Evansville is a city with lots of cool stuff to see and do, just like the bigger city up north that everyone goes to. Whether you like history, art, nature or fun, Evansville has options.
This blog post will tell us about 31 fun things to do in this place.
1. Visit the USS LST Ship Memorial
The USS LST Ship Memorial is a historic boat that helped soldiers during World War 2 and the Korean War. It is one of the few boats left like it in the world and the only one that still works.
From May until October, you can check out the boat, learn about its past, and find out more about the people on it and where they went.
2. Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science
The Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science shows cool art, history, and science stuff about that area and other places too. The museum has exhibits you can always see and some that change sometimes. It also has a planetarium, a theater where you feel like you’re somewhere else, and sculptures outside.
3. Bosse Field
Bosse Field was built in 1915 and is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in America. It’s where the Evansville Otters team plays, they’re part of the Frontier League.
From May to September, you can go see the Otters play and have a fun time. Bosse Field feels like the old baseball parks and you can get food and other fun there. They also do concerts, festivals, and movies at the stadium.
4. Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve covers 200 acres and is a big forest with old trees, known as one of the largest in America. This place in the city is like an oasis and has hiking trails, seeing wildlife, and learning about nature.
At the nature center, you can check out exhibits, meet live animals, and buy special things. People of all ages and abilities can do guided walks, camps, and classes about nature.
Wesselman Woods is open every day and lets members and kids under 3 come for free.
5. Bally’s Evansville
As the first casino in Indiana, Bally’s Evansville is a popular place for fun. The casino has over 1,100 slot machines, 30 table games, a room just for poker, and a sportsbook for people who like betting on sports.
Besides gambling, guests can use the hotel services, eat at different restaurants, relax in bars, and see live performances. A rewards program with discounts and free play makes it more exciting.
6. Burdette Park
Burdette Park is a fun park for all ages that has lots to do. The water park has a wave pool, lazy river, and water slides for getting wet and cooling off.
You can also play mini golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and disc golf. You can rent shelters, cabins, and other places which makes it great for parties and get-togethers with friends and family.
Burdette Park is open all year but costs differ depending on the time of year and what you do.
7. Children’s Museum of Evansville
The Children’s Museum of Evansville is an interactive, hands-on museum made for kids to learn while playing. It has three floors with fun exhibits like a climbing area, water table, maker space to build things, and a real bee hive.
The museum holds different events, programs, and camps for kids of all ages and abilities. You can visit Tuesday through Sunday. Members and children under 18 months can come for free.
8. Willard Library
The Willard Library has been around Indiana the longest as a public library and is an Evansville landmark. It was made in 1885 and is in a Victorian Gothic style building. It’s known for the “Grey Lady” ghost story.
People can check out the big collection of books, newspapers, magazines, and family history stuff. The library also does tours, book clubs, story times for kids, and different activities for all ages and interests.
9. Old National Events Plaza
The Old National Events Plaza in Evansville can be set up lots of ways for different types of gatherings. It has a convention center, exhibit hall, big room for dancing, and a theater.
People can see concerts, shows, comedy acts, musical plays and other performances there. The plaza also puts on performances by the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Ballet, and Civic Theatre.
It’s open every day and event ticket prices are different amounts.
10. Main Street
Main Street in downtown Evansville is a lively, fun place to go especially at night. You can find all kinds of bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants there with live music, karaoke singing contests, and quiz nights.
11. Eastland Mall
Eastland Mall is the biggest shopping place in Evansville and nearby states. It has over 130 stores, restaurants, and services with famous names like Macy’s, JCPenney, Dillard’s, and Target.
You can find all kinds of stuff there like the latest styles, gadgets, and home goods. The food court has yummy options and you can ride the merry-go-round or play games in the arcade too.
The mall is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.
12. Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden is one of the oldest and biggest zoos in Indiana. It’s a really special place in Evansville that people love. The zoo has over 700 animals from all over the world like giraffes, lions, tigers, and monkeys.
The botanic garden there shows a huge collection of over 45,000 plants, flowers, and trees. Folks can also take train rides, ride the merry-go-round, play at the playground, and shop in the gift shop.
The zoo is open every day. Adults pay $10 to get in and kids are $8.
13. Garvin Park
People like to do things there like fishing in the lake, boating, having picnics, and watching birds. The park also has a special monument for President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous speech about Four Freedoms.
14. Showplace Cinemas
Showplace Cinemas is a really popular movie theater around Evansville and nearby towns. They show all kinds of movies from big new hits to old favorites to indie films and special showings. The theaters have nice modern features like comfy reclining seats, picking your own seats before, digital pictures, and Dolby sound.
They also have an IMAX theater, a 4DX theater that moves with the movie, and a Family Entertainment Center with games. The cinemas are open daily and ticket prices depend on the movie and which theater you see it in.
15. Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Angel Mounds is a very special place that’s real important to learn about. It’s one of the best kept Native American places in the whole country from long ago. This historic site was once home to the Mississippian people from 1000 AD to 1400 AD. Folks can still see 11 big earthen mounds they made, a plaza, a stockade, and where their village was.
Visitors get to explore dig sites, see rebuilt buildings, and look at artifacts. The center has exhibits, a movie theater, and a gift shop.
16. Evansville African American Museum
It shows exhibits, artifacts, pictures, and videos telling stories of folks, places, and things that made the city what it is.
Visitors can also take part in their programs, workshops, and events for all ages and backgrounds. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Adults pay $5 to go in and kids are $3.
17. Franklin Street Bazaar
The Downtown Evansville Farmers Market on Franklin Street is a fun place to go every Saturday from June to September. Over 100 sellers come to show off their fresh fruits and veggies, baked treats, crafts, and more.
Come down and enjoy live music, tasty food truck grub, and cool kids’ activities. It’s a really fun time for the whole family! The market runs from 9 am to 1 pm and the best part is it’s free to get in.
18. The Koch Planetarium
The Koch Planetarium at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science is a really cool place for learning about space. They show neat shows about our solar system, wildlife in space, and stars around the world. Guests also get to watch the night sky over Evansville and find out about star shapes, planets, and space things.
The planetarium is open Tuesday to Sunday. Adults pay $5 while the price for kids is $3.
19. Evansville Escape Room
Inside a room based on a cool theme, your group has just one hour to work together solving puzzles, finding clues, and escaping.
They have different rooms to choose from like The Heist, The Cabin, and The Lab. You’ll need to reserve your spot ahead of time since it’s open every day.
The Escape Room costs $25 per person and you have to be at least 10 years old.
20. Howell Wetlands
The Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve sounds like a really cool place to check out! Spread over 35 acres, it’s home to all sorts of plants and animals living in the wetlands. Boardwalks and trails let visitors explore while learning about the ecosystem from signs.
The park also has the 1874 Howell Railroad Depot, a historic building that’s now a visitor center. Best of all, the nature preserve is open from sunrise to sunset every day – and it’s free to visit!
21. Victory Theatre
The Victory Theatre, a gem since 1921, is a key feature of the Ford Center complex. It has a storied past. People come here for a variety of shows. You can catch concerts, laugh at comedies, enjoy operas, or be moved by symphonies.
Groups like the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Evansville Ballet, and Evansville Civic Theatre often perform here. They’re well-known and bring their best to the stage. The theatre opens its doors every day. Ticket prices change depending on what’s happening. Everyone’s welcome to experience the magic of live performances.
22. Oak Meadow Golf Club
Oak Meadow Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise. It boasts a scenic 18-hole course that’s both beautiful and tough.
The landscape is a dream with its hills, ponds, and bunkers. Ancient trees line the fairways, adding to the charm.
There’s more than just golf. The clubhouse is a cozy spot to relax. The pro shop has all the gear you need. There’s a practice area for honing your game. And the food? It’s just delicious.
It’s open to members every single day. Want to join? There are different memberships to fit your style.
23. Evansville Wartime Museum
The Evansville Wartime Museum is a window into the city’s role in World War II and the Korean War. It’s filled with artifacts, vehicles, and aircraft that tell the story of the local war effort.
The museum is proud to showcase the P-47 Thunderbolt, LST 325, and C-47 Skytrain. These are iconic planes with ties to Evansville’s past.
Visitors are welcome from Friday to Sunday. Adults pay $10, while kids get in for $5.
24. Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage
This trail stretches for 6.75 miles and connects parks, homes, and city highlights. It’s perfect for biking, walking, jogging, or skating. You’ll find peace here for sure. Getting on the trail is easy. Just head to Sunset Park, Garvin Park, or Lamasco Park.
25. Farmer and Frenchman Winery
It is a small, family-owned winery where you can taste and buy their delicious, award-winning wines. The winery is set on a beautiful 15-acre farm that’s perfect for a charming and romantic wine experience.
When you visit, you can try their different wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rosé at their tasting room. There, you can also enjoy some tasty food, take in the stunning views, and listen to live music at their cozy café.
If you want to extend your stay, they offer comfortable accommodations in their cabins, cottages, or barn loft right at the winery. The winery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, but it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
26. New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art
The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is a gallery that exhibits and promotes contemporary art by local, regional, and national artists. The gallery features rotating exhibits, artist talks, workshops, and receptions.
You can also buy original artwork, prints, and books at the gallery. The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free.
29. Tri-State Speedway
The Tri-State Speedway in Evansville is a dirt track that has thrilling races and events, a 1/4 mile oval track, 1/8 mile drag strip, and a 1/10 mile go-kart track.
At the speedway, you can watch exciting races like sprint cars, late models, modifieds, and street stocks. Additionally, you can enjoy concessions, a beer garden, and fireworks.
The speedway is open from April to October.
Final Words
Evansville, Indiana, is a vibrant city teeming with diverse attractions and activities. This blog post has explored 31 exciting things to do in Evansville in 2023, ranging from historical sites and museums to outdoor adventures and cultural events.
Whether it’s stepping back in time at the USS LST Ship Memorial, experiencing the arts at the Evansville Museum, enjoying sports at Bosse Field, exploring nature at Wesselman Woods, or engaging in family fun at the Children’s Museum, Evansville offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Each activity highlights the city’s unique blend of history, culture, nature, and entertainment, ensuring that every visitor and local finds something to enjoy.
