20 Best and Fun Things To Do In Evansville IN (Indiana)

Things To Do In Evansville IN, Evansville, Indiana is situated on the banks of the Ohio River and is the state’s third largest city. There is a wide variety of interesting historical and cultural landmarks to visit, making it a well-liked vacation spot.

This thriving metropolis, once voted “best city in which ‘to live, work, and play,'” is home to the headquarters of a number of major corporations and is the Midwestern hub for the healthcare and medical science industries.

There’s a wide variety of interesting places to visit, such as the Dream Car Museum, Penny Lane Coffee House, and Tin Man Brewing Company. Call ahead to confirm that the places you plan to visit (attractions or restaurants) are still open when you plan to visit.

20 Best Things To Do In Evansville IN Today

1. Evansville Museum of Arts

Everything from art to history to science can be found at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science. The museum has been open to the public in the area since 1874 when it first opened in its current location in the Downtown Historic District. 

It was relocated to its present site in the 1950s. Museum Highlights Tour is a good way to get acquainted with the museum as it takes you through the three main sections. In addition to the permanent collections, there are also traveling exhibits. 

The full-dome movie experience at the Koch Immersive Theater is another popular attraction. Evenings spent watching a movie as a family is unforgettable.

411 SE Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-425-2406

2. Evansville African American Museum

Evansville African American Museum, the museum’s location in downtown Evansville is historically significant in and of itself. As part of FDR’s New Deal, the second Federal Housing Project, Lincoln Gardens, was constructed in 1938. It is the only remaining structure from that undertaking and serves as a museum exhibit in and of itself. 

An entire exhibit at the museum depicts life in 1930s Evansville during the height of the New Deal era. The museum also hosts significant temporary and traveling exhibitions, such as “Emancipation and Its Legacies” and “American Mosaic: The History of Multiracial America.”

Museum goers can get a head start on their visit preparations by checking the website for information on current and upcoming exhibitions, film screenings, and other events.

579 South Garvin Street, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-423-5188

3. Hartman Arboretum

Founded by Grant and Jean Hartman, the Hartman Arboretum sits on their personal property. Design and planting for the arboretum began in 2001, with current upkeep provided by the Hartman family and a group of volunteer master gardeners. 

There are three distinct gardens for guests to enjoy: a flora and fauna garden, a hydrangea garden, and a quiet place to reflect. In addition to the blueberry patch, crabapple espalier, fall color grove, oak grove, and stumpery, there is also a pick-your-own blueberry patch. 

Butterfly Day, Moth Night, Spring at the Arboretum, Tree ID, and other events are held from spring to fall. Access to Hartman Arboretum is free and available constantly.

5939 Spirit Trail, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-963-5418

4. USS LST-325

The USS LST-325 is a fully operational Landing Ship, Tank (LST) from World War II, and a guided tour is a must for any military history buffs. We offer 60-minute guided tours of the ship for both individuals and larger groups. 

Visitors can explore the ship’s main deck, cabins, tank deck, mess deck and galley, stern, wheel house, and officers’ quarters, and peruse collections of artifacts, documents, and photographs that have been meticulously preserved. In the gift shop, guests will find something special to take home as a memento of their time aboard the USS LST-325.

610 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, IN 47708, Phone: 812-435-8678

5. Angel Mounds

Located 8 miles from Evansville in southwestern Indiana, Angel Mounds State Historic Site encompasses 100 acres along the Ohio River. It is a National Historic Landmark because it is the best-preserved example of a prehistoric Native American community in the United States.

Native Americans of the Middle Mississippian culture, who lived in the area from about 1000 to 1450 AD, constructed Angel Mounds. Archaeologists speculate that smaller mounds served cosmological and ceremonial functions, while the largest mound served as the village’s central gathering place. 

A replica of a prehistoric home has been built into a museum so that guests can get a feel for what life was like in that era. Trails for bicycling and hiking as well as special events throughout the year can be found there.

8215 Pollack Avenue, Downtown Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-853-3956

6. Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden

Near the city’s center, in the northwest, are 45 acres that house Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden. Over 700 animals call the zoo home, and thanks to its geographical organization, guests can spend a day exploring the fauna of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. 

Instead of a single botanical garden, the zoo features regionally themed gardens spread out over its grounds. There’s also the Rainforest Grill if you get hungry, and the Wild Rivers Trading Co. Gift Shop if you’d like to pick up a few trinkets as a memento. 

The Engelbrecht Carousel, the Paddleboats, and the Bumper Boats are all great options for families. Rentable wheelchairs and strollers are offered for those who need them.

1545 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-435-6143

7. Burdette Park

The Burdette Park recreation area is located just outside of Tropicana Evansville, Indiana, and spans a total of 170 acres. Visitors to this wooded parkland can enjoy a new adventure every time they set out on the paved trails that wind through the park. 

The park’s primary trailhead is located directly behind the Discovery Lodge, but a plethora of other, more remote paths beckon hikers and campers alike. An extensive wooded campground is available for tents, and there are also rental cabins with modern conveniences. 

Burdette Park Aquatic Center is a summertime hotspot, thanks to its resort-style family pool with slides and its separate children’s pool.

5301 Nurrenbern Road, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-435-5602

8. Children’s Museum of Evansville

You can find the Evansville Children’s Museum right in the heart of the city. The 18,000-square-foot art deco structure is home to an exciting variety of displays, galleries, and events. Families are encouraged to spend time together at the museum, learning and having fun. 

Fun things to do at the museum include scaling the two-story Duck statue known as Moe, playing the laser harp, splashing around on the Wet Deck, and conversing with a talking bust of Mark Twain. 

The ground floor houses the Work Smart technical and mechanical exhibit, the Freedom Gallery, and the Quack Factory – Wet Deck. The upper deck features the Quack Factory and the Live Well personal wellness gallery, as well as the Speak Loud music and drama exhibit.

22 SE 5th Street, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-464-2663

9. Cross-Eyed Cricket

Along the Lloyd Expressway is an independent family-owned establishment called Cross-Eyed Cricket. Comfort by Cross-Eyed Cricket is the name given to their second location on Main Street because they are so confident that customers will love it. 

Soups, salads, fried catfish, burgers, and grilled pork tenderloin are just some examples of the traditional American fare that will be available. Biscuits and gravy, pancakes, crepes, skillets, and omelets are some of the most lauded breakfast items, so that’s when you should probably visit. 

In addition to their regular business, the Tedulas open their restaurant on Christmas Eve so that the community can enjoy free food and a visit with Santa. In addition, they’ve established a home for runaway youth.

2101 W Pennsylvania Street, Evansville, IN,New York City Phone: 812-422-6464

10. Donut Bank

Donuts, cakes, cookies, brownies, and bagels, oh my! Since 1967, The Donut Bank has been happily providing Evansville with delicious baked goods from its six locations. Tourists’ sweet tooths will be satisfied by treats like their turtle cookie, white chocolate macadamia, and fancy iced cookie. 

There are 17 standard doughnut varieties and 7 specialized ones to choose from. Even the brownies aren’t your typical fare, with options like caramel pecan, M&M, peanut butter, and walnut. 

Two of their seven muffin varieties, pineapple upside down and apple cinnamon, are lower in fat than the others. If you’re not in the mood for dessert, pick from one of eight varieties of bagels. All of The Donut Bank’s day-old donuts are donated to local shelters and food banks

1031 East Diamond Avenue, Evansville, IN, New York City Phone: 812-426-0011

11. Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area

The Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area revitalized a former strip mine and gave it a new name and purpose after the creek of the same name that runs through the property to the east. 

Much of the vegetation you see today was painstakingly re-established to provide a natural habitat for various species of wildlife after the area was completely denatured during the 20-year strip mining period of 1973 to 1993. 

Possession of a valid fishing license or hunting permit guarantees the area will be protected for future generations. Bass, crappie, and catfish can all be caught frequently at the many fishing ponds accessible by boat ramps. Throughout the entire nature preserve, you can see a wide variety of bird species.

Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area, 11699 New Harmony Rd, Elberfeld, IN 47613, 812-789-2724

12. Evansville Otters Minor League Baseball

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 100 years since Bosse Field opened and the Evansville Otters first took the field. After Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, this is one of the three oldest ballparks in the United States, but it is the least well-known of the three due to its age and lack of celebrity. 

The Evansville Otters play baseball in the Frontier Minor League, and their home field is Bosse Field. The busy season kicks off in May and continues through the beginning of September. Bring the whole gang for a pre-game picnic or event on the Bud Lite Lime Patio and relive your childhood cheering on the home team at a baseball game.

23 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-435-8686

13. Evansville Wartime Museum

No other war saw such a massive domestic effort from every citizen to support the armed forces and their allies as did World War II. In honor of the local contributions made after Pearl Harbor, the Evansville Wartime Museum was established. 

Workers in Evansville manufactured combat aircraft and ships and repaired tanks. They were first and foremost in producing LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank), which the Navy used to transport tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops ashore without the use of a pier or dock. 

In one room, you can learn about the Red Cross and USO canteens that served as welcome centers for weary servicemen.

7503 Petersburg Road, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-424-7461

14. Hilltop Inn

The Hilltop Inn, on the west side of Evansville, is a family-run tavern. The building first opened in 1839 as a stagecoach stop, complete with a saloon, dining room, general store, feed store, and hotel rooms on the second floor. 

In the present day, it has evolved into a family-friendly restaurant and tavern serving traditional American fare. On the large front porch, patrons can relax at concrete tables and benches shaded by umbrellas emblazoned with beer logos. 

Southern Indiana cow brain sandwiches, fried Icelandic cod, and fried chicken are just a few of the unique dishes that have made Hilltop Inn famous. Monday through Saturday, the restaurant and bar are open from late morning until late night.

1100 Harmony Way, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-422-1757

15. Howell Wetlands

As one of the largest urban wetlands in Indiana, the City of Evansville designated the 35-acre Howell Wetlands as part of the Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in 1997. The Wesselman Nature Society is in charge of maintaining the area. 

The diverse ecosystem, which includes a slough, marsh, and river oxbow, is open to visitors all year. The wetland trails, which span over 2 miles and include wooden boardwalks and bridges, make for some great walking. 

Solar panels provide power for a new conservation station that also features recycled plastic railings, low-flow plumbing, and LED lighting to save water and electricity.

1400 South Tekoppel Avenue, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-435-6141

16. Isaac Knight Memorial

The Isaac Knight Memorial is a small garden and marker on the sidewalk to the west of the Snodgrass Floral Company’s parking lot entrance at eastland mall. Isaac Knight, who was captured by Pottawattamie Native Americans when he was 13 in 1795 and escaped two years and three months later, is buried there. 

On the day he was captured, Knight and his companions made the journey across the Ohio River. In total, four friends were taken by the Kickapoo and two were killed. They managed to get away a whole year before Knight managed to do the same thing. The Evansville Museum of Art, History, and Science has a painting depicting his journey there.

4824 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN,

17. John James Audubon State Park

The John James Audubon State Park in Kentucky can be found just outside of Evansville. Attractions in the park include a museum that puts the life and legacy of John James Audubon and his family in historical perspective. 

The Birds of America, his magnum opus, and over a hundred other works of art are on display across three exhibition halls. The shop’s nature-themed gifts, many of which are made by hand in Kentucky, are a draw. 

There is a museum and nature center in the same building at the park. Guests can enjoy the Audubon Theater, a wildlife observation room, and the Discovery & Learning Center. The park is accessible all year.

3100 U.S. Route 41, Henderson, KY, Phone: 270-826-2247

18. Newburgh Museum

On the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Newburgh can be reached from Evansville in just twenty minutes. Located in the historic Old Newburgh Presbyterian Church on Main Street, the Newburgh Museum showcases the city’s beginnings and development through various displays.

During the American Civil War, Confederate forces were the first to successfully seize a town located north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The town’s beginnings, its industrial peak, its decline, and its subsequent modern revival are all chronicled in the museum’s permanent displays.

Guests to Evansville can call ahead to schedule a tour of the museum, which is only open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays for about 4 hours. Although there is no charge to enter, donations are accepted.

503 State St, Newburgh, IN 47630, Phone: 812-853-5045

19. Penny Lane Coffeehouse

The proprietors of Penny Lane Coffeehouse advertise their establishment as a tranquil spot where customers can “pause and reflect on the meaning of life.” With such an ethos, patrons can relax and enjoy their coffee in comfort. 

This laid-back coffee shop is a locals’ favorite, attracting an interesting cross-section of Evansville’s population. Guests might even meet a former president or a sports legend. 

Penny Lane not only serves excellent coffee in a variety of forms, such as lattes and espressos but also a selection of specialty sandwiches and the option to create your own breakfast or lunch sandwich. You can also choose from a variety of delicious hot and cold beverages.

600 SE 2nd Street, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-421-8741

20. Reitz Home Museum

Former lumber baron and philanthropist John Augustus Reitz, his wife Gertrude, and eight of their ten children all lived in the house that is now known as the Reitz Home Museum. 

The residence was designed in the Second Empire style and features original period pieces, hand-painted ceilings, parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and stained-glass windows. 

It has been featured in numerous national broadcasts and print publications since it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The carriage house serves as the starting point for tours of the main house. The hour-long tours visit 12 different areas of the home. The price of admission is very low.

112 Chestnut Street, Evansville, IN, Phone: 812-426-1871

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