Things to Do in Evansville Indiana: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Evansville curves around a bend of the Ohio River in southern Indiana. It's a friendly, unpretentious city with a historic riverfront, Victorian neighbourhoods and one of the oldest old-growth forests in an American city.
This guide shows how to spend a few days here and use the city as a base for Lincoln country, New Harmony and Holiday World.
Top things to see in Evansville
Riverfront and Pigeon Creek Greenway
A paved trail follows the Ohio River and creek, with sunset views over the water and the Kentucky shore.
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden
A historic zoo with an Amazonian rainforest exhibit and a Kley Family Africa section.
Evansville Museum and Koch Planetarium
Art, local history and an immersive planetarium on the riverfront.
LST-325
A World War II tank landing ship, still seaworthy, that you can tour from deck to engine room.
Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Earthen mounds of a Mississippian town occupied around 1,000 years ago, with a reconstructed village and trails.
Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve
Rare old-growth forest inside city limits, with towering trees and a nature center.
Reitz Home Museum
A grand Victorian mansion with original furnishings and stained glass.
Evansville in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Riverfront city
Evansville Museum and planetarium, riverfront walk, LST-325 tour and dinner in Haynie's Corner Arts District.
2Day 2 · Nature and history
Angel Mounds in the morning, Wesselman Woods in the afternoon, then a game at historic Bosse Field.
3Day 3 · Victorian Evansville
Reitz Home Museum, the Riverside historic district and Mesker Park Zoo.
Evansville in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Holiday World
Drive to Santa Claus, Indiana for wooden roller coasters and the Splashin' Safari waterpark.
5Day 5 · Lincoln country
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Lincoln State Park.
Evansville in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · New Harmony
Utopian community history, the Roofless Church and labyrinths.
7Day 7 · Kentucky side
Cross the river to Henderson's riverfront and Audubon State Park.
What to do in Evansville on a weekend
Saturday: museum, riverfront and LST-325. Sunday: Angel Mounds and brunch in Haynie's Corner.
What to do in Evansville in the evening
Catch a minor-league game, live music at bars in Haynie's Corner or the casino on the riverfront. In October, the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival takes over Franklin Street.
Evansville for couples
Walk the riverfront at sunset, dine in a historic district and spend a quiet day in New Harmony.
Evansville with kids
The zoo, the planetarium, Holiday World and the LST-325 are big wins with kids.
Practical tips for Evansville
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October. Summers are hot and humid; Holiday World is open roughly May to October.
Getting around
Evansville Regional Airport is close to town. A car is the easiest way to reach the regional sights.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Holiday World from Evansville?
About 45 minutes by car.
Can you tour the LST-325 ship?
Yes, when it's docked in Evansville; check seasonal hours.
What is Evansville known for?
The Ohio River, the Fall Festival and Angel Mounds.