10 Things You Simply Have to Do in Evansville
1. Eat your heart out at the Fall Fest 🥨
The West Side Nut Club Fall Festival is the true fry-light of autumn in our region. As the second-largest street festival in the country, it serves up nearly anything you can imagine, as long as it is deep-fried. Grab a corn dog, a brain sandwich (if you are feeling brave), and soak up a century of local pride.
2. Catch a game at historic Bosse Field ⚾️
There’s no crying in baseball, but you might shed a happy tear visiting the third-oldest ballpark in the United States. Famously featured in the movie A League of Their Own, Bosse Field is currently home to the Evansville Otters. Grab a hot dog and enjoy a game under the stadium lights.
3. Hunt for the Grey Lady at Willard Library 👻
Looking for a scarily good time? Willard Library is Indiana’s oldest public library building, but it is best known for its permanent resident: the Grey Lady. Legend has it this ghostly apparition loves roaming the stacks. Stop by to read a good book, or go on a quick ghost hunt of your own.
4. Watch a breathtaking riverfront sunset 🌇
You simply cannot beat the breathtaking views along the Ohio Riverfront. Take a leisurely evening stroll along the paved Greenway Passage as the sky turns orange and pink. If you prefer your sunsets with a side of adrenaline, bring your wheels to the nearby Sunset Skatepark, the largest concrete skatepark in Indiana!
5. Dine with history at The Log Inn 🍗
Craving some serious meat-and-potatoes comfort food? Head just north of town to The Log Inn, the oldest restaurant in Indiana. It was built back in 1825, and you betcha Abraham Lincoln actually stopped here in 1844. The family-style fried chicken and endless sides are positively legendary and leave you with that post-meal carb buzz that Midwesterners are known for.
6. Take a tree-mendous hike at Wesselman Woods 🌳
Nature lovers, this one is right up your alley. Wesselman Woods is the largest tract of old-growth forest located entirely within city limits in the entire country. Hike through miles of peaceful trails, say hello to the local wildlife, and forget about the cornfields for a while.
7. Step aboard the USS LST-325 ⚓️
History buffs will have a field day touring this fully operational piece of American history. Docked right on our riverfront, the LST-325 is a massive WWII Navy tank landing ship that actually served at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Taking a guided tour is an absolute must.
8. Wander the prehistoric Angel Mounds 👣
Walk in the footsteps of legends at this stunning historic site in Newburgh. Angel Mounds is one of the best-preserved, pre-contact Native American sites in North America. The four-mile hiking loop offers gorgeous scenery and a fascinating look into the lives of the Middle Mississippians who lived here a thousand years ago.
9. Soak up the artsy vibes at Haynie’s Corner 🎨
If you want to experience the coolest pocket of the city, head over to the Haynie's Corner Arts District. The beautiful historic architecture is matched only by the fantastic local eateries, quirky bars, and vibrant street art. Check it out during a First Friday event for maximum fun.
10. Visit the wild residents at Mesker Park Zoo 🐧
Home to hundreds of animals from across the globe, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden guarantees a great afternoon for the whole family. Walk through the lush Amazonia exhibit, say hi to the monkeys, and make sure to visit the adorable stars of the Penguins of Patagonia habitat.
Ready to Start Checking Off Your Local Bucket List?
This region is proof positive that you don’t need to travel the globe to find some pretty darn amazing things to do. We’ve only scratched the surface of what the Evansville Region has to offer, but this list will definitely get your adventures moving in the right direction. Keep those dollars local, invite a friend along, and get ready to experience a little Midwest magic for yourself.
