Things to do IN Southwest Indiana

Outdoor fun and creativity in Daviess County make a visit both worthwhile and memorable. West Boggs Park is ideal for folks who love to hike, bike, walk, camp, and enjoy water sports on its 622-acre lake. If you’re all about fishing and hunting, head to Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area for a top-notch sport. Looking for a throwback experience? Gastof Amish Village will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a German town filled with shopping, crafts, artistry, and, of course, delicious food.

Dubois County is a present-day blast from the past! The Spirit of Jasper offers scenic train rides through the countryside with themed experiences like beer and pizza trips. Love German Food? Schnitzlebank German Restaurant not only has one of the best soup and salad bars, but its authentic German cuisine is hearty and delicious. On beautiful days, head to the Jasper Riverwalk for three miles of hiking and walking paths. If brews and sweets are up your alley, the Sisters of Saint Benedictine Monastery has its own brewery and made-from-scratch cookies that bring visitors from all over the county to get a taste.

Named for Revolutionary War veteran John Gibson, Gibson County is packed with historical attractions and unique experiences. Home to Indiana’s largest Barn Quilt Trail, seeing the 250 ornately painted quilt blocks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Featuring a restored train caboose, the Princeton Train Depot showcases a museum and 1875 architecture. Dubbed “The Loneliest Museum in America”, Henager’s Memories and Nostalgia may be small, but it packs a punch thanks to the Henager family’s memorabilia and woodworking history. Home to 380 species of wildlife, the Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area lets you take plenty of photos but leave nothing but footprints. 

Home to Indiana’s first city, Vincennes, Knox County is ideal for history buffs. For comedy lovers, make sure you pop into the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy for fun facts, interactive exhibits, and photos of the well-loved comedian. Love delving into military history? The Indiana Military Museum offers one of the best displays in the Midwest. Do you feel like moseying through a two-century-old home filled with impressive art pieces? Make sure to save some time for a visit to Art Space Vincennes Gallery. 

If great views and fun attractions are your ideas for a true travel experience, Martin County will not leave you empty-handed. If cave exploration suits you, head to Blue Springs Caverns, where you can hop into a boat for a water tour of nature’s underground beauty. Head to the Indiana Railway Museum, where you can experience gorgeous scenery by rail, for a tour of the area including parts of Hoosier National Forest. If luxurious accommodations make for a perfect vacation for you, both French Lick Springs and West Baden Springs Hotels will leave you feeling refreshed and pampered.

The first county in Indiana, Pike County, is filled with both outdoor experiences and opportunities to channel your creativity and fun. From late April to early May, Azalea Path Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is home to 60 acres and 6,000 blooming azalea bushes. For children and those young at heart, Press Play Gaming Loungs offers both classic arcade-style games and virtual reality fun. With its splash pad and plenty of space to play, Hornady Park was made for families.

With two centuries of innovative ideas compliments of its utopian movement, Posey County’s dedication to spirituality and its arts scene lives on through the present day. An emblem of growth, Mount Vernon’s gorgeous grounds and pretty views offer guests a respite from daily life. Outdoor lovers will shine at Hermonie State Park, which is filled with hiking, biking, birding, hunting, and fishing. For foodies, the variety of restaurants, from taverns and diners to top-notch cuisine and traditional European-style menus, will leave you satiated. 

If you adore American history, Spencer County is sure to make your travel shortlist! Voted the cleanest amusement park in America, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is not only loads of fun, but its holiday-themed areas showcase both historical rides and thrilling coasters. Paying homage to our 16th American President, the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial gives insight into what his life was like in the county as well as a peek at the actual land he lived on. If you adore celebrating Christmas year-round, the Santa Claus Museum & Village, Santa’s Candy Castle, and the Santa Claus Christmas will satisfy your need for nostalgia.

Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, Vanderburgh County is a hot spot for the tri-state area. Animal lovers will ooh and ahh over the wildlife at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden. Bringing the whole family? Make sure you make a pit stop at the Children’s Museum of Evansville and its three floors of educational exhibits. A wetland oasis, Eagle Slough showcases 160 species of birds and a hint of bald cypress swamps in their northernmost point in the U.S. Showcasing the successes and struggles of African American culture in the county, the Evansville African American Museum is a must-see.

No matter what time of year you visit, Warrick County has memorable experiences for all. At Angel Mounds State Historic Site, you’ll discover how The Missippians, a Native American tribe, thrived in the area. The Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife area is over 2,500 acres of recreational fun. Connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and retail establishments, Warrick County Trails offers safe paths for walking and biking for getting outside and enjoying the weather, no matter what time of year.