Looking for a fun, affordable getaway on the Ohio River? Head to Evansville! Indiana’s third-largest city blends historic charm with riverfront recreation, family attractions, and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring museums, catching a show, or trying Hoosier comfort food, Evansville is a hidden Midwest gem.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Evansville is from April through October. Spring and fall bring comfortable weather for outdoor festivals, zoo visits, and riverfront walks. Summers are great for family-friendly events and exploring local parks.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Evansville is easily accessible via I-69, US-41, and I-64. It’s about 2.5 hours from Louisville and 3 hours from Indianapolis or St. Louis.
  • By air: Fly into Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), with daily flights from major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago.
  • By bus: Greyhound and regional services provide access to and from Evansville’s downtown station.

Where to Stay

  • Tropicana Evansville – Riverfront hotel and casino with dining, entertainment, and easy access to downtown attractions.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton – Contemporary hotel near the Ford Center, ideal for events and concerts.
  • Le Merigot Hotel – Boutique hotel with upscale amenities and Ohio River views.

Top Attractions

Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science


Explore interactive exhibits showcasing art, history, and space science.

Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science

© Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science

The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science has just what the name implies, a little something for everyone. Currently located in the Downtown Historic District, the museum has been serving the city since 1874. It moved to its current location in the 1950s. A good way to get to know the museum is through its Museum Highlights Tour, which guides visitors through the three main areas of the museum. There are both permanent and traveling exhibitions as well as permanent collections. Visitors will also love the Koch Immersive Theater, where they’ll have a full-dome movie experience. Family movie nights don’t get much better.

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

Evansville African American Museum


Visit exhibits celebrating the heritage and contributions of African Americans in Evansville.

Evansville African American Museum

© Evansville African American Museum

The location alone adds to the historical significance of the Evansville African American Museum. In 1938, the second Federal Housing Project – Lincoln Gardens, was built as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It is the last building standing from that project, and is itself an artifact of the museum. One area of the museum is dedicated to this important time in Evansville history, showing what life was like at the height of the New Deal. Important temporary and traveling exhibitions like Emancipation and Its Legacies and American Mosaic: The History of Multiracial America are also hosted by the museum. Visitors can plan ahead by checking the website for the latest exhibitions, film screenings, and museum events.

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

Romantic Activities and Attractions:

Hartman Arboretum


Walk on scenic trails through beautiful native plants and seasonal blooms, perfect for a spring visit.

Hartman Arboretum

© Courtesy of Marjorie - Fotolia.com

Hartman Arboretum is located on the private property of Grant and Jean Hartman. Grant began the design and planting in 2001, and today, the arboretum is maintained by the Hartman family and a group of volunteer master gardeners. Visitors can expect to see three gardens – a wildlife garden, hydrangea garden, and contemplative garden. There is also a stumpery, native vine arbor, pick-your-own blueberry patch, crabapple espalier, fall color grove, and an oak grove. They hold events spring through fall, such as Butterfly Day, Moth Night, Spring at Arboretum, Tree ID, and others. Hartman Arboretum is open to the public year round.

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

USS LST-325 Ship Memorial


See a historic World War II ship and explore its fascinating military history.

USS LST-325 Ship Memorial

© Courtesy of Mark - Fotolia.com

Military history buffs shouldn’t miss taking a guided tour of the USS LST-325, a fully operational World War II vessel in the LST (Landing Ship, Tank) category. Guided tours of the ship are available for individuals and groups and last approximately 60 minutes. Guests are treated to well-preserved artifact, document, and photo collections and have the opportunity to visit the main deck, the sleeping quarters, the tank deck, the mess deck and galley, the stern of the ship, the wheel house, and the officers’ quarters. After the tour, visitors can stop by the gift shop for something unique to remember their trip to the USS LST-325.

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

Angel Mounds


Discover ancient Native American history at one of the best-preserved mound sites in the U.S.

Angel Mounds

© Angel Mounds

Angel Mounds State Historic Site spans 100 acres along the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana just 8 miles outside Evansville. It is the best-preserved site of pre-historic Native American culture in the country and is a National Historic Landmark. Angel Mounds was built by Middle Mississippian Native Americans, who resided there from 1000 to 1450 AD. Archaeologists believe the biggest mound was where the village was located, while smaller mounds had cosmological and ceremonial purposes. Visitors can learn about the pre-historic culture via a model museum depicting everyday life. There are also biking and hiking trails, and seasonal events at the site.

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

If you are traveling with kids:

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden


Walk through lush gardens and see exotic animals from around the world.

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden

© Courtesy of digidreamgrafix - Fotolia.com

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden sits on 45 acres in northwest Evansville. The zoo, which houses over 700 animals, is organized geographically, and visitors can experience the animals of Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America in a day.

There isn’t a single botanical garden, but rather themed gardens throughout the zoo that are representative of the geographical areas. Other amenities include Rainforest Grill for a bite to eat and Wild Rivers Trading Co. Gift Shop for a little souvenir shopping. Families will also like the Engelbrecht Carousel, paddleboats, and bumper boats. Strollers and accessibility rentals are available.

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

Burdette Park


Go swimming, camping, or hiking in this expansive outdoor recreation area.

Burdette Park

© Burdette Park

Burdette Park is a 170-acre recreational park outside Evansville, Indiana. This wooded parkland is perfect for hiking, jogging, or biking paved trails where visitors can enjoy a new experience each season. Guests can pick up the main trailhead behind the park’s Discovery Lodge, but there are many other more primitive trails for nature lovers to explore. The park also has rustic chalets for rent with modern amenities as well as a large wooded campground for tents. In summer, park guests will appreciate the Burdette Park Aquatic Center with an Olympic-size pool with two diving boards, a resort-style family pool with slides, and a children’s pool.

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

Children’s Museum of Evansville


Explore hands-on exhibits and interactive play areas designed for kids.

Children’s Museum of Evansville

© Children’s Museum of Evansville

The Children’s Museum of Evansville is located in downtown Evansville. The 18,000-square-foot art deco building houses a dynamic mix of exhibits, galleries, programs, and activities. Families are encouraged to explore the museum together and use the time to interact and bond. Favorite activities at the museum include climbing Moe the two-story Duck, playing a laser harp, having a watery good time at the Wet Deck, and chatting with a talking bust of Mark Twain. The first floor includes the Freedom Gallery, Quack Factory – Wet Deck, and the Work Smart technical and mechanical exhibit. On the second floor, visitors will find the Live Well personal wellness gallery, the Speak Loud music and drama exhibit, and Quack Factory – Upper Deck.

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

Where to Eat

Cross-Eyed Cricket


Visit a cozy restaurant known for home-cooked comfort food and delicious country-style breakfasts.

Cross-Eyed Cricket

© Cross-Eyed Cricket

Cross-Eyed Cricket is an independent family-owned restaurant serving affordable comfort food along the Lloyd Expressway. In fact, they’re so sure guests will agree, that they’ve given their new second location on Main Street the name Comfort by Cross-Eyed Cricket. Diners can expect classic American dishes like soups, salads, fried catfish, burgers, and grilled pork tenderloin. Probably the best time to visit the restaurant though is for breakfast, where diners rave about the biscuits and gravy, pancakes, crepes, skillets, and omelets. A side note on the Tedula family is that each year they open their restaurant on Christmas Eve and offer free meals and a visit with Santa. They’ve also opened a homeless shelter for children.

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

Donut Bank


Taste freshly made donuts, pastries, and coffee at this local favorite spot.

Donut Bank

© Donut Bank

The Donut Bank has been serving up scrumptious donuts, cakes, cookies, brownies, and bagels with a smile since 1967, and today does it from six convenient Evansville locations. Hungry visitors can expect yummy cookies like their turtle cookie, white chocolate macadamia cookie, and fancy iced cookie. They have 17 kinds of doughnuts, plus seven specialty donuts. No ordinary brownies here either, rather they have caramel pecan, M&M, peanut butter, and walnut brownies. Their seven kinds of muffins include two low-fat options – pineapple upside down and apple cinnamon. Those not into sweets can choose from eight styles of bagels. The Donut Bank donates all of their day-old donuts to local shelters and the food bank.

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

Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:

  • Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve – Hike through one of the largest urban old-growth forests in the U.S.
  • Haynie’s Corner Arts District – A walkable hub for art galleries, coffee shops, and live music events.

More Places to Eat

  • Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewery – Local favorite for craft beer and thin-crust pizza in a quirky, historic space.
  • Comfort by the Cross-Eyed Cricket – Hearty Southern-inspired dishes with a creative twist.
  • Bru Burger Bar – Stylish spot downtown for gourmet burgers, fries, and local beer.

If you are interested in local events:

  • West Side Nut Club Fall Festival (October) – One of the largest street festivals in the U.S. with food booths, rides, and parades.
  • ShrinersFest & Airshow (June) – Celebrate Evansville’s riverfront with military aircraft, air stunts, and live music.
  • Downtown Summer Concert Series (Summer) – Free live music performances at various outdoor venues around downtown.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Evansville, Indiana:

  • New Harmony (30 min) – Historic utopian town known for arts, architecture, and peaceful vibes.
  • Angel Mounds State Historic Site (15 min) – Walk ancient Native American earthen mounds and learn about Mississippian culture.
  • Blue Grass Fish & Wildlife Area (25 min) – Go birdwatching, fishing, or hiking in this peaceful natural refuge.
  • Burdette Park (15 min) – Enjoy water slides, trails, and picnic areas in this family-friendly recreation spot.
  • John James Audubon State Park (KY) (20 min) – Just across the river in Henderson, KY, this park has nature trails, a museum, and scenic lake views.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Evansville, IN located?
    • Evansville, IN, the third largest city in the state, is located on the banks of the Ohio River.
  • Why is Evansville a popular tourist destination?
    • It is home to an exciting array of historical and cultural sites, making it a popular tourist destination.
  • Has Evansville received any notable recognition?
    • Once voted the “best city in the country in which ‘to live, work, and play’” by the readers of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, this thriving metropolis serves as headquarters for a number of major corporations.
  • What industries is Evansville known for?
    • Evansville is the Midwestern hub for the healthcare and medical science industries.
  • What are some fun attractions in Evansville?
    • From the Dream Car Museum and Penny Lane Coffee House to Tin Man Brewing Company, there’s no shortage of fun things to see and do.

Map:


Plan Your Trip