Hoosier traditions add a unique slant to your trip to the towns of this region, while the forest offers a serene spot for a picnic beside old buffalo grounds.
Visit Southern Indiana to discover a region with proud traditions and a varied topography. Its cities are known for the famous Hoosier culture, while Hoosier National Forest is among the leafy preserves that show off the area’s scenic hills and valleys. Travel through the southern part of this Midwestern state for insights into its exceptional culture and terrain.
Arrive in the largest city in the region, Evansville, for a sense of local culture. Bring the kids to the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, before watching a game of baseball at Bosse Field. This is one of the oldest baseball arenas in the U.S., having been inaugurated in 1915. Check out the USS LST Ship Memorial docked along the Ohio River, taking a look around what is the last fully operational World War II Landing Ship in the country.
For less urban activities, explore Hoosier National Forest. Set out on trails meandering up and down the park’s hills or try horseback riding, fishing or camping.
Follow the Buffalo Trace route across the southern part of the state. Long before major settlements, buffalo and Native American people lived in these areas. Find information at the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville. Marengo Cave and Patoka Lake State Park offer other outdoor adventures.
Plan an eclectic family trip to French Lick, with casinos and spas for adults and the French Lick Scenic Railway for kids of any age. Purchase candy from one of the country’s oldest family-owned candy companies in Jeffersonville and visit an Amish village in Montgomery.
Southern Indiana is separated from Kentucky by the Ohio River. Arrive at Indianapolis International Airport and drive south for 165 miles (265 kilometers) to reach Evansville in less than 3 hours. Louisville, Kentucky, is just across the river. Explore the surroundings for nearby cities such as Cincinnati, Lexington and Nashville across state borders. The region has a distinctive Hoosier culture, as well as a varied and picturesque topography.