Take a Hike
Need some fresh air? The Evansville Region has tons of hiking and biking trails that can be used for rigorous exercise or a slow walk through nature.
Wesselman Woods
Wesselman Woods is the largest tract of old-growth forest within City limits in the United States. Here, you can choose from one of the 12 short hiking trails, or combine them all for a 4.08 mile trek. Trail access is free from 7:30-9am Tuesday through Friday, and children three years and under are free. On the last Saturday of the month, admission is free to everyone!
Howell Wetlands
Wesselman Woods also manages the Howell Wetlands on Evansville’s West side. Howell Wetlands is one of only five urban wetland parks in Indiana. Admission to enjoy the 2 miles of walking trails, wooden walkways, and bridges is free.
USI Burdette Trail
This three-mile paved trail is an exciting route that allows you to witness the natural beauty of Southwestern Indiana. The trailresults fromf a partnership between the University of Southern Indiana and Burdette Park, and is a designated destination point of the American Discovery Trail. If you’re more of a bike rider, the trail is entirely bicycle-friendly and always free to enjoy.
If you start the route at USI, be sure to stop at Burdette Park to enjoy the free pickleball, tennis, and playground courts.
Angel Mounds
At Angel Mounds, you can “walk in the footsteps of legends”. This historic site is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Newburgh, Indiana and is one of the best-preserved, pre-contact Native American sites in North America.
Hiking the nearly 4 mile Angel Mounds Loop Trail is always free. As you’re walking, take in the stunning scenery and experience a slice of architectural history.
Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area
Located off New Harmony Road in Elberfeld, Indiana, the Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area is just minutes from the City of Evansville. This area is popular for fishing, bird watching, and hunting; but many choose to hike, bike, and jog the area to take advantage of the gorgeous views.
Sunset Skatepark
How cool is this? Evansville is home to the largest concrete skatepark in Indiana! Sunset Skatepark is a free public skatepark open daily from 5am-11pm. The 27,000 square foot park is located on the Downtown Evansville Riverfront, right next to the Mickey’s Kingdom playground, and is open to all wheels including skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates, and bikes. Sunset Skatepark has two bowls, a flat derby track, and a large street skate area.
Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science
The Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science is located in an eye-catching building off of Downtown Evansville’s Riverfront. The museum displays both permanent and rotating exhibits ranging from highlights of highly influential artists, wartime education, Evansville history, and more. In the Koch Immersive Theater, you can explore space and the wonder of our amazing planet.The gallery and EMTRAC are free from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every first Friday of the month. Kids three and under are always free.
Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Garden
Hundreds of animals call Evansville’s West side “home” at Mesker Park Zoo. This 45-acre zoo aims at teaching visitors about animals of Africa, South America, Asia, North America, and Australia.
During the winter months, admission is discounted for everyone, and kids two years and under are free year round. While you’re there, you can enjoy a free keeper penguin presentation at the Zoo’s newest exhibit: Penguins of Patagonia.
For teens, Mesker Park Zoo has a great “Zoo Teens” program that teaches teens ages 14-18 important life skills, while completing different zoo tasks. Volunteering at the zoo has value and is totally free!
Lou Dennis Community Park
The Lou Dennis Community Park in Newburgh, Indiana is just a short drive from anywhere in Evansville. This park has a lot of free things to do! The newest attraction, the Splash Pad, features slides, buckets of water that dump on your head, huge water “guns”, and water that shoots up from the ground. All Summer long, the Splash Pad is free to everyone!
After you get wet, dry off on the playground, have a picnic under one of the covered shelters, or play sand volleyball.
Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana
The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana advocates for and promotes the arts, arts education, and arts organizations in Southwestern Indiana. Every art exhibit is free to view during regular business hours.
But wait, there's more! All events, including The Roof concerts and Creative Exploration Days, are free to attend. Located on Main Street in Downtown Evansville, the building itself has a must-see rooftop with one of the best views in town!
Witness a Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8th, 2024 at approximately 2:02pm the Evansville area will experience a total solar eclipse lasting over three minutes! Join the community on Riverside Drive for a Total Solar Eclipse party that is completely free to attend! Riverside Drive will be closed during the event to give you a safe place to view the show. Although the event is free, don’t forget to protect your eyes with solar eclipse glasses!
The Hills Church Community Center
The Hills Church, on Evansville’s East side has a beautiful community center that is open to everyone, church members and non-church members. The Hills Church Community Center includes a huge indoor playscape for kids up to 12 years old, a full coffee bar, and a lounge area with comfortable couches, tables, and free Wifi. There is no charge to play in the indoor playscape, play indoor basketball, and relax, but donations are a great way to show your appreciation! The Community Center is open Monday-Tuesday 8a-7p, Wednesday 8a-5p, Thursday-Saturday 8a-7p, and closed on Sunday.
Local Public Libraries
Beyond books, the library is a vibrant community hub, fostering connection and engagement. Join a book club to discuss captivating reads with fellow bibliophiles, attend author talks to gain insights into the creative process, or participate in workshops to pick up new skills. Whether you seek quiet contemplation or lively interactions, the library offers a welcoming space for all.
Find the library branch closest to you:
Evansville Vanderburgh
Master Gardener Display Gardens
For a serene, eye-opening activity, the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association invites you to tour their beautiful display gardens at your leisure. Self-guided tours are free everyday! The Display Gardens span just over 1.2 acres and include grass, pollinator, Japanese, shade, sensory gardens and much more. If you prefer a guided tour, you can schedule one for eight people or more, also at no charge.
The Gardens are located off the Lloyd Expressway between Stockwell Road and Vann Road, right next to the Eykamp Boy Scout Center.
Downtown Evansville Events
Every year, Downtown Evansville hosts several free community events on Main Street. There’s something for everyone! Bring your furry friends to Dog Day Downtown, head to the Riverfront for a free huge fireworks display on July 4th, or put your best costume on for the annual Halloween Stroll with free candy, crafts, and more!
Keep tabs on the Downtown Evansville website for event dates and details. You don’t want to miss a thing.
Ready, Set, Explore!
We’ve only scratched the surface! There are so many more budget-friendly, fun, and educational things to do in the Evansville area. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor, you can experience a little Midwest Magic without spending a dime.
