It might seem like there is not a whole lot to do in Evansville, but nothing is further from the truth. Located on the banks of the Ohio River, this bustling Midwest town is not only a business hub and also a top tourist destination for the region. The city has numerous attractions spanning history, nature and cultural heritage which although not always well-known, guarantee a fun outing. Themed museums, zoos and nature preserves and a thriving music/theatre scene are just some of the many cool attractions that Evansville offers. Whether it’s a date night or a family outing, we cover an exciting selection of activities for families, adventure freaks and for culture enthusiasts! Get to know the top options with our list of fun things to do in Evansville, Indiana.
1. Browse through the artifacts at Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Explore Indiana’s ancient history with a visit to this historic site which features earthworks made by early Native American tribes named Mississippians. Between 1000 and 1450 AD, the site was a major center for the tribe but it died out before European settlers got there. Get to know more about this centuries-old civilization that once thrived here, by exploring the interactive Visitor Centre. You’ll find several exhibits that capture what we know so far, as well as displays of key artifacts that were found here. Follow that up with a hike through the 11 clusters of mounds following a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) trail to experience the marvel yourself.
Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Address: 8215 Pollack Ave., Evansville
Website: Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD
2. Travel back in time at Evansville African American Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We are pleased to share that the museum will be re-opening this Tuesday, September 8, 2020!!! We have definitely used...
Posted by Evansville African American Museum on Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Looking for an exciting thing to do in Evansville this weekend? Repurposing an erstwhile housing project for African Americans called Lincoln Gardens, Evansville African American Museum today showcases the life of the families that lived there between 1937 and 1997, and through them, the city’s African American history. A part of this iconic Indiana building retains the look of the time with authentic period pieces, while the remaining acts as a cultural center for exhibitions, performances and community programs. The center frequently celebrates noted African Americans of the city with displays and dedicated exhibits.
Evansville African American Museum
Address: 579 S. Garvin St., Evansville
Website: Evansville African American Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD
3. Unwind at Burdette Park
Don’t know what to do in Evansville? With over 170 acres (68 ha) of verdant hills, this Indiana park is a haven of natural beauty. It is also a recreational hub with a host of facilities that includes a large public swimming pool (with slides!). A popular destination in the city for those looking to get close to nature, it offers a 3-mile (4.8 km) paved path to walk, bike and run, and numerous trails to explore the woodlands. Fishing, BMX and even miniature golf are some of the other activities you can do here. This place definitely promises hours of fun. You can even spend a night amid nature by renting out one of the wooden chalets available inside!
Burdette Park
Address: 5301 Nurrenbern Rd, Evansville
Website: Burdette Park
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
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4. Visit the USS LST Ship Memorial
Preserving an important piece of military history, this historic site in Indiana hosts the decommissioned tank landing ship USS LST 325, which was the last one from the United States Navy to be operational during World War II. After undergoing extensive renovations, the ship was made functional in recent years and it is now the last operational LST(Landing Ship, Tank) in the country! You can explore the ship by taking one of the guided Main Deck tours given by volunteers who will tell you about the ship’s key features, its role in the war, and life on the ship. Be aware that there are several sets of cramped stairs to be navigated. Also, the ship sails to neighbouring cities in the months of August and September so check its schedule before planning a visit.
USS LST Ship Memorial
Address: 840 LST Drive, Evansville
Website: USS LST Ship Memorial
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: 10 USD
5. Visit the Mesker Park Zoo
Mesker Park Zoo is the perfect solution for a day of family fun in Evansville, Indiana. There are innumerable animals to marvel at, exotic plantlife to explore, a carousel to ride on and even a lake with boating! Yes, Mesker Park Zoo is where you have the chance to view animals from across the globe. This zoo on Mesker Park Drive hosts over 700 animals which include giraffes, tigers, anteaters and penguins. The zoo also has a Botanical Garden where you can take in the profusion of beautiful plant life from towering trees to flowering shrubs. But undoubtedly, the zoo’s highlight is the stunning Amazonia. This 20,000 sq.ft. (185 sq.mts) exhibit, showcases animals and plant life typically found in a tropical environment. Featuring a 45-foot (18 m) tall roof, the enclosure with its lush greenery feels like you’ve stepped into a jungle. Animals you can see here include tapirs, howler monkeys and even a jaguar. The Children’s Enchanted Forest promises kids safe hands-on play in natural settings and a seasonal petting enclosure. One thing to keep in mind is that this sprawling zoo entails a lot of walking and it has a hilly terrain, so wear comfortable shoes!
Mesker Park Zoo
Address: 1545 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville,
Website: Mesker Park Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 9.50 USD
6. Explore the fascinating Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
On the lookout for fun stuff to do in Evansville? Featuring over 30,000 permanent objects spanning art, history, anthropology and natural sciences, this museum guarantees an absorbing evening. The museum also regularly hosts travelling exhibitions from museums across the country, so there is always something new to experience. An unmissable feature of the museum is the Koch Immersive Theater that’s housed on site. This family entertainment center in Indiana is an astonishing 40-foot (12 m) diameter domed screen with 360-degree digital projection abilities. Attend one of its astronomy programs/exhibits for an exhilarating experience.
Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
Address: 11 S.E. Riverside Drive, Evansville
Website: Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm; Thu: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Museum: 12 USD; Koch Immersive Theater: 7 USD
7. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mike Libs & The Chocolate Factory
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
BRAND NEW CANDY TODAY! Just off the belt is Mike's BOURBON PECAN CREAMS! In both dark chocolate and milk chocolate! ...
Posted by Mike Libs and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, June 30, 2017
If you want to taste the best sweet treats in Indiana, then step into Mike Libs candy store and enjoy its popular range of handmade candies. Made fresh each day, these candies are scrumptious and are known to be the best in the region. Choose from mint wafers, cookies, chocolate fudge, cream-filled chocolates, peanut brittle, and of course, its signature offering, pecan flip-overs.
Mike Libs and the Chocolate Factory
Address: 864 S. Green River Rd., Evansville
Website: Mike Libs and the Chocolate Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5.30pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
8. Take your kids to visit the Children’s Museum of Evansville
This fun-filled interactive museum in Indiana dedicated to entertaining and educating children is a treasure trove of interesting exhibits, games, and activities. Located close to downtown and spread over 18,000 sq. ft. (1672 sq. m), kids can spend time in doing an incredible range of exciting stuff like performing a play, trying out a laser harp, learning about health and wellness or mechanics, learning to make plastic creations and climbing through a two-floor duck installation! It is a must-visit for children! Children’s Museum of Evansville holds regular programs and kids’ activities and classes, so look out for that too.
Children’s Museum of Evansville
Address: 2 S.E. Fifth Street, Evansville
Website: Children’s Museum of Evansville
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 8 USD
9. Learn the local history at Evansville Wartime Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Evansville Wartime Museum on Saturday, May 29, 2021
This military museum in Indiana is located on the grounds of Evansville Regional Airport and it showcases the city’s role as a wartime production centre during World War II. You can view several cool military artefacts including a P-47 fighter aircraft, a variety of land vehicles, different ammunition types, and memorabilia like medallions. The exhibits are informative and often, tour guides are volunteers who actually served in the war, making the experience even more special. A relatively new museum, its collection is constantly growing with new additions regularly.
Evansville Wartime Museum
Address: 7503 Petersburg Road, Evansville
Website: Evansville Wartime Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 5 USD
10. Admire the flora and fauna at Hartman Arboretum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Hartman Arboretum on Monday, June 8, 2020
Evansville, Indiana’s Hartman Arboretum is a large family-owned garden that’s visualised as a place for children to learn about plant life and get close to nature. The lush green space features a host of flora (500+ trees, shrubs, plants) native to the area, as well as an extensive selection from other regions, all imaginatively clustered into separate gardens. There’s a Hydrangea Garden, a Fall Color Grove where you can enjoy fall colours at their best, a Native Vine Arbor where you can admire ornamental vines and even a Blueberry Patch where you can pick the fruits in season. A must-see highlight, of course, is the Wildlife Garden, which contains a large range of plants that attract butterflies galore. Its most popular event is the Butterfly Day when the garden hosts special exhibits and tours!
Hartman Arboretum
Address: 5939 Spirit Tri, Evansville
Website: Hartman Arboretum
Opening hours: Thu: 8am - 12pm (closed all other days)
11. Catch a game of baseball at Bosse Field
As the third-oldest ballpark in the United States, the charm of attending a game at the 100-year-old Bosse Field is altogether special. Its sweeping stands, old-world architecture (brickwork all around and wooden seats) plus of course buzzing vibe during a game bring back memories of a bygone era, a memorable experience in Indiana that should not be missed.
Bosse Field
Address: 23 N Main St, Evansville
Website: Bosse Field
12. Visit The Marker - the place where Evansville began
Get your Instagram shot at the spot where the story of Evansville began! Yes, a public sculpture installed in Downtown Evansville marks the place by the river where the city has its origins. Made of reflective metal, this sculpture in Indiana is a four-foot(1.2 m) diameter sphere mounted on a ten-foot (3 m) post, mimicking the shape of an oversized map pin.
The Marker
Address: 2 Main Street, Evansville
13. Tour the historic Reitz Home Museum
Find out just how affluent families lived in the Victorian era with this authentically restored house museum. Built by a wealthy lumber businessman, John Augustus Reitz, in 1871, the house showcases a stunning collection of opulent furnishings of the era. Take the guided tour to appreciate the house’s features like gorgeous chandeliers, stained glass windows,hand-painted ceilings, intricate wood floor designs, Moorish doorway screens, and white onyx fireplaces. This Victorian house museum in Indiana has one of the country’s finest examples of French Second Empire style architecture, so there’s much to be admired!
Reitz Home Museum
Address: 112 Chestnut St, Evansville
Website: Reitz Home Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 2.30pm; Sun: 11am - 2.30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 7.50 USD
14. Unleash your adventure spirit by hiking in the Howell Wetlands
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Spread over 35 acres(14 ha), Howell Wetlands is one of Indiana’s five urban wetlands parks and offers a wonderful setting to enjoy nature right in the heart of Evansville. Make use of the 2 miles (3.2 km) of walking trails and boardwalks that go right up to the water to get to explore the woods and get a closer look at the aquatic life. The wetlands host a wonderful array of wildlife such as herons, beavers and wood ducks and you may well spot some of them during your exploration!
Howell Wetlands
Address: 1400 S. Tekoppel Rd., Evansville
Website: Howell Wetlands
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
15. Challenge yourself at the Tropicana Evansville Casino
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Newly updated with sleek, classy decor, Indiana’s first casino is the place to go for bright lights, music and a night of trying your luck. Spend an evening on its floors, fitted out with exciting gaming machines and tables where you can try your hand at games like penny slots, blackjack, roulette and poker. Not keen on gambling? You can always relax with live music and dine in one of the several restaurants on site. Its downtown location also puts you close to the city’s trendiest bars, and if you’re in the mood, for a calming walk by the Ohio River.
Tropicana Evansville Casino
Address: 421 NW Riverside Dr, Evansville
Website: Tropicana Evansville Casino
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Attend a concert at Evansville Auditorium & Convention Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Also known as The Old National Events Plaza, Evansville Auditorium & Convention Center in Indiana is a huge (280,000 sq.ft/2.6 ha) venue that hosts the best concerts coming into town. Along with concerts, theatre productions and performances also regularly feature. Keep an eye on their schedule to spot gigs of your interest.
Evansville Auditorium & Convention Center
Address: 715 Locust St, Evansville
17. Shop your heart out at Eastland Mall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Retail therapy, arguably, is one the most enjoyable indoor activities. You’ll never miss anything exciting to check out in Eastland Mall in Evansville, Indiana. Featuring over 120 stores, three major department stores including Macy’s and J.C Penny’s and a popular food court offering an interesting mix of cuisines, Eastland Mall is ideal when you want to indulge in some retail therapy or even just some window shopping! Its lively and welcoming atmosphere makes the mall a popular hangout spot for locals, so it gets quite crowded on weekends and holidays. Kids, in particular, enjoy the carousel and the play area!
Eastland Mall
Address: 800 N. Green River Road, Evansville
Website: Eastland Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
18. Offer prayers at St Paul's Lutheran Church
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Over 100 years old, this church in Indiana is a beautiful oasis of serenity, perfect to get in touch with your spiritual side. Built in the Gothic Revival style and featuring several stained glasses, this church is also a great stop for those interested in exploring Evansville’s historic buildings.
St Paul's Lutheran Church
Address: 100 E Michigan St, Evansville
Website: St Paul’s Lutheran Church
19. Experience some culture at the Victory Theater
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Here’s a throwback from our friends Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the Victory in 2018. Don’t miss their return visit August 3!
Posted by Victory Theatre on Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Restored recently, this theatre in downtown Evansville, Indiana will take you back to the 1920s with its luxurious furnishings and ornate decor. Originally opened in 1921, this 1,920-seater is the home of Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, and it also regularly hosts ballet performances, theatrical productions, concerts, and children’s programs, making it the natural place to head to for your dose of culture. The theatre’s marvellous acoustics and its intimate atmosphere will add charm to your experience.
Victory Theatre
Address: 600 Main St, Evansville, Indiana
Website: Victory Theatre
20. Satisfy your bookworm soul at Willard Library
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cozy up with one of our New Arrivals tonight. Looking for something else? Check out our eBook selection >> https://willard.lib.in.us/search/node #willardpubliclibrary #newarrivals
Posted by Willard Library of Evansville, Indiana on Monday, July 19, 2021
Housed inside a beautiful building built in Victorian Gothic style, this private library is a haven for those looking to do research or who just want to spend some time with books. Along with access to historical collections and online databases, this library in Indiana is also known for its facilities for genealogical research and its many community events. During your visit, be sure to admire its architecture from its pitched roofs with ornamental gables to its graceful window cases. Its grand staircase with wood-carved bannisters, particularly, is a majestic sight. To make things more exciting, the library is said to have a resident ghost called The Grey Lady! If that interests you, join the library’s free tour in October to get to know more about her.
Willard Library
Address: 21 First Avenue, Evansville, Indiana
Website: Willard Library
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9am - 8pm; Wed - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
21. Learn about environment conservation at the Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Spread over 240 acres (97 hectares, Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is a spectacular hardwood forest featuring trees like sugar maple, sweetgum, Shumard oak, and more. A National Natural Landmark, this preserve is the only virgin forest within city limits in the United States offering a fantastic opportunity to soak in natural beauty without leaving town. The forest has been visualised as a place for people to learn about the environment and to experience it. You can explore the woods with a hike through the trails or have a picnic with your family. You can also attend environmental exhibits/programs hosted by the Nature Centre. The unique PlayScape is a carefully designed play area featuring natural materials where children can safely get their hands (and themselves!) dirty, literally. The seasonal canoeing trips are yet another fun program offered at this nature center, wherein a local naturalist offers guided tours through nearby lakes and creeks.
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Address: 551 North Boeke Road, Evansville
Website: Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Nature Preserve: 5 USD; PlayScape: 3 USD (ages 3 – 12), 5 USD(ages 13 and upwards)
22. Gorge on seafood at Bonefish Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Join us this Sunday, 12/29 for $5 hand-crafted cocktails and $6 bar bites all day long, what's not to love? Tag a friend.
Posted by Bonefish Grill on Friday, December 27, 2019
If you are yearning for some quality seafood then Bonefish Grill is where you need to head. Part of a national chain, this restaurant in Evansville, Indiana with an upscale yet welcoming air serves an incredible range of dishes using the freshest of produce. In addition to seafood, Bonefish Grill also offers steaks and chicken dishes. Be sure to try out the appetizer Bang Bang shrimp which is one of its signature dishes. The restaurant is usually pretty crowded, especially during dinner, so try calling ahead for reservations or book online.
Bonefish Grill Evansville
Address: 6401 E Lloyd Expy, Evansville
Website: Bonefish Grill Evansville
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10.30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11.30pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
23. Enjoy the nightlife at Lamasco Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the city’s most popular watering holes, Lamasco Bar is the place for awesome food, live music and cool events. With a laidback vibe and friendly service, the bar is perfect for a relaxing evening. This iconic bar in Indiana keeps it happening by regularly hosting a plethora of exciting events including concerts, karaoke, trivia nights, comedy shows and open mic sessions. A highlight is Lamasco’s breakfast menu which is available all day - its Breakfast Burrito is a must-have. When the weather permits, chill out in its outdoor patio.
Lamasco Bar
Address: 331 W. Franklin Street, Evansville
Website: Lamasco Bar
Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)
A multitude of options
The city of Evansville has a rich cultural life that is showcased in its many museums, cultural centres, green spaces and historical buildings. Our list of things to do in Evansville, Indiana, gives you much to explore, but there’s always more to check out. You can also take your partner here on a date and try out some romantic things to do. Golfing, horseback riding, plus newer trends like brewery tours are going to be just some of the highlights of your Evansville trip.
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