Bowling Green: National Corvette Museum Entry Ticket & Skydome

Summary

Corvette legends, rare prototypes, and that wild Skydome story

You’ll wander past 70+ classic and modern Corvettes staged in retro settings at Bowling Green’s National Corvette Museum. Stand beneath the famous Skydome sinkhole, try sitting inside a real ‘Vette, and test your knowledge at interactive exhibits. With included admission and plenty of surprises along the way, it’s more emotional than you’d expect from “just” a car museum.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever seen a car get swallowed by the earth?" That’s how our guide kicked things off at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. I’d expected shiny cars and maybe a few old engines — not a full-on sinkhole saga. The place smells like polished metal and popcorn from the little café, and there’s this low hum of families and older guys swapping stories about their first ‘Vette. We started with a short film (honestly, I zoned out for a minute because someone behind us whispered about their uncle’s 1963 Sting Ray) but then you step into these rooms where Corvettes are staged in old-school barbershops or gas stations. It feels like stepping through decades — chrome everywhere, those wild colors from the ‘70s, even a prototype that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie.

I tried to sit inside one in the lobby — it’s lower than I thought, and my knees made this awkward popping noise getting out. A couple next to me laughed; turns out they’d driven down from Louisville just to see the racing champs up close. The real surprise was the “Corvette Cave In” exhibit. You stand under this massive dome where the ground actually caved in back in 2014 — there’s still a faint mineral smell if you lean over the railing. Seeing those battered cars they pulled up (one looked like it had been chewed on) was weirdly moving. Our guide, Mike, explained how people from all over sent letters after it happened — he showed us one taped to his clipboard, said he kept it for luck.

The museum isn’t just for car buffs either — kids were crawling all over this KidZone area with hands-on stuff (I almost joined them for the racing simulator but chickened out). There’s trivia kiosks too; I got stumped on which year they first made a convertible. After wandering through the store (so many hats), we grabbed lunch at the Stingray Grill — greasy fries, good burger, nothing fancy but hit the spot after all that walking. I still think about that moment under the Skydome though; kind of makes you respect what time can do to even the toughest machines.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore National Corvette Museum exhibits

• Watch short film on Corvette history
• Walk through exhibits with 70+ Corvettes
• See Corvette prototypes and racing champs
• Enjoy hands-on KidZone activities
• Visit Corvette Cave In sinkhole exhibit
• Try Corvette in the lobby
• Shop at the Corvette Store
• Have meal at the Corvette Cafe

Top questions

How many Corvettes are on display at the National Corvette Museum?

There are more than 70 Corvettes showcased throughout the museum.

Is admission to the National Corvette Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What is included with my entry ticket?

Your ticket includes access to all exhibits, including special galleries and interactive areas.

Where is the National Corvette Museum located?

The museum is in Bowling Green, Kentucky, about one mile from General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant.

Are there activities for kids at the museum?

Yes, there is a KidZone with hands-on activities suitable for children.

Can I sit inside a real Corvette during my visit?

Yes, guests can try sitting inside a Corvette located in the lobby area.

What are typical opening hours for the museum?

March–October: 9 am–4:30 pm; November–February: 10 am–4:30 pm (seasonal hours).

Is there food available onsite?

Yes, you can eat at Stingray Grill or grab snacks at their café.

What’s included

Your day includes an admission ticket giving you access to all main exhibits — from classic Corvettes staged in period settings to interactive kid-friendly zones and that unforgettable Skydome sinkhole display. There’s also an onsite café serving breakfast and lunch if you get hungry during your visit.