. The Stroh Center also houses the BGSU Athletics Hall of Fame, practice courts and the Anderson Club. (updated Jun 2021)

21 Rugby Field. A rugby field that has bleachers and a scoreboard. BGSU has a national championship winning Rugby team (2018). (updated Jun 2021)

22 Black Swamp Preserve, 1014 S Maple St. 8AM-dusk. A nature preserve connected to the Slippery Elm Trail. Has restrooms, a water fountain, resting areas, a bike repair stand, gardens, and descriptions of local wildlife on an educational board. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

23 Carter Park, 401 Campbell Hill Rd. Has a baseball complex, softball complex, volleyball courts, Disk Golf, picnic shelters, and a natural area. One of the largest parks in Bowling Green by size. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

24 City Park, 520 Conneaut Ave, ☏ +1 419-354-6223, bgparks@bgohio.org. City Park features the city pool and waterpark, skate park, rollerskating rink, the historic Needle Hall, and golf course at the adjacent country club. The waterpark includes a waterslide, lazy river, diving boards, and splash playground. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

25 Simpson Sensory and Children's Garden Park (Simpson Garden Park), 1291 Conneaut Ave, ☏ +1 419-354-6297, bgparks@bgohio.org. A park with a variety of plants and artistic structures. The park includes a healing garden, a children's park, and a Japanese garden. Golf cart tours are available. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

26 Stone Ridge Golf Club, 1553 Muirfield Dr, ☏ +1 419-353-2582. 6AM-7PM. A private 18-hole golf course in a quiet residential neighborhood on the edge of town. Has a restaurant at the clubhouse. $46 regular, $20 super twilight. (updated Jul 2021)

27 Wintergarden (St.Johns Nature Preserve), 615 S Wintergarden Rd, ☏ +1 419-353-0301, bgparks@bgohio.org. 8AM-5PM. Has a nature center, forests, and meadows. Free. (updated Jul 2021)

28 Moore Musical Arts Center (Box Office is in the Wolfe Center across the street), ☏ +1-419-372-2181. Features a variety of performance halls specifically for the musical arts. Outside of regular rehearsals, practices, competitions, and special events, hosts two major recurring events - the New Music Festival and the Orchard Guitar Festival are in the Fall. It also hosts the Summer Music Institute which builds musical skills. (updated Jul 2021)

29 Wolfe Center for the Performing Arts. The performing arts building, featuring a proscenium theater, a black box theater, and the BGSU Box Office. The entrance to the black box theater features several replicas of ancient mosaics, the originals once kept here were returned to their home in Gaziantep, Turkey, at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. A digital media lab on the second floor contains a giant Starcraft II box, signed by the dev team, one of whom was an alumnus. The back of the building is a grass ramp that leads to the second floor, and this area is occasionally used as an outdoor theater. Often hosts musicals. (updated Jul 2021)

BG Pedal Company. Offers cycling and drinks throughout town on a custom multiperson cycle. (updated Nov 2023)

1 Ben's, 154 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-3389, toll-free: +1-800-439-7719, info@bensbg.com. 9AM-8PM. A local craft store that also offers toys, candy and party supplies among a variety of other things. (updated Nov 2023)

2 Falcon Outfitters (BGSU Bookstore) (Bowen Thompson Student Union 1st Floor), ☏ +1 419-372-2851, toll-free: +1-866-517-9766, FalconOutfitters@bgsu.edu. Formerly known as the BGSU Bookstore, Falcon Outfitters primarily offers BGSU apparel and goods. Also carries general goods, such as stationery, art supplies, and hygiene products. Ziggabyte is the Computing section of Falcon Outfitters. They offer computers, cables, and accessories. (updated Jul 2021)

3 Woodland Mall, 1234 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-353-6368. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-5PM. A dying shopping mall on the far north of Bowling Green. A lack of business has driven a number of alternative businesses such as thrift shops and studios to occupy the mall. (updated Jul 2021)

4 Rock Em' Sock Em' Retro, 127 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-806-4750. Sells retro video games and memorabilia. Also has a small arcade. (updated Nov 2020)

5 Cyclewerks, 816 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-9375. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, closed Sunday. A small bicycle chain in the Toledo metro. Sells bicycles, bicycle accessories, and offers bicycle repair services. For travelers who just need a bike for a short time, they offer daily rentals, although this can be more expensive than purchasing a cheap bike for periods longer than a few days. (updated Mar 2025)

6 The Busy Thimble, 148 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-806-4022, info@busythimble.com. M-Sa 9AM-8PM, Su 11AM-5PM. A sewing and quilting supply store. They host classes on how to get started sewing with a variety of simple projects. (updated Mar 2019)

7 Farmers Market, 201 S Main St (enter the Huntington Bank parking lot on foot). Meets every Wednesday downtown during the summer from 5PM to dusk. A market of local farms and businesses. Besides general produce a few specialty items and services can be purchased at the Farmers Market, such as Asian vegetables, freshly picked oyster and shiitake mushrooms, raw honey, blade sharpening, and handmade soaps. May have live music present. (updated Jul 2021)

1 Dairy Queen (Myles Dairy Queen), 434 E Wooster St, ☏ +1 419-352-8042. One of the first Dairy Queens in the United States from 1940. It's a bit different from a normal Dairy Queen chain restaurant as the interior is much older and the food portions are more generous. Locals call it as Myles Dairy Queen or just Myles (which may also refer to a former pizza pub in town). (updated Jul 2021)

2 Kermit's, 307 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-354-1388. M-F 6AM-7PM, Sa Su 7AM-3PM. Local mom & pop family diner with large portions. (updated Sep 2023)

3 Pisanello's Pizza, 203 N Main St (Across the street from the Library), ☏ +1 419-352-5166. 11AM-11PM. Sells solid pizza, subs, wings, and breadsticks. Has a ninja turtles pinball machine, psychedelic artwork, and a woody decor that screams 1980. $3.50 7" pizza, $6.75 10" pizza, $8.50 12" pizza, $11.25 14" pizza, $13.50 16" pizza. (updated Jul 2021)

4 South Side 6, 737 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-8639. 8AM-11PM. A tiny convenience store with a counter that sells gyros and Mediterranean food. Has many vegetarian options. Most orders are delivery, and the only place to eat on site is a small picnic site outside. The convenience store section has a selection of international beer, non alcoholic drinks, and snacks. Has a gyro-eating challenge to eat 6 large gyros in 66 minutes, but participants must call ahead to schedule a session. $7-13. (updated Jul 2021)

5 Kabob It, 132 E Wooster St. 11AM-9PM. Offers cheap and quick Lebanese Mediterranean food, with gyros and Greek fries. $5-10. (updated Sep 2022)

6 Call of the Canyon, 109 N Main St (Intersection of Main and Wooster), ☏ +1 419-353-2255. M-Th 11:30AM-8:30PM, F 11:30AM-9PM, Sa 11:30AM-3:30PM. A small deli that's southwestern from the food to the decor. Sell sandwiches, chili, BBQ, and roast beef. Has some vegetarian options. $8 entree, $3 chili cup, $5 chili bowl. (updated Jul 2021)

7 Guajillo's Cocina Mexicana, 434 E Wooster St, ☏ +1 419-806-4866. A sister to El-Zarape closer to downtown with a different menu. Has a salsa bar. (updated Jul 2021)

8 Mister Spots (Mr. Spots), 206 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-7768. 11AM-2:30AM. A Philadelphia-style restaurant with cheese-steaks, wings and hoagies. $6-18. (updated Jul 2021)

9 Pagliai's (Pollyeyes), 945 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-7571. 11AM-10PM. A pizzeria that offers an all-you-can-eat family pizza buffet, where they will make a pizza off the menu with each order. This allows you choice in what you eat with access to a buffet which includes pizza and salad. Allows for regular non-buffet orders too. Locals call it "Polly-eyes", not "Pag-Lee-ais". $7-15. (updated Sep 2023)

10 The China, 1039 Haskins Rd (From the Fairgrounds cross Haskins Road to Fairview Plaza.), ☏ +1 419-353-1231. M-Sa 4:30PM-8PM (dine in), M-F 11AM-1PM (takeout only). American-Chinese sit down restaurant. $7-12. (updated Jul 2021)

11 The Clay Pot (Formerly Naslada Bistro), 182 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-373-6050, hello@theclaypotbistro.com. M-Th 5PM-9PM, F Sa 11:30AM-2:30PM & 5-10PM. A downtown Bulgarian bistro. Sells European dishes, seafood, crêpes and wine. $8-30. (updated Jul 2021)

12 SamB's, 146 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-252-7252. 11AM-9PM. SamB's offers a diverse menu in a fine dining environment. SamB's has an art gallery, and hosts a weekly Sunday Brunch. $8-24. (updated Jun 2021)

13 Sunset Bistro, 1220 W Wooster St. A restaurant far from downtown and campus. They have a diverse menu selling Doukhobor Borsh, Cincinnati Goetta, seafood, burgers, noodles, and desserts like ginger ale cake. Many of their options are vegetarian, and they open their backdoor patio when the weather permits. $5-20. (updated May 2019)

On campus, most restaurants are condensed into halls. The most notable ones are listed below.

14 Carillon Place, 913 E Wooster St (park in the Union lot and head southeast or take the bus to centrex and head east), ☏ +1 419-372-6101. 7:30AM-8PM. An on-campus dining hall. Frequented by freshmen. Also has a convenience store and a Creperie. $7-10. (updated Mar 2019)

15 Falcon's Nest (enter the first floor of the Student Union and go to the southern corner), ☏ +1 419-372-2641. 8AM-8PM. The food court in the Student Union. Has a variety of fast food chains, a convenience store, a smoothie shop, and a chain coffee shop. $4-10 for a meal. (updated Feb 2021)

16 Sundial Kreischer (Central building of Kreischer Quadrangle), ☏ +1 419-372-2825. 5PM-midnight. BGSU's late-night dining hall. Has pizza, breakfast for dinner, Mexican, and burgers. . $5-12 for a meal. (updated Mar 2019)

17 Social House (Formerly known as The Oaks), 705 Ridge St, ☏ +1 419-372-2771. 9AM-9PM. An on-campus all-you-care-to-eat dining hall. Has a specialty vegan section, a salad bar, and a rotating menu. Dining services often holds themed dinners and events here, particularly those featuring named chefs or Tailgate Thursdays during the football season. The building is notable for a futuristic barn-like architecture, its side awning solar panels, a modest garden on the roof, hydroponics for growing food indoors, and a water reclamation system that processes rainwater. Outside the all-you-can-eat portion is a coffee and doughnut shop, an event kitchen on the first floor. $7-10. (updated Feb 2021)

18 Flatlands Coffee (Flatlands), 138 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-482-8049, bgFlatlandsCoffee@gmail.com. 9AM-4PM. A minimalist coffee shop with a curated menu that changes each season. They are known for their latte art and to a lesser extent, their desserts. $2-7. (updated Jul 2021)

19 Grounds for Thought (Grounds), 174 S Main St (head south from the city center and look on the right side of Main Street), ☏ +1 419-354-3266, kelly@groundsforthought.com. 6AM-11PM. A relaxing, local coffee shop, they also have a variety of teas, other non-coffee drinks, sandwiches and desserts. They also are a used bookstore with a small comic section, some vinyl records, and plenty of local books. Has free Wi-Fi, but power outlets near tables are hard to come by. Has a group meeting room. $2-5. (updated Jul 2021)

1 Beckett's Burger Bar, 163 S Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-7800. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. Sells burgers, mac & cheese, chicken, and sandwiches. Specialty drink is the "8-Ball" flavored vodka. Most of the menu is meat, but has some vegetarian and vegan options. $10-20. (updated Jul 2021)

2 Campus Pollyeyes (Pollyeyes), 440 E Court St, ☏ +1 419-352-9638. Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-1AM. Unlike its parent restaurant Pagliai's, Campus Polleyes is a pizza pub. It is best known for their stuffed breadsticks, which are foot long breadsticks filled with cheese and pizza toppings. It delivers, and has a smallish dining area. They sell pizza and subs too, but they're not well-known for them. $7-18. (updated Nov 2023)

3 Red Sky Pizza & The Attic, 110 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-0090. (updated Nov 2023)

4 El Zarape (EZ), 1616 E Wooster St, ☏ +1 419-353-0937. 11AM-10:30PM. A Mexican restaurant and cantina near I-75 that focuses on good and speedy service. $5-15. (updated Nov 2023)

5 Pizza Pub 516 (Formerly Myle's Pizza Pub), 516 E Wooster St (on the south side of Wooster St by the railroad tracks), ☏ +1 419-352-1504, webmaster@pizzapub516.com. Su-W 11AM-12:30AM, Th-Sa 11AM-2AM. A pizza pub between BGSU and downtown Bowling Green. Sells pizza, subs, salads, and craft beers. Uses a large amount of cheese on its pizza, though not as much as the former Myles did. The sauce is quite tangy, and they offer cauliflower crust pizza. $7-23. (updated Nov 2023)

6 Brewing Green, 322 N Grove St (it's hidden in the back of what looks like an empty warehouse with no sign). Tu-Th 5-10PM, F 4:30-10PM, Sa 1-10PM, Su 1-8PM. A small venue to meet a few friends and drink some delicious brews made on site. As a nanobrewery they create some of their own drinks. (updated Nov 2023)

7 Brathaus. Known for its "Legal Joint" - a sweet cocktail with orange juice and some kind of alcohol. (updated Nov 2023)

8 Campus Quarters, 107 State St, ☏ +1 419-353-8735. The southernmost local sports bar, next to campus near the Greek Village. Known for their shot club. (updated May 2019)

9 Cla-Zel Theater (Clazel), 127 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-353-5000. A former art-deco movie theater turned nightlife hub. While it's mostly a private venue for parties and weddings, it also hosts public events with bands and live entertainment. (updated Sep 2022)

10 Howard's Club H (Howard's), 210 N Main St, ☏ +1 419-352-3195, contact@howardsbg.com. One of Bowling Green's oldest bars, and a bit of a dive. It's most notable for its strong focus on bringing in bands and live entertainment. Since it opened in 1928, it survived prohibition as a speakeasy and it's since hosted a variety of music acts, including John Scofield, The Ramones, 21 pilots, and Fall Out Boy. (updated May 2019)

11 Nate & Wally's Fishbowl, 149 E Wooster. Known for their Fishbowls filled with alcohol. (updated May 2019)

12 Ziggy's, E Wooster St. Known for their "ShotSkis" which is a ski lined with shots that is communally drunk at once. (updated May 2019)

1 Best Motel. The only motel on the south side of Bowling Green. Offers TV. (updated Mar 2019)

2 Best Western Falcon Plaza, 1450 E Wooster St (across Wooster Street from campus), ☏ +1 419-352-4671. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Offers Wi-Fi, a hot tub, exercise machines, a business center, exercise equipment, and an included breakfast. Has several handicap accessible rooms.. ~$100. (updated May 2019)

3 Holiday Inn Express, 2150 E Wooster St (go east from the I-75 exit), ☏ +1 419-353-5500, hiexpressbgsu@yahoo.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a business center, and included breakfast buffet and coffee. ~$110. (updated Mar 2019)

4 Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1544 E Wooster St, ☏ +1 419-352-0033. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Offers Wi-Fi, a pool, a fitness center, and free breakfast. Has accessible rooms for disabled guests. ~$120. (updated May 2019)

5 Hampton Inn, 142 Campbell Hill Rd, ☏ +1 419-353-3464. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A nice hotel that offers free Wi-Fi, a pool, a fitness center, a business center, and free breakfast. ~$150. (updated May 2019)

6 Hilton Home2, 1630 E Wooster St (Near the I75 offramp at BGSU.), ☏ +1-419-969-3500. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Includes Wi-Fi, breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, and business center. ~$140. (updated Feb 2021)

Drivers on Wooster Street should drive with caution. Many drive aggressively and jaywalking is common. Trucks often turn onto main street at a tight, low visibility, and busy intersection. Don't be afraid to slow down and yield, even if you are in the right. There are some unusual on demand crosswalks on Wooster. Slow down and drive with caution when the light blinks yellow, and fully stop when the lights blink red.

Watch where you walk - Campus operations sometimes leaves manholes open to access the vast tunnel network under the campus, mind the signs and don't fall in.

Bowling Green has a lot of nightlife, but please don't drink and drive. There is a free bus service from Thursday to Saturday from the downtown area to BGSU, which is close to many hotels. If the bus is not available, consider a designated driver, or use one of Bowling Green's taxis that can take you to your hotel safely.

Be on guard for ticks in natural areas if you leave designated paths. Make sure to check for ticks when you return.

Bowling Green experiences all manner of severe weather. The most common storms are thunderstorms with possible hail, but tornadoes during the summer pose the biggest threat. After a heavy rain, some areas will suffer from flash flooding. Bowling Green can also experience cold weather and rarely blizzards during the winter. Very rarely Bowling Green can experience minor earthquakes as it is directly next to a fault line. These earthquakes are usually low magnitude and rarely cause even minor damage, but may startle animals.

Depending on where you are in Bowling Green, you may be served by one of two police departments.

8 BGSU Police Department (BGSU Police), College Park Office Building, ☏ +1 419-372-2346. 24/7. Responsible for the BGSU Campus. BGSU Police cars are white and orange. This is a full police force, and not the same as the regular campus security. (updated Mar 2019)

9 Bowling Green Police Division (BG police), 175 W Wooster St, ☏ +1 419-352-2571. 24/7. Responsible for the city outside of the university. City police cars are white and blue. (updated Mar 2019)

Campus Escort Service, ☏ +1 419-372-8360. 8PM-4AM. They will escort you to any location on campus if you are in a non-emergency situation and would like an escort to feel safer. Free. (updated Jan 2019)

The local area codes are 419 and 567, with 419 usually belonging to older organizations. BGSU maintains an online directory for phone numbers on campus. The area code must be dialed on all calls.

Most major wireless carriers have a retail presence and 4G coverage in Bowling Green, and there are a few independent electronics shops that may repair phone hardware or offer SIM cards.

The ZIP code for general city addresses is 43402, and the ZIP code for university addresses is 43403.

16 BGSU Print Copy Mail (Stampers), 441 Woodland Circle (take the Green East Shuttle to Woodland Circle), ☏ +1 419-372-9633, BGSUprint@bgsu.edu. M-F 8AM-4PM. Offers mail, copy, and printing services. (updated Mar 2019)

17 Bowling Green Post Office, 111 W Washington St, ☏ +1 419-352-7545. 24/7. Offers mail, retail, and some passport services. (updated Jul 2019)

18 BG Falcon Media (The BG News) (the Michael & Sara Kuhlin Center). The student-run media at BGSU. The student newspaper, the BG News prints a few times a week during the school year, and is available online. BG24 is the student-run TV station, and the studio is publicly visible from the Kuhlin Center hallway. Student media mostly focuses on local events and sports. Free. (updated May 2019)

BG Independent News (BG Independent Media). An online-only newspaper that focuses on local events, local politics and university internal politics. Free. (updated Aug 2022)

19 Sentinel-Tribune, 1616 E Wooster Suite 15 (Greenwood Center), ☏ +1 419-352-4611. The primary newspaper for the city of Bowling Green outside the BGSU campus. (updated May 2019)

20 WBGU-FM (88.1MHz) (the Michael & Sara Kuhlin Center). The BGSU student run radio station with programming focusing on Indie music, jazz, news, and other student programming. Broadcasts on 88.1MHz. The radio studio is visible in the entryway to the Kuhlin Center. (updated Mar 2019)

21 WBGU-TV (Channel 27), 245 Troup Ave (Tucker Center for Telecommunications), ☏ +1 419-372-2700, wbgufeedback@bgsu.edu. The university-owned television station and PBS affiliate. Broadcasts on channel 27 with studios out of the Tucker Center for Telecommunications, which is sometimes open to guests. Local programming of interest to travelers includes Scenic Stops, which covers tourist attractions in Northwest Ohio, and Live at Howards which covers bands performing at a local dive. Signal is reachable in most of Northwest Ohio, from the state borders with Indiana and Michigan to just short of Marion Ohio. Free. (updated Mar 2019)

22 Community Center, 1245 W Newton Rd, ☏ +1 419-354-6223. M-Th 5:30AM-8PM, F 5:30AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 10AM-5PM, holiday hours are limited. Offers a fitness studio and a gym with cardio equipment. Operated by the City of Bowling Green. $10 for a non-resident day pass. (updated Mar 2019)

23 Student Recreation Center (SRC), 1411 Ridge Rd, ☏ +1 419-372-2000, recwell@bgsu.edu. During the semester: M-Th 5:30AM-midnight, F 5:30AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-9PM, Su noon-10PM, Hours very during breaks. The main university gym. Open to the public for a fee. Has an Olympic sized swimming pool, a recreation pool with a large hot tub, volleyball courts, basketball courts, treadmills, weights, a Rock Climbing Wall and more. The recreation center also offers trainers and classes as well as changing rooms, and disease testing. A day pass is $10, A month pass is $60. (updated Mar 2019)

24 Kirk's Coin Laundry. 24/7. The building is run down, but the cost is accordingly low. Has some arcade machines, recycling, and a public bookshelf. (updated Jun 2020)

25 Lmaries, 111 Railroad St, ☏ +1 419-353-WASH (9274), Info@LMARIES.com. 24/7. A no-coin laundromat that has some larger machines for things like bedding and horse blankets. The facility is very clean, but new customers will need to acquire a smart card from the kiosk in the back before they can use the machines, which do not accept coins. Has an ATM, detergent and softener vending machines, TV, a pool table, air hockey, and slow but free Wi-Fi. (updated May 2019)

26 The Wash House Laundromat. A downtown laundromat of average quality. Has some arcade machines and is across the street from the library. (updated May 2019)

27 First Presbyterian Church, 126 S Church St, ☏ +1 419-352-5176, bgpresb@wcnet.org. (updated May 2019)

28 Hillel. Friday nights. A Jewish student organization that hosts Shabbat services and arranges trips to Toledo synagogues. Has a small off campus apartment for meetings. (updated Mar 2019)

29 Indian Student Association (ISA) (Student Organization Suite, Bowen Thompson Student Union). While they aren't specifically a Hindu organization, they often arrange for celebrations of important holidays such as Diwali. (updated Jul 2019)

30 Muslim Prayer Room (Muslim's Student Association) (3rd floor of the Math and Science building). A dedicated location on the university campus where Muslims may pray. Take shoes off before entering. Provides prayer matts. (updated Aug 2022)

31 St Aloysius, 150 S Enterprise St, ☏ +1 419-352-4195, parishoffice@stalbg.org. A Catholic church is a historic brick building. Free. (updated Mar 2020)

32 St John's Episcopal Church, 1505 E Wooster St, ☏ +1 419-353-0881. Su 10AM. A modern church close to campus. (updated May 2019)

33 St Mark's Lutheran Church, 315 S College Dr, ☏ +1 419-353-9305. (updated May 2020)

34 Trinity United Methodist Church, 200 N Summit St (across the street from the courthouse entrance), ☏ +1 419-353-9031. Su 8:30AM & 10:30AM. A church housed in a Victorian era domed building. Free. (updated Aug 2022)

BGSU is a non-smoking campus. Vaping and chewing tobacco are allowed outside, but smoking is only allowed in certain parking lots. The university may charge smokers with trespassing, even if they are not students.

It is rude to split up a group while walking around the University Seal, or to walk around it to the left. However, walking to the right of the seal is seen as a good luck charm. Standing on the seal (watch your balance!) at midnight for a kiss is a sign of future romance, and also a sign that you won't graduate.

Bowling Green is in the center of Wood County, and all of these are not more than a half hour away by car.

Perrysburg: An affluent suburb of Toledo on the north end of Wood County. Home to the Levis Commons shopping complex and the historical Fort Meigs. An easy 13 mi (21 km) drive north of Bowling Green on I-75 or Dixie Highway.

30 Apple Butter Festival of Grand Rapids. Located in the riverside city of Grand Rapids, the Apple Butter Festival is a celebration of all things apple. (updated Nov 2018)

Pemberville Opera House. Historic guilded age opera house in Pemberville, Ohio. (updated Nov 2018)

31 Luckey Fall Festival (Adams St between Krotzer Ave Gilbert Rd intersections). (updated May 2019)

14 Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum (TLEW), 17475 Saylor Ln, Grand Rapids, ☏ +1 419-878-2177. June-October: the first and 3rd Saturday of the month noon-4PM. The museum is re-opening soon after renovations but they offer motorcar train rides that overlook that Maumee River Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 5 pm which can be found here. Check website for availability. Free (donations appreciated), train rides: $6/adults, $4/kids 3-12. (updated Oct 2025)

32 Carter Historic Farm & Zimmerman Schoolhouse, 18331 Carter Rd. (updated Jul 2019)

33 Rudolph Savanna, 10330 Rudolph Rd, Rudolph. (updated Oct 2022)

34 Cricket Frog Cove Area, 14810 Freyman Rd Cygnet. Offers hunting and fishing. (updated Jul 2019)

35 Bradner Preserve, 11491 Fostoria Rd, Bradner. The largest county park in Wood County. (updated Jul 2019)

36 Beaver Creek Preserve, 23028 Long Judson Rd Grand Rapids. A preserve with meadows and brush. Offers stargazing sessions. (updated Nov 2018)

37 William Henry Harrison Park, 644 Bierley Ave Pemberville. A nice park along the Portage River in Pemberville. (updated Jul 2019)

38 Thurston State Park (Mary Jane Thurston State Park), 1466 SR 65, ☏ +1 419-832-7662. Offers hiking, hunting, fishing, and boating along the Maumee River. (updated May 2019)

Toledo: The nearest major city to Bowling Green. An easy 25 mi (40 km) drive north of Bowling Green on I-75.

Van Buren: A quaint village with a large state park.

Findlay: An industrial city with an abundance of Victorian architecture, specialty shops, and restaurants. An easy 30 mi (48 km) drive south of Bowling Green on I-75.

Sandusky: A city with lakefront resorts and the Cedar Point amusement park. A 55 mi (89 km) drive east of Bowling Green.

Huron: Home to the BGSU Firelands campus and the Huron Playhouse. Around 60 mi (97 km) drive east of Bowling Green.

Fostoria

Ann Arbor: A larger college town which is home to the University of Michigan. About 70 mi (110 km) drive north.

Lake Erie Islands: These islands are more remote vacation hotspots. Drive to Lake Erie and take a ferry or private boat.