Evansville Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and lodging options in Evansville. Plan your trip today with our in-depth travel guide.


Introduction to Evansville

Evansville is a beautiful city located in southwestern Indiana, serving as the county seat of Vanderburgh County. Its strategic location on the Ohio River makes it a crucial economic hub in the region, with a thriving arts and culture scene that draws visitors from all over the country. The city provides a rich tapestry of historical landmarks, natural attractions, and world-class museums. This guide will help you discover the best things to see and do in Evansville, from fascinating museums to scenic hiking trails.

List of Places to Visit in Evansville

  • Angel Mounds State Historic Site
  • Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
  • USS LST Ship Memorial
  • Reitz Home Museum
  • Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
  • Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
  • Ford Center
  • Tropicana Evansville Casino
  • Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage
  • John James Audubon State Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Angel Mounds State Historic Site

Angel Mounds State Historic Site is a must-visit for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. This important archaeological site features a museum and interpretive center that tell the story of the Native Americans who lived here 1,000 years ago. Visitors can explore the recreated Native American village and hike the trails that wind through the surrounding forest.

Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science

The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science is a fascinating attraction that explores the intersection of art, science, and history. The museum features a range of exhibits that showcase the best of regional and international art, as well as science and natural history. Visitors can also experience the Dome Theater and Planetarium.

USS LST Ship Memorial

The USS LST Ship Memorial is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the lives of World War II veterans. The ship is a restored LST, which stands for Landing Ship, Tank, and was used in the Normandy invasion. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about the history of the LSTs and the role they played in the war effort.

Reitz Home Museum

The Reitz Home Museum is a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion that provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a wealthy family during that era. Visitors can explore the elegant furnishings, artwork, and family memorabilia that decorate the interior of the home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Natural Attractions of Evansville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

The Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is a lovely place to spend a day in Evansville. The zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, and primates. Visitors can also explore the stunning Botanic Garden, which features an extensive collection of plants and flowers from around the world.

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is a beautiful wooded area with several hiking trails that wind through the forest. The preserve is home to a diverse ecosystem of plants and wildlife, including wildflowers, birds, and deer.

Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage

The Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage is an urban trail that runs through the heart of downtown Evansville. The trail offers stunning views of the Ohio River and the city skyline and connects several parks and green spaces along the way.

John James Audubon State Park

The John James Audubon State Park is a beautiful natural area that encompasses over 700 acres of woodlands, fields, and wetlands. Visitors can hike the trails, go birdwatching, or fish in the lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Evansville

Evansville has several hiking and biking trails that are perfect for outdoor lovers. The Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage is a popular urban trail that runs through the city, while Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve offers several scenic hiking trails through the forest. The Ohio River Greenway is another popular trail system that stretches for over 20 miles along the Ohio River.

Best Things to Do in Evansville: Activities and Tours

Evansville offers a range of activities and tours for visitors to explore the city and the surrounding area. Visitors can take a riverboat tour on the Ohio River, go kayaking or fishing, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the city’s many golf courses. The city also offers several art and culinary tours that showcase the best of the local culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Evansville

Day 1: Visit the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science and explore the exhibits on display.

Day 2: Tour the USS LST Ship Memorial and learn about the role LSTs played in World War II.

Day 3: Spend a day exploring the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden and go on a guided tour of the facilities.

Day 4: Hike the trails at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve and stop by the nearby Angel Mounds State Historic Site.

Day 5: Take a riverboat tour of the Ohio River and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline.

Day 6: Visit the Reitz Home Museum and explore the elegant furnishings and artwork.

Day 7: Spend a day outside on the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, biking or walking the trail and enjoying the views of the river.

Food and Drink Scene of Evansville

Must-Try Dishes

Evansville is famous for its delicious Southern-style cuisine. Some must-try dishes include fried chicken, cornbread, and pork chops. The city also offers several regional specialties such as the brain sandwich, which is a local delicacy made from fried cow brains. Visitors should also try the mesquite-grilled steaks and fresh seafood that Evansville is known for.

Local Beverages

Evansville has a thriving craft beer scene, with several local breweries that offer a range of IPAs, stouts, and other specialty beers. Visitors should also try the local wines and spirits, including the Angel Mounds wine from the Turtle Run Winery and the locally distilled spirits from the French Lick Distillery.

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

Evansville offers several options for accommodation, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville, the Marriott Evansville Downtown, and the Comfort Inn & Suites.

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

Visitors to Evansville should pick up some souvenirs and local products to bring home with them. Some popular items include locally made crafts such as pottery and jewelry, and regional food products such as barbecue sauce and jams.

Local Culture and Customs of Evansville

Evansville is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who take great pride in their community. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs and traditions, including the importance of Southern hospitality and manners.

Best Time to Visit Evansville

The best time to visit Evansville is in the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Visitors can also enjoy the numerous festivals and events that take place during these seasons, such as the Evansville Nut Club Fall Festival and the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Evansville

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Enjoy the outdoor attractions and natural beauty of the area

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas
  • Be disrespectful or rude to locals
  • Ignore safety warnings or directions

Safety and Health

Safety in Evansville

Evansville is a safe city for visitors, with low crime rates and a friendly community. Visitors should take standard precautions such as locking their cars and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Evansville

Evansville has several hospitals and medical facilities that offer quality care for visitors in need of medical attention.

Getting to Evansville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Evansville is easily accessible by car, plane, or bus. The Evansville Regional Airport serves the city, with flights from several major airports in the region. Visitors can also take a bus or drive to the city, with several major highways and interstates passing through the area.

Airports Near Evansville

  • Evansville Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Evansville

  • Greyhound Bus Lines

Other Options

  • Car rental agencies

How to Get Around in Evansville

Evansville has a reliable public transportation system that includes several bus routes that connect the city and surrounding areas. Visitors can also rent a car or use a ride-sharing service to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Evansville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Evansville’s location in southwestern Indiana provides easy access to a range of nearby attractions and destinations. Visitors can take a day trip to the nearby Hoosier National Forest or explore the historic town of New Harmony, which is just a short drive from Evansville.

Conclusion

Evansville is a wonderful destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Midwestern hospitality and natural beauty. The city offers a range of attractions and activities, from world-class museums and art galleries to scenic hiking trails and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Evansville.

Evansville Indiana - Greyhound Bus Station Evansville Indiana - Greyhound Bus Station