Challenge courses consist of high and low elements that are used for the purpose of team building and promote an environment for "Experiential Education." These elements focus on providing an opportunity for a group to challenge themselves and employ their problem solving skills to complete a task. The elements used, and how they are used, vary by program needs.

High Ropes refers to the elements that are not on the ground-the high course, the vertical play pen and the Power Pole.

Low Ropes refers to the elements that are located on the ground.

To see examples of our course, please take a virtual tour.

 

 

The Challenge Course is only open when we have scheduled programs. If you are part of a group, please visit our reservations page to schedule a program: here. Beyond group experiences, the challenge course offers opportunities each semester for students and community members to experience it without being part of an organized group-please keep an eye on our social media for upcoming events.

The minimum number of people in a group to participate in a program at the WKU challenge course is 8. The maximum is dependent on program type and staff availability. By filling out a reservation request form, we can provide more information and insight about our ability to meet your group's needs.

At this time, our minimum age to participate is dependent on program type. Please contact us at challenge.course@wku.edu if you are interested in bringing out a youth group.

There are no physical requirements to participate in activities at the challenge course, however, we follow a universal weight restriction of 250lbs for our high ropes course.

1. Please review our programming options, policies, and fees here. We offer programming both on-site at the WKU Challenge Course and off-site either on campus or within the Bowling Green community.
2. Fill out our online reservation form here. The Reservation Request Form below is not a commitment to a program, rather a request for information and availability. Requests may be made at any time, however, programs must be confirmed no later than two weeks prior to the requested date (see step 4). 
3. Receive a confirmation email requesting a time to discuss your program. After this time, you will be sent a Group Leader Packet containing forms necessary for your group’s participation.
4. Confirm your program reservation by submitting the 30% non-refundable deposit. Programs must be confirmed no later than two weeks prior to the program date.
5. Complete and return the Group Leader Packet forms to WKU Challenge Course Staff at least two business days prior to the scheduled program.

On-Site Program Pricing 

All prices are PER PERSON

Group Type	2-Hour Day	4-Hour Day	6-Hour Day	8-Hour Day
WKU	$10	$20	$25	$30
Community/Non-Profit	$20	$30	$35	$40
Corporate/Commercial	$25	$35	$45	$55

 

Off-Site Program Pricing 

All prices are PER PERSON

Group Type	2-Hour Day	4-Hour Day
WKU	$5	$10
Community/Non-Profit	$10	$15
Corporate/Commercial	$15	$20

 

More information about pricing can be found here.

 

We recommend wearing clothing that is comfortable to move in and weather appropriate. Closed-toe shoes are required for participation in a program at the challenge course.

Please bring a refillable water bottle, any emergency medications you may need (EpiPens, inhalers, glucose tablets, etc). Things like sunscreen, hats, bug repellant and cameras are also encouraged.

Please leave all valuables, dangling jewelry, and anything else that you would not want to be dropped from height or otherwise damaged by outdoor activities at home.

Lastly; bring an open mind, your energy, and the best attitude you can have! 

 

There is a covered pavilion with benches located near the entrance to the challenge course. For restrooms, a Port-o-John is located on-site.

 

Challenge course programs run rain or shine, but cancellations may occur due to certain weather occurrences. Examples of weather conditions that could lead to the cancellation of a program include, but are not limited to: thunder and lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures. It is the responsibility of the Challenge Course staff to determine if the conditions are safe for a program. In the event of unsafe conditions, every effort will be made to reschedule the program. If a program cannot be rescheduled then the group will receive a full refund. A program that has run for 75% of its scheduled time prior to cancellation will be considered complete, and attempts will not be made to reschedule.

The challenge course is located on Bennett Lane in Bowling Green, adjacent to the agricultural complex and just down the road from the Bowling Green Fire Department Station 3, just beyond the Fish and Wildlife Resources office.

The challenge course does not have a formal address to search, however it can be found on Google Maps by searching "Western Kentucky University Challenge Course".

From WKU:
-Go South on Avenue of Champions from New Parking Structure/DSU
-Turn Left on US-68/80/Adams St and travel .5 miles to Nashville Rd/US-31W
-Turn Right on to US-31W, travel 3.0 miles; go under the William H. Natcher Parkway and look for the Bowling Green Fire Dept and Bennett Lane on your Left
-Turn Left on to Bennett Lane, travel .9 miles until you see the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife (KFW) office and woods on your left
-The WKU Challenge Course is on your left just after the KFW

From I-65 North or South:
-Merge onto Green River Pkwy N. /William H. Natcher Pkwy via Exit 20 toward Bowling Green/Owensboro 3.5 Miles
-Take the US-31W exit – Exit 4- toward Bowling Green
-Turn Left onto US-31W S/Nashville Rd .2 Miles to Bowling Green Fire Dept
-Turn Left on to Bennett Lane, travel .9 miles until you see the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife (KFW) office and woods on your left
-The WKU Challenge Course is on your left just after the KFW

From William H. Natcher Parkway:
-Take the US-31W exit – Exit 4- toward Bowling Green
-Turn Left onto US-31W S/Nashville Rd .2 Miles to Bowling Green Fire Dept
-Turn Left on to Bennett Lane, travel .9 miles until you see the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife (KFW) office and woods on your left
-The WKU Challenge Courser is on your left just after the KFW