Vincennes IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vincennes, Indiana.
1. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
HISTORIC REVOLUTIONARY WAR MONUMENT
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park commemorates the capture of Fort Sackville from the British during the Revolutionary War with an impressive monument. Visitors can explore the memorial and learn about this pivotal moment in American history that helped secure the Northwest Territory for the young nation. The park offers educational exhibits and beautiful grounds along the Wabash River, making it one of Vincennes' most significant historical attractions.
2. Grouseland (William Henry Harrison Mansion)
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC HOME
Grouseland, the mansion of President William Henry Harrison, showcases Federal-style architecture and served as his residence while he was governor of the Indiana Territory. The historic home, named for the abundance of grouse in the area, offers visitors a glimpse into early 19th century life and the career of America's ninth president. Tours of this beautifully preserved mansion reveal original furnishings and artifacts that highlight an important chapter in Indiana's territorial history.
3. Indiana Military Museum
EXTENSIVE MILITARY HISTORY COLLECTION
The Indiana Military Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of military items in the Midwest, spanning multiple conflicts from the Revolutionary War to modern times. Visitors can view rare vehicles, uniforms, weapons, and personal artifacts that tell the story of American military history. The museum's impressive displays include both indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring tanks, aircraft, and artillery pieces that provide an immersive historical experience.
4. Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
CELEBRATING COMEDY HERITAGE
The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy honors Vincennes native and comedy legend Red Skelton with interactive exhibits showcasing his life, career, and impact on entertainment. Visitors can enjoy displays featuring memorabilia from his movies, TV shows, and personal life that highlight his seven-decade career. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through American comedy history while celebrating one of the nation's most beloved entertainers who was known for characters like Freddie the Freeloader and Clem Kadiddlehopper.
5. Old Cathedral Church
HISTORIC CATHOLIC BASILICA
The Old Cathedral Church, officially the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, stands as the oldest church in Indiana and an important landmark in the state's Catholic heritage. This historic basilica features beautiful architecture, stunning stained glass, and houses the burial sites of four of Vincennes' first bishops in the crypt beneath the church. Visitors can tour this magnificent structure to appreciate its religious significance and historical importance to the region since its establishment in the early 1700s.
6. Vincennes State Historic Sites
TERRITORIAL CAPITAL COMPLEX
The Vincennes State Historic Sites preserve Indiana's territorial heritage through a collection of important historic buildings including the Original Territory Capitol Building. Visitors can explore the Jefferson Academy, Elihu Stout Print Shop, and the 1809 French House to experience life in early Indiana. This collection of sites offers an immersive journey into the region's past when Vincennes served as the first territorial capital before Indiana achieved statehood.
7. Fort Knox II
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Knox II represents an important military outpost established in 1803 to protect the Indiana Territory during its formative years. This historic site allows visitors to walk the grounds where soldiers once trained and lived while defending the frontier. Educational markers throughout the site explain the fort's strategic significance and its role in early American western expansion.
8. Vincennes Riverwalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT PATH
The Vincennes Riverwalk offers a peaceful promenade along the banks of the historic Wabash River with beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape. Visitors can stroll this scenic pathway that connects several of the city's attractions while enjoying recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The well-maintained walking path provides informational markers about the river's significance to transportation, commerce, and the development of Vincennes throughout its history.
9. Ouabache Trails Park
NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Ouabache Trails Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with miles of hiking paths through diverse natural habitats and scenic woodlands. The park features various recreational facilities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation throughout its expansive grounds. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while exploring the natural beauty that has drawn people to the Vincennes area for centuries.
10. Old Cathedral Library and Museum
INDIANA'S OLDEST LIBRARY
The Old Cathedral Library and Museum houses Indiana's oldest library collection, dating back to the early 19th century with rare volumes and historical documents. Visitors can view precious artifacts from the region's French, British, and early American periods displayed in this historic building adjacent to the basilica. The collection includes original manuscripts, antique religious items, and educational exhibits that illuminate the cultural and intellectual history of early Indiana Territory.
11. Lincoln Memorial Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Lincoln Memorial Bridge spans the Wabash River, commemorating Abraham Lincoln's crossing into Illinois as he migrated west with his family in 1830. This historic bridge connects Indiana and Illinois while offering scenic views of the river that has shaped the region's development. Visitors can walk or drive across this significant landmark that honors one of America's most revered presidents and his connection to the Vincennes area.
12. McGrady Brockman House
PRESERVED HISTORIC RESIDENCE
The McGrady Brockman House stands as a beautifully preserved historic residence showcasing the architectural styles and domestic life of 19th century Vincennes. Visitors can tour this elegant home to see period furnishings and decorative arts that represent the lifestyle of prominent families during the city's development. The house serves as an educational resource for understanding domestic history and the social structure of this important Indiana river town.
13. Old State Bank
HISTORIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
The Old State Bank building represents one of Indiana's earliest financial institutions and an excellent example of early 19th century commercial architecture. Visitors can explore this historic structure to learn about early banking practices and the economic development of the Indiana Territory. The preserved interior offers insights into the financial systems that helped establish Vincennes as an important economic center in the region's formative years.
14. Gregg Park
HISTORIC PUBLIC GREEN SPACE
Gregg Park provides a beautiful historic green space in the heart of Vincennes with mature trees, walking paths, and recreational facilities for visitors and residents. The park features historic structures including a bandstand and memorial monuments that reflect the community's heritage and civic pride. Visitors can enjoy this peaceful urban oasis that has served as a center for public gatherings, celebrations, and outdoor enjoyment throughout Vincennes' long history.
15. Rainbow Beach Aquatics Center
FAMILY WATER RECREATION FACILITY
The Rainbow Beach Aquatics Center offers refreshing summer fun with its swimming pools, water slides, and splash features for visitors of all ages. Families can enjoy a full day of aquatic recreation with facilities designed for both active play and relaxation in a safe, supervised environment. The center provides a welcome recreational opportunity during hot Indiana summers and serves as a popular gathering place for local residents and tourists alike.