Is The Corvette Museum Worth Visiting?  Everything You Need to Know for a Great Visit

While I have traveled to Kentucky on a couple of occasions, when my family wanted to visit the National Corvette Museum I had some concerns.  After all, I’m really not into cars all that much.  This led me to wonder is the Corvette Museum worth visiting.

This post will answer that question as well as give you all the information you need to know for a successful and fun visit.

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Where is the Corvette Museum Located?

The National Corvette Museum is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Situated at 350 Corvette Drive, it is a prominent destination for car enthusiasts and fans of the iconic American sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette. The museum is easily accessible from major highways and is situated in close proximity to the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, where Corvettes are manufactured.

The Bowling Green location was chosen due to its historical significance as the birthplace of the Corvette, which has been produced in the area since 1981. The museum’s location has become a pilgrimage site for Corvette enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing the history, heritage, and evolution of the Corvette through its extensive collection of exhibits, displays, and interactive experiences.

Is the Corvette Museum Worth Visiting?

If you’re a car enthusiast or a fan of American sports cars, the National Corvette Museum is a must-visit destination!  This museum offers a thrilling experience for anyone who loves sleek, powerful machines on wheels. From the moment you step into the museum, you’ll be greeted with a dazzling array of Corvettes, showcasing their rich history and evolution over the years.

You can marvel at rare and iconic Corvette models, learn about their innovative design and engineering, and even get up close and personal with some of the most legendary Corvettes ever produced. The museum also offers interactive exhibits, allowing you to experience the thrill of driving a Corvette through simulators and virtual displays.

Additionally, if you’re a history buff, you’ll also appreciate the fascinating stories behind the Corvette’s origin and its impact on American automotive culture.

With friendly and knowledgeable staff, special events, and a gift shop filled with Corvette memorabilia, the National Corvette Museum is a must-visit destination for any car lover, offering an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the legendary Chevrolet Corvette.

Is the Corvette Museum Worth Visiting if You’re Not a Car Enthusiast?

Even if you’re not a hardcore car enthusiast, the National Corvette Museum is still a destination worth checking out!  The museum offers an exciting and unique experience for visitors of all interests. I was impressed with how enjoyable it was to visit, and I know practically nothing about cars.

The sleek and iconic Corvette sports cars on display are true works of art, showcasing the finest in American automotive design and engineering. However, you don’t need to know all the technical details to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these stunning vehicles.  You’ll still be able to appreciate the interactive exhibits that allow you to learn about the history and cultural significance of the Corvette, from its roots as a beloved American icon to its role in pop culture and beyond.

So, whether you’re a die-hard car fan or just looking for a unique and enjoyable experience, a visit to the Corvette Museum is sure to impress and leave you with lasting memories.

Corvette Museum Review

Although I am not a car enthusiast, my family members are, and they absolutely love Corvettes.  That means whenever we visit Bowling Green, a stop at the national corvette museum is a must.  At the time of this writing, I have visited the museum on two separate occasions.  In this section, I’ll provide an honest review of my experience.

For someone who admittedly has little to no knowledge about corvettes (seriously, I know they are pretty and fast, but that’s about it) it was really neat to learn about the history of the car and how it has changed over the years.  As I made my way through the displays, I could notice the physical changes that occurred in the design of the Corvette and read the reasons why on the display plaques.  It was cool to see the progression over the years.

One of my favorite areas was the exhibits on the history of Corvette Racing.  I got to see racing artifacts and how the program developed over time to become the force to be reckoned with that it is today.  Did you know that in the early days, the Corvette was actually banned in SCCA racing because it beat the Porsche so many times??  If you want to try your skills as a Corvette race car driver, there is even a simulator on site you can test out.

☑️ Get your Corvette Museum tickets now by clicking here.

11 Things to Do at the Corvette Museum

By now you may have realized that the corvette museum is worth visiting, but you may be wondering about what you can do during your visit.  Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!  Here are my top 10 things to do at the corvette museum.

1. Watch the Short Film

The short 13-minute film at the National Corvette Museum is a captivating audio-visual experience that takes visitors on an exhilarating journey through the rich history and legacy of the iconic American sports car, the Corvette. The film is screened in a specially designed theater, complete with state-of-the-art audio and visual technology that immerses viewers in the world of Corvettes.

The film begins with a dynamic opening sequence, featuring sweeping shots of sleek, powerful Corvettes in action, accompanied by a thrilling soundtrack that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. As the film unfolds, it delves into the fascinating story of the Corvette, from its inception in the 1950s to its evolution into a world-class sports car beloved by car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In addition to its technical prowess, the film also explores the cultural impact of the Corvette, featuring interviews with Corvette owners and enthusiasts who share their personal stories and passion for the car. The film captures the sense of community and camaraderie among Corvette enthusiasts, highlighting the bond that Corvette has created among its loyal fanbase.

2. Take a Self-Guided Tour

The self-guided tour allowed me to explore the museum at my own pace, which was really nice because I could spend as much time as I wanted to check out all the exhibits and displays. From classic models to modern ones, there was something for every Corvette lover to admire. The exhibits were well-designed and informative, providing interesting insights into the history, design, and engineering of the Corvette.

One of the highlights of the self-guided tour was the opportunity to see rare and unique Corvettes up close. The museum had a special section dedicated to concept cars, prototypes, and limited-edition models, which was really exciting to explore.

Overall, the museum staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and there were plenty of informative signs and displays throughout the museum that provided interesting facts and stories about the Corvette.

3. Admire Over 70 Corvettes

The collection at the Corvette Museum includes classic Corvettes from the 1950s, featuring iconic models such as the 1953 Corvette, known as the “Birth of a Legend,” which was the first production Corvette ever built. Visitors can also marvel at the sleek designs of the second-generation Corvettes from the 1960s, including the legendary Sting Ray and the powerful big-block Corvettes.

The museum also boasts an impressive lineup of Corvettes from the modern era, including the highly sought-after ZR1 and Z06 models, known for their exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology. Visitors can explore the evolution of the Corvette through different generations and witness the advancements in design, engineering, and performance over the years.

In addition to the production models, the Corvette Museum also houses several unique and rare Corvettes, including concept cars, prototypes, and special editions. These one-of-a-kind Corvettes showcase the innovation and creativity of Chevrolet’s design and engineering teams, pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.

4. Test Your Corvette Knowledge

One of the fun things about the museum is that it contains interactive exhibits. Some of which test your knowledge of Corvettes and their history. It’s an interesting activity that tries to stump even the best Corvette enthusiast.

5. Design Your Dream Corvette

Inevitably seeing various models of Corvettes will have you dreaming of owning your own someday. The museum houses an interactive design screen where you can custom-build your dream Corvette.

You’ll get to see all the options available along with colors and features so that you can create your dream car. It will even let you download your specs and information for the future. At the very end, it will also tell you what your ideal Corvette costs.

Whether you’re in the market for a Corvette or just want to dream and pretend, it’s a fun interactive tool that will get your imagination running with all the possibilities.

6. See the Seasonal Displays

While the Corvette Museum exhibits are always changing, there is one special section at the very end of the museum that has seasonal displays. These can vary widely in topic and theme.

The first time I visited the museum, it housed the Corvettes that were once given to American astronauts during the space exploration program. I got to see cars that once belonged to Alan Shepard, Al Worden, David Scott, and Betty Skelton. Along with the cars, there were plaques that described each astronaut’s contribution.

On my second visit, I got to see a tribute exhibit to Carl Casper, a world-renowned car designer, engineer, movie car builder, racer, and car show producer. This specific collection of some of his most famous works included the Batmobile that was featured in the Batman Returns movie. I can now say I saw the real Batmobile!

Make sure to check the Corvette Museum website for a list of future and upcoming exhibits.

7. Learn About the Impact of the Corvette Museum Sinkhole

The sinkhole at the National Corvette Museum is a remarkable natural phenomenon that captured the attention of car enthusiasts and the general public alike. On February 12, 2014, a massive sinkhole opened up in the floor of the museum’s Skydome exhibit area, swallowing eight Corvettes that were on display and causing significant damage to the facility.

The sinkhole, estimated to be about 40 feet wide and 60 feet deep, created a surreal scene as the cars disappeared into the earth. The Corvettes affected included some notable models, such as a 1962 Black Corvette, a 1993 ZR-1 Spyder, and a 2009 ZR1 “Blue Devil” prototype. The incident garnered widespread media attention and generated a sense of shock and disbelief among car enthusiasts and museum visitors.

As a result of this incident, the museum now has a permanent display of how sinkholes happen, what the recovery process looked like, and how it was repaired. They even kept a section and turned it into a manhole. Visitors can see the small remains by looking down a glass panel into the floor.

8. Drive a Corvette Simulator

The Corvette simulator is designed to provide a realistic and immersive driving experience. You can choose from various Corvette models, each with its own unique characteristics and performance capabilities.

Once seated in the driver’s seat, participants can grip the steering wheel, feel the rumble of the engine, and gaze at the high-quality graphics displayed on the simulator’s screens, creating a sense of being on a real race track.

As the simulator comes to life, you will navigate through different virtual tracks, including famous race circuits or scenic routes, experiencing the speed, acceleration, and handling of a Corvette firsthand. The simulator offers a dynamic and interactive experience, with responsive controls that allow drivers to steer, accelerate, and brake, simulating the sensation of driving a real Corvette.

Driving the Corvette simulator is not only fun and exciting, but it also offers a chance to learn about the performance capabilities of these legendary sports cars. It provides an educational opportunity to understand how factors such as speed, acceleration, and handling affect the overall driving experience.

9. Take a Corvette Factory Tour

Taking the Corvette factory tour is a captivating and educational experience that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the manufacturing process of these iconic sports cars. Located at the General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant, a short drive from the museum, the tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the meticulous craftsmanship and advanced technology that goes into building a Corvette.

Upon arrival, you are greeted by knowledgeable guides who lead them through the different stages of the production line. From the body shop where robots precisely weld the Corvette’s aluminum frame, to the paint shop, to the final assembly area where components are meticulously fitted together, every step of the manufacturing process is on display.

The sights, sounds, and smells of the factory floor create an immersive experience as visitors witness the intricate process of building a Corvette from start to finish. The tour provides insights into the cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, quality control measures, and attention to detail that goes into crafting these high-performance vehicles.

Throughout the tour, guides provide interesting facts and anecdotes about the history of the Corvette, the manufacturing process, and the innovations that make these cars unique.

10. Get Behind the Wheel of a Corvette at the Race Track

Located just a few short miles from the museum is the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park which houses an official museum race track. If you’ve always dreamt of driving or even racing a Corvette, this is your opportunity to check this item off your bucket list.

During this experience, you’ll have the option to either ride along with a professional driver or get behind the wheel yourself and have an instructor guide you through the track. As someone who has gotten to ride along in a Corvette on this track, I can tell you it’s a thrilling and memorable experience.

Just make sure to book your race experience far in advance as it will and does sell out. Prices start at $339 per person and do not include insurance which is mandatory and an additional $39 per car.

Along with the Corvette, you have the option of driving other popular sports cars such as the Hell Cat, Porsche, and Lamborgini. For the ultimate experience, you can book a session with all of the sports cars to compare how they perform.

To learn more and book your ultimate Corvette experience, click here.

11. Shop in the Corvette Museum Gift Store

The gift shop at the National Corvette Museum is a treasure trove for Corvette enthusiasts and automotive fans alike. Here, visitors can find an extensive selection of Corvette-related items that cater to a variety of interests and tastes.

The gift shop features an array of apparel, including t-shirts, caps, jackets, and accessories adorned with Corvette logos and designs, allowing fans to proudly display their love for the iconic sports car. Additionally, the shop offers a wide range of collectibles, such as model cars, die-cast replicas, and memorabilia, featuring different Corvette models and historical moments in Corvette history.

Automotive enthusiasts can find a selection of books, magazines, and DVDs that cover the history, design, and performance of the Corvette, providing in-depth insights and knowledge about this legendary car. The gift shop also offers unique and exclusive items, such as limited-edition merchandise, custom-made jewelry, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs that can’t be found anywhere else.

Whether visitors are looking for a gift for themselves or a fellow Corvette enthusiast, the gift shop at the National Corvette Museum is a must-visit destination for an extensive and diverse selection of Corvette-related merchandise.

Corvette Museum Hours

For most of the season, the corvette museum is open 7 days a week.  However, it is closed for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.  During the months of January and February, the museum is also closed on Tuesdays. Additionally, during the months of March – October, the museum opens at 9 am.

Monday-Friday	10 am – 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday	9 am – 5 pm

Corvette Museum Costs

For admission into the museum for a self-guided tour, the price of admission is $18 for adults (13-61), $16 for seniors (62+), $13 for youth (5-12), and free for kids 4 and under.

However, if you’d like to participate in a guided tour of the museum, there is an additional $5 charge per person. These tours are limited to 20 people. These tours are held at 11 am and 1 pm CT. There is also an additional $10 charge to try the Corvette simulator.

Additionally, there are discounts for active, veteran, and retired military (with proof of ID) and for groups of 15 or more people. Members of the Corvette Museum get free entry.

Corvette Plant Tours

On my most recent visit to the Corvette museum, I also did a tour of the Corvette plant or factory.  It was quite impressive to see everything that goes into making such an incredible car. 

Important Information About the Corvette Plant Tour

• Tickets need to be purchased in advance
  Since the tour is limited to 15 people, you will need to reserve your spot(s) in advance on the Corvette Museum website (more information is below).
  
• Tours are available Monday – Friday only
  The Corvette plant is closed on weekends so tours are only available during weekdays. Times may vary so check out the booking site for details. Additionally, you should plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
  
• The tour is 90 minutes long and involves a lot of walking
  Walkways are flat and made of concrete, and there is only one area where chairs are available to sit on this 90-minute tour. Additionally, you will be required to stay within the marked pathway (between two yellow lines) for your safety.
  
• There are no bathrooms available during the tour
  Please make sure to use the available restrooms in the waiting room before your tour. There are no bathroom stops or breaks available once the tour starts.
  
• Audio devices are given so you can hear your guide
  To ensure that everyone is able to hear the guide, complimentary headsets are given. These are earbud-style and it is uncertain whether or not they are compatible with hearing aids.
  
• The tour is wheelchair accessible
  While the Corvette plant tour is fully wheelchair accessible, unfortunately walking aids (canes, crutches, walkers) are not allowed. If you have limited mobility and require assistance, they have free manual wheelchairs available for you to use for the tour.
  
• Must be 13 years or older to participate
  While the tour can accommodate most people, it is required that participants be at least 13 years of age.
  
• Safety goggles are required
  Everyone is required to wear clear plastic goggles during the tour without exception. These will comfortably fit over any glasses you wear for vision. This is a safety requirement and is strictly enforced.
  
• Closed-toe shoes are mandatory
  For your safety, you are required to wear closed-toe shoes on the tour. Sneakers are fine to wear but sandals or anything where your toes are exposed is not.
  
• No bags or cameras (electronics) are allowed on the tour
  With the exception of medical equipment, there are absolutely no bags or electronics (including cameras) allowed inside or outside of the plant (for example, you cannot take pictures of the exterior of the buildings).

How to Book a Corvette Plant Tour

Tickets must be purchased in advance on the Corvette Museum website. They are released in time-sensitive windows to allow everyone the opportunity to book a tour. In other words, during the month of April, you can reserve Corvette plant tour tickets up until the end of June.

Cost of the Corvette Plant Tour

Tickets for tours of the plant cost $50 per person and include admission to the National Corvette Museum. Discounts are available for museum members.

National Corvette Museum FAQs

* Is the National Corvette Museum Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, the National Corvette Museum and the Corvette Plant Tour are wheelchair accessible. The entrance to the museum is paved and flat and there is plenty of room throughout the exhibits to maneuver comfortably.

Similarly, the plant tour has a paved entrance with some inclines at the exterior of the building. Once inside, surfaces are flat and hard for easy rolling. In addition, Accessible bathrooms are available at both the plant tour and the museum.

* How Long Does it Take to Go Through the Corvette Museum?

Depending on your interests, you could easily spend 1-2 hours at the museum. If, however, you would like to add on additional experiences, like a factory tour, the Corvette simulator, and/or get behind the wheel of a Corvette on a race track, you could easily spend half a day to a full day doing these activities.

* Are There National Corvette Museum Tours?

There are currently two tours offered by the National Corvette Museum. There is the guided tour of the museum, which costs $5 per person, and the Corvette Plant Tour where you can see how Corvettes are built.

* Can I get Food at the Corvette Museum?

If you’re planning to spend the day at the museum and combine it with a factory tour, you’ll most likely get hungry during your visit. The museum offers the Stingray Grill to help satisfy your appetite. Here, you’ll find a selection of salads, sandwiches, and burgers as well as cocktails and specialty drinks.

Be warned, however, that this convenience will come with a price, and menu items are not cheap.

* Will Kids Enjoy the Corvette Museum?

Yes, kids can definitely enjoy visiting the Corvette Museum! While the museum may primarily appeal to automobile enthusiasts and Corvette fans, it offers various exhibits and activities that can be engaging and enjoyable for children as well.

The museum offers interactive displays and hands-on activities that allow kids to learn about the Corvette’s design, engineering, and performance in a fun and engaging way. For instance, driving simulators, where kids can “drive” a virtual Corvette, can be a thrilling experience for young car enthusiasts.

Additionally, exhibits that showcase the history and evolution of the Corvette through the years can provide educational insights into American automotive culture and innovation.

* When is the Best Time to Visit the Corvette Museum?

The best time to visit the Corvette Museum largely depends on personal preferences and interests. However, there are a few factors to consider when planning a visit.

Firstly, the weather in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where the museum is located, can be hot and humid during the summer months of June to August, which may not be ideal for some visitors. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) generally offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to explore the museum and its outdoor areas.

Another important consideration is the museum’s schedule of events and exhibits. The museum frequently hosts special events, exhibits, and programs that may be of interest to visitors. Checking the museum’s calendar in advance can help ensure that you plan your visit during a time when your preferred exhibits or events are taking place.

It’s also worth noting that weekdays, especially early in the week, tend to be less crowded compared to weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience with shorter lines and fewer crowds, visiting on a weekday may be a good option.

Finally, if you’re a Corvette enthusiast and want to witness the excitement of Corvette production at the adjacent GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant, weekdays, when the plant is operational, are the best times to visit. However, do check the assembly plant’s schedule in advance, as it may have specific operational days or times.

* Is it Worth Visiting the Corvette Museum if I’ve Already Been Before?

If you have already visited the Corvette Museum before, it may still be worth visiting again depending on your interests and preferences. The museum frequently updates its exhibits and events, so there may be new displays or programs that you haven’t experienced during your previous visit.

These may include guest speakers, special displays, or limited-time exhibits that offer fresh perspectives and insights into the Corvette and its cultural significance. Checking the museum’s calendar or website in advance can help you identify any new or upcoming exhibits or events that may be of interest to you.

* What About Parking at the Corvette Museum?

There is plenty of free parking available at the Corvette Museum including designated spots for RVs and campers. Additionally, the museum also offers electric charging stations for vehicles.

* What Else is there to Do in the Area?

During your visit to Bowling Green Kentucky, you may also want to explore the many caves in the area. Furthermore, national park fans will want to make sure to visit Mammoth Cave National Park for an incredible experience.

Final Thoughts on Whether the Corvette Museum is Worth Visiting

Whether you are a Corvette lover or just someone who wants to know more about this classic American sports car, the Corvette Museum is definitely worth visiting. You can spend as much or as little time as you want exploring the museum exhibits as well as learning about how the car is built and even driving this iconic car yourself.