Need a charming Midwest getaway with German heritage, river views, and cultural flair? Head to Jasper! Located in southern Indiana, Jasper is a small city with big character. Known for its scenic riverwalk, family-friendly attractions, and vibrant arts scene, Jasper combines outdoor recreation with local traditions and warm hospitality.
Jasper, IN Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Bike or walk the Jasper Riverwalk – A peaceful paved path along the Patoka River, perfect for scenic exercise or a leisurely stroll.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Dubois County Museum – One of the largest county museums in Indiana, featuring regional history, model trains, and local artifacts.
- For Shoppers: Browse downtown Jasper boutiques and gift shops – Discover antiques, home goods, and locally made items in a charming town square.
- For Couples: Tour and taste at Schnitzelbank and nearby wineries – Share a German meal and explore Indiana’s wine country together.
- For Families: Ride the Spirit of Jasper train – Take a scenic excursion aboard a vintage train, complete with themed rides and events.
When I like to visit Jasper, IN
The best time to visit Jasper is spring through fall (April–October), when the weather is mild and ideal for festivals, outdoor dining, and riverfront activities. Fall foliage makes October especially scenic and festive.
Tips for getting to Jasper, IN
- If you are traveling by car: Jasper is located along US-231, about 1 hour from Evansville, 1.5 hours from Louisville, KY, and 2.5 hours from Indianapolis.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), with rental cars available for the scenic drive to Jasper.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus services; driving is the most flexible and efficient way to reach and explore Jasper.
Where I like to stay in Jasper, IN
- Hampton Inn Jasper – Comfortable accommodations with a pool, breakfast, and close proximity to downtown.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Jasper – Budget-friendly option with clean rooms and easy access to highways and local attractions.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Jasper – Modern hotel with updated amenities and excellent service near the Riverwalk.
Best Things to Do in Jasper, IN
1. Dubois County Museum
Located on Newton Street, the Dubois County Museum is a museum that is dedicated to preserving and presenting the heritage and history of Dubois County in Indiana.
With 50,000 square feet of exhibit space displaying more than 36,000 objects, the Dubois County Museum is by far the largest county museum in Indiana and one of the top Jasper attractions.
The museum features a reconstructed 1890s main street, a model train display, a log house built in 1850, and much more.
Visitors learn about the plants and animals of the area, the history of the early settlers consisting of Germans and Scots-Irish, and more. The museum offers guided tours and is open from Tuesday through Sunday.
2704 Newton Street, Jasper, Indiana, Phone: 812-634-7733
2. Jasper Riverwalk
The Jasper Riverwalk is a trail that runs for more than two miles along the Patoka River from 15th Street to the Ruxer Golf Course on South Clay Street.
It is a popular trail for bicyclists, runners, and walkers because there is no vehicular traffic so it is a safe trail. The trail passes along farm fields, through beautiful wooded areas, the Lions Club Park which is a playground, and the Dave Buehler Plaza.
This plaza was named after the man who was largely responsible for creating a space along the river where people could enjoy nature and activities. If you are wondering what to do in Jasper, Indiana with kids, this is a great place to visit. There are horseshoe pits, shelter houses and picnic areas.
3. Spirit of Jasper Train
The Spirit of Jasper Train is a restored passenger train located on Mill Street.
One of three locomotives pulls the luxurious train: the City of Jasper’s “Switcher,” the EMD GP16, or the ALCO S2. The passenger cars include the rebuilt 1940s Club Car #200; the renovated 1920s Lounge Car #300; the refurbished 1940s Parlour Car #400; and the modernized 1924 Monan Car.
There are several excursions such as the Jasper to French Lick Express; the Jasper Ride & Dine; and the family-friendly Jasper Strassenfest Zugfahrten, which is a one hour train ride out of the Jasper Train Depot.
The Jasper Train Depot was built in 2005 and is a replication of the 1906 depot that was torn down.
4. Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame
Located on College Avenue on the campus of Vincennes University, the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Since its inception in 1979, 174 players, coaches, veterans, and contributors have been inducted. Originally housed in the Jasper Inn & Convention Center, at its current location at Vincennes University, the Hall of Fame features a large variety of artifacts and memorabilia related to high school athletes, college athletes, and professional athletes from throughout the state of Indiana.
Some of the things on display include bats, gloves, jerseys, plaques, and much more.
The Hall of Fame is open from Thursday through Sunday.
851 College Avenue, Jasper, Indiana, Phone: 812-482-2262
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Jasper City Mill
Located on Third Avenue, the Jasper City Mill is a historic mill with more than 2,000 square feet of space. The first mill on this spot was built in 1817.
One of the original mill’s most famous visitors was a young Abraham Lincoln who came with his father to grind their grain in 1828.
The second mill was built on the same spot in 1865: during the 1870s flatboats were used to ship flour from the mill down the Patoka River to the Wabash and Ohio Rivers and eventually down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.
The latest and current mill was built in 2009 using parts of the older mills like the grindstones and the water-powered wheel.
6. Jasper Flowers & Gifts
Located on North Newton Street, Jasper Flowers & Gifts is a gift company that sells popcorn, chocolates, and other treats.
It began as Eckert’s Pool Company in 1996, but when that company bought the property on Newton Street, it expanded to include a second business, the popcorn company.
Today it offers nearly 100 flavors of gourmet popcorn from “Bacon & Cheese” to “Tutti Fruitti” as well as artisan chocolates such as barks, creams, melt-a-ways, nut clusters, sea-salt caramels, and turtle drops.
All of its popcorn and chocolates are made in house. The company is also well-known for its custom-made gift baskets.
1522 North Newton Street, Jasper, Indiana, Phone: 812-634-2700
7. Sultan's Run Golf Course
Sultan's Run Golf Course is an 18 hole golf course located on North Meridian Road in Jasper. It consists of 224 acres of fairways, forests, greens water, and wildlife.
The name of the golf course comes from the name of the famous horse, Supreme Sultan, who used to call this area his home.
Designed by Tim Liddy, the course was remodeled in 1996 keeping the landscape as natural as possible. There is a Pro Shop, practice facilities, and Sultan’s Bar & Grill.
The golf course also features “The Clubhouse at Sultan’s Run.” This clubhouse offers spectacular views of the 18th hole of the course with its stunningly beautiful waterfall.
1490 North Meridian Road, Jasper, Indiana, Phone: 812-482-1009
8. Schnitzelbank
Schnitzelbank ’s slogan says it all: “A little bit of Germany right here in Southern Indiana'. Customers have been getting a taste of authentic German culture and cuisine since its opening in 1961, offering family recipes for delicacies such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, goulash, steaks, and more.
Schnitzelbank has long been a popular spot amongst locals with its fun atmosphere and high quality, fresh dishes, ranking within the top ten independent restaurants in Indiana.
Visitors should be sure to check out their Wunderbar Salad Bar, taste their selection of German beverages at the full bar, and test their musical talent on the working glockenspiel.
The lower level of Schnitzelbank also houses the Schnitz Pub where customers can try some of their specialty pizzas, sandwiches, and a range of microbrews.
393 3rd Avenue, Jasper, Indiana 47546, Phone: 812-482-2640
Where I Like to Eat in Jasper, IN
- Schnitzelbank Restaurant – Jasper’s iconic German restaurant serving schnitzel, sauerbraten, and hearty comfort fare in a festive setting.
- Oasis Diner – A classic American diner with burgers, shakes, and all-day breakfast in a casual, family-friendly space.
- Mill House Restaurant – Farm-to-table inspired dishes with seasonal ingredients and a rustic-chic ambiance.
My favorite local events:
- Strassenfest (August) – A major celebration of Jasper’s German heritage with music, parades, beer gardens, and crafts.
- O’Tannenbaum Days (December) – Holiday shopping, carriage rides, and German Christmas markets kick off the festive season.
- Jasper Arts and Crafts Show (Fall) – One of the region’s top artisan markets with handmade goods, food, and entertainment.
My favorite day trips within 30–60 Minutes of Jasper, Indiana:
- French Lick (40 min) – Visit the historic French Lick Resort, casino, and scenic railroad or hike nearby Hoosier National Forest trails.
- Santa Claus, IN (30 min) – Home to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari amusement park and year-round Christmas-themed attractions.
- Patoka Lake (30 min) – Great for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking in one of Indiana’s largest reservoirs.
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (50 min) – Explore the early life of Abraham Lincoln at this preserved homestead and national park.
- Evansville (1 hr) – Enjoy shopping, museums, the zoo, or a riverfront walk in one of southern Indiana’s largest cities.
Plan Your Trip