Clarksville Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Clarksville, Indiana? Check out this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Clarksville

Clarksville is a charming town located in Southern Indiana, in the Midwest region of the United States. The town is known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Clarksville has something to offer everyone! In this guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, activities, where to stay, and more to help you plan an unforgettable trip!

List of Places to Visit in Clarksville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Falls of the Ohio State Park: This park is a must-visit for anyone interested in natural history. Located on the banks of the Ohio River, the park offers stunning views of the river and its surroundings. The park also features the largest naturally exposed fossil bed in the United States, where visitors can see fossils dating back to the Devonian period.
  • Howard Steamboat Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of steamboats, which played a crucial role in the development of Clarksville. Visitors can see a collection of steamboat models, historical documents, and artifacts related to steamboats.
  • George Rogers Clark National Historical Park: This park is dedicated to the life and legacy of George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero who is known for his role in capturing the British-held forts in the Ohio Valley. The park features a museum, an interpretive center, and a statue of Clark.

Natural Attractions of Clarksville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ohio River Greenway: This trail runs alongside the Ohio River and offers stunning views of the river and its surroundings. The trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and running.
  • Deam Lake State Recreation Area: This park features a lake, a beach, and hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can swim, fish, hike, or simply relax on the beach.
  • Joe Huber’s Family Farm and Restaurant: This farm offers a variety of outdoor activities including apple picking, pumpkin picking, and wagon rides. The farm also has a restaurant that serves delicious food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Clarksville

  • Ohio River Greenway: This trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and running. The trail runs along the Ohio River and offers stunning views of the river and its surroundings.
  • Falls of the Ohio Trail: This trail runs through the Falls of the Ohio State Park and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s beautiful natural scenery and its fossil beds.
  • Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail: This trail follows the path of Lewis and Clark as they explored the western part of the United States. The trail passes through Clarksville and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the town’s history and culture.

Best Things to Do in Clarksville: Activities and Tours

  • Clarksville Strike and Spare Family Fun Center: This center offers bowling, laser tag, and an arcade, making it a perfect destination for families with kids.
  • Schimpff’s Confectionery: This candy store has been in business for over 120 years and is known for its handmade candy, especially its hard candy.
  • Derby Dinner Playhouse: This theater offers a variety of shows throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy dinner and a show or just the show.

Week-Long Itinerary for Clarksville

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Falls of the Ohio State Park and the Howard Steamboat Museum
Day 2 Explore the Ohio River Greenway and Deam Lake State Recreation Area
Day 3 Visit the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and Joe Huber’s Family Farm and Restaurant
Day 4 Take a tour of Schimpff’s Confectionery and the Old Jeffersonville Historic District
Day 5 Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammed Ali Center in nearby Louisville, Kentucky
Day 6 Explore the Clarksville Strike and Spare Family Fun Center and enjoy a show at the Derby Dinner Playhouse
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the town’s beautiful scenery and local culture

Food and Drink Scene of Clarksville

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Biscuits and Apple Butter from Joe Huber’s Family Farm and Restaurant
  • Pimento Cheese Sandwich from The Red Yeti Restaurant
  • BBQ Pork from The Exchange Pub + Kitchen

Local Beverages

  • Bourbon, which is made in nearby Louisville, Kentucky
  • Indiana wines, which are known for their unique, distinctive flavor

Where to Stay in Clarksville: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Radisson Hotel Louisville North: This hotel is located just minutes away from Clarksville and offers comfortable rooms and great amenities.
  • Red Carpet Inn and Suites: This budget-friendly hotel is located in Clarksville and offers clean, comfortable rooms.
  • Wooded Glen Retreat and Conference Center: This guesthouse is located just a short drive away from Clarksville and offers a peaceful, tranquil setting surrounded by woods and nature.

What to Buy in Clarksville: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade candy from Schimpff’s Confectionery
  • Locally grown produce and honey from Joe Huber’s Family Farm and Restaurant
  • Souvenirs and gifts from the Falls of the Ohio State Park and the Howard Steamboat Museum.

Local Culture and Customs of Clarksville

Clarksville is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the town’s historical sites and museums to learn about its past, or attend one of the town’s many cultural events and festivals, such as the Rivers, Roots, and Renaissance Festival, which celebrates the town’s cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Clarksville

The best time to visit Clarksville is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the town’s outdoor attractions are at their best. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Clarksville

Do:

  • Visit the Falls of the Ohio State Park and explore the park’s beautiful natural scenery and its fossil beds.
  • Try the handcrafted candy at Schimpff’s Confectionery.
  • Attend one of the town’s many cultural events and festivals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the Ohio River Greenway and Deam Lake State Recreation Area.
  • Don’t forget to try the local bourbon and Indiana wines.

Safety and Health

Safety in Clarksville

Clarksville is a safe town, but visitors should take normal precautions to ensure their safety. Travelers should keep an eye on their belongings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Clarksville

Visitors to Clarksville should ensure that they are up-to-date on their routine vaccinations and should take normal precautions to avoid illness. Note that the tap water is safe to drink in Clarksville.

Getting to Clarksville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Clarksville

The Louisville International Airport is the closest airport to Clarksville, located just 8 miles away. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from the airport to reach their destination.

Bus Stations Near Clarksville

The Greyhound Bus Station is located in Louisville, just 4 miles away from Clarksville. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from the bus station to reach their destination.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Clarksville by car, taking Interstate 65 and exiting at the Veterans Parkway.

How to Get Around in Clarksville

Visitors can easily get around Clarksville by car or taxi. Additionally, the Louisville Trolley offers a unique way to see the sights of Clarksville and Louisville.

Where to Go Next from Clarksville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Louisville, Kentucky: Louisville is located just across the Ohio River from Clarksville and offers a variety of attractions and activities, including the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and the Muhammed Ali Center.
  • Mammoth Cave National Park: Located approximately 120 miles away from Clarksville, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Clarksville is a charming town located in Southern Indiana, offering something for everyone. From its rich history and beautiful natural scenery to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Clarksville is a must-visit destination. Use this guide to plan your trip and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful town!