Looking for a scenic, history-rich getaway in the Midwest? Head to Southern Indiana! Explore rolling hills, caves, riverfront towns, and charming small cities. From wine tasting and outdoor adventures to historic landmarks and cozy inns, Southern Indiana is packed with relaxed charm and natural beauty.
Southern Indiana Highlights:
- For Outdoor Adventurers: Hike and explore caves at Hoosier National Forest – Discover rugged trails, limestone cliffs, and scenic lookouts across thousands of acres.
- For History Buffs: Tour New Harmony Historic District – Learn about utopian communities in this well-preserved 19th-century town.
- For Wine Lovers: Visit the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail – Sip locally crafted wines at scenic vineyards throughout the region.
- For Families: Discover Marengo Cave – Explore impressive underground formations and enjoy gem mining and tours.
- For River Views: Stroll the Ohio River Greenway in Jeffersonville – Enjoy waterfront parks, biking trails, and views of the Louisville skyline.
Best Time to Visit Southern Indiana
The best time to visit Southern Indiana is in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November). Enjoy colorful foliage, mild temperatures, and festivals celebrating harvests, arts, and local history.
How to Get to Southern Indiana
- If you are traveling by car: Southern Indiana is easily accessible via I-64, I-65, and US-150. It's less than 2 hours from Indianapolis and just minutes from Louisville, Kentucky.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), which is about 15–30 minutes from most Southern Indiana destinations.
- By Train: While there’s no direct Amtrak station in most towns, Louisville’s Union Station serves the area and is close by.
Where to Stay in Southern Indiana
- Recommended for Families: Big Splash Adventure Hotel & Indoor Water Park (French Lick) – Family fun with slides, lazy river, and onsite lodging.
- For Couples: West Baden Springs Hotel – Luxurious domed resort with spa, fine dining, and historic elegance.
- For a Boutique Stay: Market Street Inn B&B (Jeffersonville) – Romantic historic bed and breakfast near the Ohio River.
Best Things to Do in Southern Indiana
1. French Lick Resort
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: 8670 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432
Recommended For: Luxury travelers, couples, families, golfers, spa enthusiasts, history lovers
What I Love: ♥ “Experience old-world elegance, modern luxury, and endless entertainment under one historic roof.”
- Stay at two AAA Four-Diamond historic hotels with luxurious comfort and vintage charm.
- Relax in two serene spas or unwind with friends at the Vegas-style casino.
- Play on three championship golf courses, including the famed Donald Ross Course.
- Dine in style at the resort’s fine restaurants and enjoy nightly live entertainment.
- Bring the kids to KidsFest, a fun-filled center with supervised games and activities.
- Explore the surrounding Hoosier National Forest for hiking and scenic beauty.
Cost: Rates vary by hotel, package, and season. Casino entry is 21+ with ID.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for golf, hiking, and warm-weather fun; winter for cozy spa days and indoor entertainment.
Local tips: Book spa and golf tee times in advance; historic tours of the resort are available and well worth it.
Getting there: About 2 hours from Indianapolis via I-69 and IN-37
Contact: Phone: 812-936-9300
2. Marengo Cave
Location: 400 East State Road 64, Marengo, IN 47140
Recommended For: Nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, families, school groups, photographers
What I Love: ♥ “An awe-inspiring underground journey through stalactite cathedrals and crystal-lined corridors.”
- Explore one of Indiana’s largest and most spectacular caves, designated a National Natural Landmark.
- Choose your adventure with two distinct guided walking tours:
- Crystal Palace Tour: 40-minute walk covering ¼ mile of stunning formations.
- Dripstone Trail Tour: 70-minute trek through one full mile of dramatic cave scenery.
- Marvel at the stalagmites and stalactites that decorate the cave’s winding passages.
- Learn about the cave’s history and geology, open to the public since 1883.
- Make it a day trip with on-site picnic areas and a gem mining station.
Cost: Tour prices vary by age and tour type; check website for current rates and group discounts.
Best time to visit: Year-round — the cave maintains a cool temperature, making it great for hot summer days or rainy weekends.
Local tips: Wear good walking shoes; bring a light jacket — it stays around 52°F inside. Arrive early in peak seasons as tours can fill up quickly.
Getting there: About 2 hours and 15 minutes from Indianapolis via I-69 and IN-37/S Rd 37
3. Patoka Lake State Park
Location: 3084 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513
Recommended For: Families, nature lovers, birdwatchers, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, anglers, campers
What I Love: ♥ “A nature lover’s paradise where bald eagles soar above Indiana’s second-largest reservoir.”
- Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Patoka Lake State Park, a sprawling 25,000-acre recreation area with a 9,000-acre lake.
- Spot wildlife including bald eagles, ospreys, river otters, and even freshwater jellyfish in their natural habitats.
- Explore local history with docent-guided walks and visits to the historic Moery Cabin.
- Choose your adventure with a wide array of activities like:
- Camping, picnicking, and hiking
- Swimming, waterskiing, and boating
- Fishing, ice fishing, and hunting
- Cross-country skiing and archery
- Educational skill-building programs, such as Dutch oven cooking
- Enjoy the seasons — whether summer or winter, there's always something active to do in this diverse landscape.
Cost: Standard Indiana State Park entry fees apply; special program fees may vary.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for outdoor activities; winter for cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing.
Local tips: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially near nesting sites; reserve campgrounds early in peak season.
Getting there: Located in Birdseye, Indiana — approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes south of Indianapolis by car. Use this route via I-69 and IN-64 for the most direct access.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Culbertson Mansion
Location: 914 E Main Street, New Albany, IN 47150
Recommended For: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, cultural travelers, families, event seekers
What I Love: ♥ “A Gilded Age mansion bursting with opulence, mystery, and stories of Indiana’s richest man.”
- Step back in time at the Culbertson Mansion, a grand Second Empire-style residence built between 1867–1869 by architect James T. Banes.
- Learn about William Culbertson, once the wealthiest man in Indiana, and explore how he lived in lavish style.
- Take a tour through 25 beautifully restored rooms, including bedrooms, parlors, and dining halls filled with:
- Carved rosewood-grained staircases
- Hand-painted frescoed ceilings
- Elegant crystal chandeliers
- Attend unique events throughout the year, especially the annual Haunted House, a thrilling experience for brave visitors.
- Admire this National Historic Landmark’s opulence while gaining insight into Indiana’s 19th-century prosperity and culture.
Cost: Admission varies by tour and event. Check the official site for pricing and ticket info.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for historic tours; October for the popular haunted house experience.
Local tips: Reserve haunted house tickets early—they often sell out! Be sure to ask docents about the Culbertson family legacy.
Getting there: Located in downtown New Albany, just 15 minutes west of Louisville, KY, and 2 hours south of Indianapolis. Easily accessible via I-65 S.
5. Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Location: 8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715
Recommended For: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, families, educators, archaeology fans
What I Love: ♥ “A sacred and powerful place where history rises from the earth in ancient mounds.”
- Step into ancient history at the Angel Mounds State Historic Site, a well-preserved Mississippian town that was occupied from 1100 to 1450 AD.
- Explore one of the best-preserved Native American sites in the U.S., nestled along the scenic Ohio River.
- Discover artifacts that reveal insights into the daily life, culture, and beliefs of a powerful pre-Columbian civilization.
- Learn about the site's status as a U.S. National Historic Landmark and its importance in preserving indigenous history.
- Walk the grounds where ancient people once thrived, and imagine the vibrant community that called this sacred landscape home.
Cost: Modest admission fee; free for members of the Indiana State Museum system. Check the official site for current rates and hours.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall, when weather is ideal for exploring the outdoor grounds and interpretive trails.
Local tips: Don’t miss the visitor center’s exhibits and gift shop. Bring walking shoes for outdoor trails and allow time to explore the full site.
Getting there: Located just 15 minutes east of downtown Evansville. From Indianapolis, it’s approximately 3 hours southwest via I-69 S.
6. Squire Boone Caverns
Location: 100 Squire Boone Road SW, Mauckport, IN 47142, Phone: 812-732-4381
Recommended For: History buffs, cave explorers, families, homeschoolers, pioneer-era fans
What I Love: ♥ “Where history, geology, and pioneer grit meet deep beneath the Indiana hills.”
- Discover one of America's most spectacular cave systems, originally found by Daniel and Squire Boone while fleeing conflict in the 18th century.
- Tour the caverns with expert guides and experience underground waterfalls, flowing streams, and awe-inspiring stalactite and stalagmite formations.
- Honor frontier legacy at the entrance, where Squire Boone is buried by his request, beside the caves he cherished in life.
- Stroll the pioneer village featuring old-fashioned candy, hand-dipped candles, and soap made with traditional methods.
- Step back in time and learn about pioneer craftsmanship in a setting that feels truly authentic and immersive.
Cost: Admission is charged for guided cave tours and village attractions. Visit the official site for pricing, tour times, and seasonal hours.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for full access to both the caverns and the outdoor pioneer village.
Local tips: Wear sturdy shoes for the cave tour. Don’t miss the hand-made soap demonstration—it’s a fun and fragrant souvenir!
Getting there: Located near Mauckport in Southern Indiana, about 2.5 hours south of Indianapolis via I-65 S and IN-135 S.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
7. Spring Mill State Park
Location: 3333 State Road 60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446, Phone: 812-849-3534
Recommended For: Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, families, geology buffs, photographers
What I Love: ♥ “Where cave streams, pioneer heritage, and natural beauty come together in one unforgettable destination.”
- Explore 1,358 acres of scenic trails, caves, and cultural exhibits within this beloved Indiana state park.
- Take the Twin Caves boat tour and glide through underground stream passages with expert guides who highlight cave wildlife and rock formations.
- Step into the past at Pioneer Village, home to 20 historic structures including an 1817 gristmill that still grinds cornmeal today.
- Visit the Grissom Memorial, honoring astronaut Gus Grissom, a Mitchell native and one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts.
- Connect with nature at the Nature Center, with hands-on exhibits, wildlife viewing, and educational programs for all ages.
Cost: Standard Indiana State Park entrance fees apply. Some cave tours and activities may have additional fees. Check the official website for details.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for cave tours, hiking, and Pioneer Village demonstrations. Winter offers peaceful beauty and wildlife viewing.
Local tips: Boat tours are seasonal and can fill up—arrive early or call ahead to reserve a spot. Wear sturdy shoes for trails and cave access.
Getting there: Located in southern Indiana, just 1 hour and 30 minutes south of Indianapolis via IN-37 S.
8. George Rogers Clark Memorial
Location: 401 S. 2nd Street, Vincennes, IN 47591, Phone: 812-882-1776
Recommended For: History buffs, architecture lovers, families, patriotic travelers, educators
What I Love: ♥ “A magnificent tribute to a Revolutionary War hero set within Indiana’s oldest city.”
- Visit the George Rogers Clark Memorial, an awe-inspiring domed monument built between 1931–1933 to honor the legendary frontiersman’s bold victories during the American Revolution.
- Start your journey at the Visitor Center, where you’ll find engaging exhibits and the 30-minute film “Long Knives” introducing Clark’s daring campaign.
- Step into the rotunda to admire the powerful statue by Hermon MacNeil, capturing Clark’s determination and courage as he led his men through hardship.
- Marvel at the seven towering murals that line the walls, each one telling part of Clark’s dramatic expedition through stunning artistry.
- Explore the surrounding George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and enjoy riverfront views, peaceful green space, and nearby historic sites.
Cost: Entry is free. Donations are appreciated. Check the official website for tour times and seasonal hours.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for pleasant weather and outdoor exploration; indoor exhibits and films are available year-round.
Local tips: Plan for at least 1–2 hours. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Old Cathedral, Indiana Territory Capitol, and the Red Skelton Museum.
Getting there: Located in Vincennes, Indiana, approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes southwest of Indianapolis via US-41 S and I-69.
Unique Museums:
9. Evansville Museum
Location: 411 SE Riverside Drive, Evansville, IN 47713
Recommended For: Art lovers, history enthusiasts, science fans, families, school groups
What I Love: ♥ “An all-in-one cultural destination blending fine art, science, and local heritage on the riverfront.”
- Discover the Evansville Museum, a general interest museum founded in 1904 and home to over 30,000 artifacts spanning art, history, and science.
- Explore fascinating exhibits that include fine art, photography, historic documents, and decorative objects from across centuries.
- Step back in time on a recreated 19th-century rivertown street, complete with walkable shops and homes that showcase daily life from the era.
- Engage with exhibits ranging from 16th-century paintings to interactive science displays designed to entertain and educate all ages.
- Enjoy a dynamic space that regularly rotates special exhibitions and community programming, making each visit unique.
Cost: Affordable general admission with discounts for students, seniors, and families. Check the official website for current rates and special exhibit pricing.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Visit weekdays or early weekends for fewer crowds.
Local tips: Don’t miss the museum’s planetarium and outdoor sculpture garden. Parking is available on-site.
Getting there: Located in downtown Evansville along the Ohio River, about 3 hours southwest of Indianapolis via I-69 S.
10. The Henager “Memories and Nostalgia” Museum
Location: 8837 S. State Road 57, Buckskin, IN 47613
Recommended For: History buffs, families, classic film fans, Americana collectors, veterans and military enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “A heartfelt tribute to American culture through artifacts, film, and music history.”
- Step into the past at the Henager “Memories and Nostalgia” Museum, a unique institution opened in 1996 with over 20,000 donated items from across the country.
- Explore a wide array of themed exhibits including Abraham Lincoln’s Legacy, Smokey Bear, Santa’s Workshop, Western Movie Stars, and American Music.
- Pay tribute to our nation’s heroes in the powerful Veteran’s Exhibit and explore America’s Automotive Heritage.
- Enjoy free classic movie screenings that play throughout the year and are included with general admission.
- Celebrate the everyday icons and stories that have shaped American memory through an engaging and ever-growing collection.
Cost: Affordable general admission. Check the official website for ticket details and event updates.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Ideal during weekends or when special exhibits or movie events are scheduled.
Local tips: Budget at least 1–2 hours for the full experience. Don’t miss the gift shop with nostalgic memorabilia.
Getting there: Located in Buckskin, Indiana, about 25 minutes northeast of Evansville, accessible via IN-57.
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