• Question: What types of attractions can visitors find in Southern Indiana?
    Answer: Southern Indiana offers a variety of attractions, including arts, entertainment, family fun venues, and grown-up getaways.
  • Question: What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Southern Indiana?
    Answer: Visitors can spend their days hiking at Patoka Lake State Park or adventuring through Marengo Cave.
  • Question: What dining and drink options are available in Southern Indiana?
    Answer: Evenings can be spent drinking refreshing craft wines and enjoying authentic Italian meals at the French Lick Winery & Vintage Cafe.

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1. French Lick Resort


Enjoy luxury amenities and savor a romantic retreat in this iconic resort.

French Lick Resort


  • What is the French Lick Resort?
  • What accommodations are available at the French Lick Resort?
    • The resort features two AAA Four-Diamond historic hotels, providing elegant and comfortable lodging.
  • What amenities and activities does the resort offer?
    • Guests can enjoy a wide range of luxury and entertainment options, including:
      • A Vegas-style casino
      • Two rejuvenating spas
      • Three challenging golf courses
      • Numerous event venues
      • Fine dining and entertainment
  • Does the resort have activities for children?
    • Yes! The resort offers KidsFest, a popular children’s activity center filled with interactive games and supervised fun.
  • What is the atmosphere like at the French Lick Resort?
    • Visitors will find luxurious contemporary comforts blended with old-world charm.
  • How far is French Lick Resort from Indianapolis?
    • The resort is approximately 2 hours from Indianapolis.
    • It is located 105 miles away, accessible via I-69 and IN-37.

Address: 8670 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432, Phone: 812-936-9300

2. Marengo Cave


Explore underground passages and admire unusual formations on a guided weekend tour.

Marengo Cave


  • What is Marengo Cave?
    • Marengo Cave is a National Natural Landmark that has been offering public tours since 1883.
  • How large is Marengo Cave?
    • The cave spans over seven acres and contains nearly five miles of known passageways, making it one of the longest caves in Indiana.
  • What can visitors see inside the cave?
    • The cave is filled with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, making it a breathtaking experience.
  • What tours are available at Marengo Cave?
    • Visitors can choose from two walking tours:
      • Crystal Palace Tour – Lasts nearly 40 minutes and covers ¼ mile of the cave.
      • Dripstone Trail Tour – Lasts around 70 minutes and covers one full mile of the cave.
  • How far is Marengo Cave from Indianapolis?
    • The cave is located 2 hours and 15 minutes from Indianapolis.
    • It is approximately 117.8 miles away, accessible via I-69 and IN-37/S Rd 37.

Address: 400 East State Road 64, Marengo, IN 47140

3. Patoka Lake State Park


Go boating or hike scenic trails during a relaxing summer trip.

Patoka Lake State Park


  • What is Patoka Lake State Park?
    • Patoka Lake State Park is a 25,000-acre park in Southern Indiana, featuring a 9,000-acre lake and a wide range of outdoor activities.
  • What types of events and programs take place at the park?
    • The park offers guided programs and activities, including:
      • Docent-guided walks
      • Explorations of the Moery Cabin (a reconstructed historic site)
      • Guided hikes to explore local flora and fauna
  • What wildlife can be seen at Patoka Lake?
    • The park provides habitats for various species, including:
      • Bald eagle nesting sites
      • Ospreys
      • River otters
      • Freshwater jellyfish
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Patoka Lake?
    • Visitors can take part in a variety of recreational activities, including:
      • Camping
      • Hiking and biking
      • Picnicking
      • Hunting
      • Swimming and waterskiing
      • Fishing and ice fishing
      • Cross-country skiing
      • Boating
      • Archery
      • Skill programs like Dutch oven cooking

Address: 3084 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513, Phone: 812-685-2464

4. Culbertson Mansion


Visit this historic home and admire Victorian-era sights on a quick tour.

Culbertson Mansion


  • What is the Culbertson Mansion?
    • Culbertson Mansion is a historic home listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
    • It was the residence of William Culbertson, who was once the richest man in Indiana.
  • When was the mansion built?
    • The mansion was constructed between 1867 and 1869.
    • It was designed by local architect James T. Banes.
  • What can visitors see during a tour?
    • Guided tours take visitors through the mansion’s 25 bedrooms, parlors, dining rooms, and kitchen.
    • Guests can admire stunning architectural features, including:
      • A carved rosewood-grained staircase
      • Hand-painted frescoed ceilings
      • Crystal chandeliers
  • What events are held at the Culbertson Mansion?
    • The mansion hosts several annual events.
    • A particularly popular event is the annual Haunted House, which attracts both locals and visitors.

Address: 914 E Main Street, New Albany, IN 47150

5. Angel Mounds State Historic Site


Walk along ancient earthworks and discover Native American history in an affordable setting.

Angel Mounds State Historic Site


  • What is Angel Mounds State Historic Site?
  • Where is Angel Mounds located?
    • The site is located on the banks of the Ohio River.
    • It is one of the farthest northeastern examples of Mississippian culture.
  • Why is Angel Mounds historically significant?
    • It is nationally recognized as one of the best-preserved ancient Native American sites in the United States.
    • The site is designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
  • What can visitors experience at Angel Mounds?
    • Visitors can explore the site and learn how a thriving Native American community lived over a thousand years ago.
    • Numerous artifacts discovered at the site provide insight into the culture and daily life of its former inhabitants.

Address: 8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715

6. Squire Boone Caverns


Explore deep caves and enjoy cool attractions perfect for adventurous kids.

Squire Boone Caverns


  • What is Squire Boone Caverns?
    • Offering one of the most spectacular underground adventures in America, Squire Boone Caverns comprises a cave and surrounding village that was first discovered by explorer brothers, Daniel and Squire Boone, when they were hiding from Native Americans in the late 18th century.
  • Who discovered Squire Boone Caverns?
    • The caverns were discovered by the Boone brothers, Daniel and Squire Boone, while they were hiding from Native Americans in the late 18th century.
  • Why is Squire Boone buried at the entrance?
    • Squire Boone loved the caves so much that he returned to live nearby and requested to be buried at the entrance after his death.
  • What can visitors explore inside the caves?
    • Visitors can explore the caves with experienced guides and see sights such as an underground stream, a large waterfall, several unique rock formations, and massive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
  • What attractions are in the surrounding pioneer village?
    • The village includes an old-fashioned candy shop, hand-dipped candles, and soap that is made by hand using lard.

Address: 100 Squire Boone Road SW, Mauckport, IN 47142, Phone: 812-732-4381

7. Spring Mill State Park


See pioneer buildings and walk forest trails during a peaceful fall visit.

Spring Mill State Park


  • What is Spring Mill State Park?
    • Spanning 1,358 acres, Spring Mill State Park is a beautiful natural sight with many cultural attractions housed within it.
  • Why do visitors come to Spring Mill State Park?
    • Visitors from all over flock to the park to see the several caves found there, many of which are open for guided tours.
  • What is special about the Twin Caves boat tours?
    • The Twin Caves boat tours are a popular option where guides pull boats through stream passages, allowing visitors to view unique cave formations and cave animals that reside there.
  • What other interpretive facilities are in the park?
    • In addition to the boat tour, the park features three interpretive facilities: the Nature Center, Pioneer Village, and Grissom Memorial.
  • What can visitors see inside Pioneer Village?
    • Pioneer Village includes 20 historic buildings, including an 1817 limestone gristmill that still grinds cornmeal today.

Address: 3333 State Road 60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446, Phone: 812-849-3534

8. George Rogers Clark Memorial


Admire grand architecture and learn about American history in this easy stop.

George Rogers Clark Memorial


  • What is the George Rogers Clark Memorial?
    • The George Rogers Clark Memorial is a stunning architectural feat constructed between 1931 and 1933, honoring the frontiersman George Rogers Clark and his leadership.
  • Where should visitors start their tour?
    • Begin at the Visitor Center, where you will get a background on George Rogers Clark, view exhibits, and watch a 30-minute orientation movie titled Long Knives.
  • What can visitors see inside the memorial rotunda?
    • Inside the memorial rotunda, visitors will see a Hermon MacNeil statue of Clark, depicting him as a brave frontiersman leading his men.
  • What murals are displayed in the rotunda?
    • The walls of the rotunda feature seven 28-feet-tall murals that visually depict Clark’s expedition story.

Address: 401 S. 2nd Street, Vincennes, IN 47591, Phone: 812-882-1776

9. Evansville Museum


Discover art, science, and history exhibits perfect for a family outing.

Evansville Museum


  • What is the Evansville Museum?
    • Located on the Ohio riverfront in the downtown area, the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science is a general interest museum filled with many fascinating artifacts.
  • When was the Evansville Museum founded?
    • The museum was founded in 1904 and now holds a permanent collection of over 30,000 objects.
  • What can visitors see at the museum?
    • Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including fine art, historic artifacts, decorative ornaments, photographs, and historic documents.
  • What is a unique feature of the museum?
    • One of the museum’s main attractions is a built-in semblance of a 19th-century American rivertown street, complete with shops and homes visitors can walk through.
  • How diverse are the museum’s exhibits?
    • The permanent exhibits range from 16th-century artwork to informative science demonstrations, offering a wide variety of subjects to explore.

Address: 411 SE Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN 47713

10. The Henager “Memories and Nostalgia” Museum


Look at quirky memorabilia and enjoy unusual pop culture stuff.

The Henager “Memories and Nostalgia” Museum


  • What is The Henager “Memories and Nostalgia” Museum?
  • When was the museum officially opened?
    • The museum officially opened in 1996 and now holds a collection of over 20,000 items.
  • Where do the museum's artifacts come from?
    • Many of the artifacts and memorabilia were donated and have come from all across the nation.
  • What topics are covered in the museum’s exhibits?
    • The museum features a diverse range of exhibits, including Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy, Smokey Bear, Western Movie Stars, Santa’s Workshop, American Music, Automotive Heritage, and a Veteran’s Exhibit.
  • Does the museum offer classic movie screenings?
    • Classic movies are played at the museum throughout the year and are free to watch with general museum admission.

Address: 8837 S. State Road 57, Buckskin, IN 47613, Phone: 812-795-2230

Plan Your Trip


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Photo Credits: © French Lick Resort, Courtesy of Nick - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Jonas - Fotolia.com, Culbertson Mansion, Angel Mounds State Historic Site, Courtesy of Nick - Fotolia.com, Courtesy Light Source - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of SNEHIT - Fotolia.com, Evansville Museum, The Henager “Memories and Nostalgia” Museum,