Southwestern Indiana Travel Guide
Explore the best of Southwestern Indiana with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top tourist attractions, hiking and biking routes, cultural sites, food, and more!
- Introduction to Southwestern Indiana
- List of Places to Visit in Southwestern Indiana
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Southwestern Indiana
- Best Things to Do in Southwestern Indiana: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Southwestern Indiana
- Food and Drink Scene of Southwestern Indiana
- Where to Stay in Southwestern Indiana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Southwestern Indiana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Southwestern Indiana
- Best Time to Visit Southwestern Indiana
- Do’s and Don’ts of Southwestern Indiana
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Southwestern Indiana: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Southwestern Indiana
- Where to Go Next from Southwestern Indiana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Southwestern Indiana
Southwestern Indiana, located in the Midwest region of the United States, offers visitors an array of exciting experiences. Known for its historical landmarks and natural beauty, Southwestern Indiana is a great destination for travelers looking to explore a unique area of America.
List of Places to Visit in Southwestern Indiana
Here’s a list of must-see attractions in Southwestern Indiana:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science
- Angel Mounds State Historic Site
- The Indiana Military Museum
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
- Vincennes Historic District
Natural Attractions of Southwestern Indiana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Hoosier National Forest
- Indiana Caverns
- Ferdinand State Forest
- Blue River
- Garvin Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Southwestern Indiana
For outdoor enthusiasts, Southwestern Indiana offers a range of hiking/biking trails suitable for all skill levels. Here are some popular routes:
- Lincoln State Park Trails
- Two Lakes Loop Trail
- Sycamore Loop Trail
- Little Canyon Loop Trail
- Harmonie State Park Trails
Best Things to Do in Southwestern Indiana: Activities and Tours
Whether you’re traveling solo or with family and friends, Southwestern Indiana offers a variety of experiences to choose from. Check out our top picks of things to do:
- Experience the world-famous Santa Claus Land of Lights
- Explore the Lark Ranch
- Tour the Red Skelton Museum
- Catch a show at Lincoln Amphitheatre
- Visit Casino Aztar and try your luck
Week-Long Itinerary for Southwestern Indiana
Day 1: Explore Angel Mounds State Historic Site and Garvin Park, and take a scenic drive through the Hoosier National Forest.
Day 2: Visit the Indiana Military Museum, followed by a hike on one of the trails at Ferdinand State Forest.
Day 3: Explore the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science and take a walk around Vincennes Historic District.
Day 4: Visit Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, followed by a bike ride on the Sycamore Loop Trail.
Day 5: Take a tour of the Red Skelton Museum, followed by a visit to the Indiana Caverns.
Day 6: Visit the Santa Claus Land of Lights and catch a show at Lincoln Amphitheatre.
Day 7: End your trip with some gambling fun at Casino Aztar before departing from Southwestern Indiana.
Food and Drink Scene of Southwestern Indiana
Southwestern Indiana is famous for its comfort food, beer, and wine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Fried chicken
- Breaded pork tenderloin sandwich
- Fried biscuits and apple butter
- Brain sandwich
- Hoosier sugar cream pie
Local Beverages
- Sun King Brewery Beer
- Oliver Winery Wine
- Holiday World’s Thunderbird Cocktail
Where to Stay in Southwestern Indiana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Southwestern Indiana offers a variety of accommodation options to fit your budget and needs. Here are some of the recommended places to stay:
- Hilton DoubleTree Evansville
- Comfort Inn & Suites Ferdinand
- West Baden Springs Hotel
- Jasper Inn & Suites
- The Red Door Inn
What to Buy in Southwestern Indiana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
For those looking for a unique souvenir or gift, Southwestern Indiana has plenty to offer. Here are some recommended items to bring back home:
- Corn cob pipes from Washington, Indiana
- Handcrafted pottery at Bloom and Muse in Newburgh
- Indiana-themed ornaments at Santa Claus Christmas Store
- Locally made maple syrup from Mullins Indiana
- Hiking gear and souvenirs from Hoosier National Forest Gift Shop
Local Culture and Customs of Southwestern Indiana
Southwestern Indiana has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to explore and learn about its history. Residents are generally friendly and hospitable, so be sure to engage in conversation and ask for recommendations.
Best Time to Visit Southwestern Indiana
The best time to visit Southwestern Indiana is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is beautiful. Summer is also an excellent time to visit for outdoor activities, while winter can be colder with occasional snow.
Do’s and Don’ts of Southwestern Indiana
Do:
- Try the fried chicken and sugar cream pie
- Visit historical landmarks and museums
- Take a scenic drive through the Hoosier National Forest
- Engage in conversation with locals.
Don’t:
- Overlook the quirky attractions such as Santa Claus Land of Lights and Holiday World
- Forget to pack appropriate hiking gear
- Disrespect the local culture and beliefs.
Safety and Health
Safety in Southwestern Indiana
Southwestern Indiana is generally a safe place to visit, although visitors should take standard precautions such as keeping valuables secured, staying in well-lit areas and avoiding shady neighborhoods.
Health in Southwestern Indiana
For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Southwestern Indiana has several medical centers, including St. Vincent Evansville, Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center, and Deaconess Hospital.
Getting to Southwestern Indiana: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Southwestern Indiana
The closest international airports to Southwestern Indiana are Louisville International Airport and Indianapolis International Airport. Evansville Regional Airport is the closest regional airport.
Bus Stations Near Southwestern Indiana
Greyhound and Miller Transportation provide bus services that serve Southwestern Indiana.
Other Options
Southwestern Indiana is easily accessible by car, and visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi service. Amtrak and regional rail services are also available.
How to Get Around in Southwestern Indiana
Southwestern Indiana, like the rest of Indiana, is a car-friendly destination, and renting a car is an ideal option to get around. Visitors can also use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, or take buses and trains.
Where to Go Next from Southwestern Indiana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Take some time to explore nearby destinations such as Louisville, Kentucky, and Bloomington, Indiana. Delve into the cultural and historical landmarks of these regions or discover the beautiful scenery on hiking/biking adventures.
Conclusion
Southwestern Indiana is an exciting region to explore in the Midwest of the United States, with historical landmarks, natural beauty, and unique attractions. We hope that this comprehensive guide has encouraged you to experience all that Southwestern Indiana has to offer and make unforgettable memories. Safe travels!