Vincennes

Understand

After its founding by the French, the British moved in, calling it Fort Sackville. A revolt took place in 1778, the Brits took it back under control, then, in 1779 George Rogers Clark captured the city (hence the National Park of his name). The city has a university of its namesake, also the oldest in Indiana, and was home to President Harrison in the early 1800s. It was the capital of Indiana from 1800 until 1813.

Getting there

By car Just north of Evansville and south of Terre Haute, Vincennes is in the middle of two major interstates, yet connected by a few interstates. US 150 breaks off from I-70 heading south from Terre Haute to Vincennes. Heading from Evansville? Take I-64 and head north on US 41 right to Vincennes.

By plane Evansville Regional Airport 7801 Bussing Dr. +1 812 421-4401.

Getting around

A car is your best bet, however, walking is good for downtown activities.

See

Outdoors and landmarks 1 Grouseland, 3 W. Scott St, ☏ +1 812-882-2096. President William Henry Harrison built this home in 1803. Harrison was the first governor of Indiana, national war hero, and eventually President. A National Historic Landmark, Harrison named the home Grouseland after the ruffled grouse which were prolific in the area. Tour the mansion and museum home, see personal items, tools of the trade, furniture, campaign memorbilia and more. The house was not only his home, but also territorial headquarters and bunker in times of trouble. A must-see. $2-5. The Old French House, 509 N 1st St (1st & Seminary St), ☏ +1 812-882-7422. This home was built in 1806 and was owned by a French fur trader and interpreter named Michell Brouillet. French Creole architecture, the history of fur trade, and the life of the family that lived there is offered in this interesting look into early Indiana. $1. Vincennes State Historic Site, 1 West Harrison St, ☏ +1 812-882-7422. Although all buildings have been moved to this site from other locations, you may visit one of the oldest government buildings in the Midwest, a replica of the print shop that printed the Indiana Territory's first newspaper and print shop, Maurice Thompson birthplace, and the log cabin visitor center. $1-2. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park The site of the American Revolution take over of Vincennes. National Park and a must see. 2 St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library (The Old Cathedral & Library), 205 Church St, toll-free: +1-800-886-6443. The cathedral is from 1826, and the library is the oldest in the state. The Cathedral is a Catholic landmark, with four bishops buried here, and the nearby cemetery is the final resting place of over 4,000 early Vincennes citizens. The library contains over 10,000 rare books dating back to 1319. Historical and church related artifacts and books, and the main library focus is the history of the Catholic church in America and history of the Northw

Do

Festivals and events Late-May Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous located at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. American Revolution re-enactors gather to perform. Food, drink and crafts from the time are sold and shown. June Vincennes Wine and Arts Festival Held in conjunction with the Red Skelton Celebration yearly event, downtown Vincennes.

Arts Old Town Players, Broadway at 5th St, ☏ +1 812-888-4358. Local theatre troupe. 1 Red Skelton Performing Arts Center. (updated Sep 2019)

Outdoors Gregg Park and Rainbow Beach, 2204 Washington Avenue, ☏ +1 812-882-1140. City park featuring swimming pool, performance space for live music, walking trails, tennis, and greenspace. Free. Ouabache (Wabash) Trails Park, 2500 N. Lower Ft. Knox Rd, ☏ +1 812-882-4316. Ouabache is the French spelling of the American Indian word Wabash. During warm months naturalists are on hand giving tours and discussing the nature of the park, picnic areas, shelterhouses, playgrounds, hiking trails, campgrounds, 4 modern cabins, archery range.

Sports Golf Anyone...? High Pointe Country Club 5723 N Golf Course Rd, Bicknell. +1 812 735-4518. Cypress Hills Golf Club 2715 Washington Ave. +1 812 882-9800.

Other fun Visit the farmers market. 2nd & Busseron. Fresh food, flowers and organic goods as well. Saturday and Wednesday mornings during warm weather. Pick your own apples at Apple Hill Orchard, 6235 Ford Rd, Bruceville, ☏ +1 812-324-9010. Visit this lovely trellis apple orchard and pick your own apples, peaches and nectarines. They also have a gift shop open year round! Cruise the farm stands Hwy 41, throughout Knox County. Hope on the highway and pack some cash, and be prepared, in season, to take your pick from the tons of farm stands that lie along the road. Knox county produces 70% of melons grown in Indy and Illinois combined. Take your choice of fresh fruits and veggies.

Eat

Budget Pea-Fections, 323 Main St, ☏ +1 812-886-5146. Popular lunch spot featuring tasty sandwiches and desserts. Their latte's, soups and flavored sodas. Vegan friendly. 1 Dutch Pantry, 1925 Hart St, ☏ +1 812 895-0903. M-F 9AM - 4:30 PM; Sa 9AM - 2PM; Su closed. Mennonite deli and grocery serving fresh-sliced meat and vegetables on homemade bread. (updated Oct 2024)

Mid-range

Splurge

Drink & nightlife

Wineries Windy Knoll Winery, 845 Atkinson Rd, ☏ +1 812-726-1600. With the majority of their grapes grown onsite, this 37-acre vineyard offers ten types of wine. Tours and tastings available.

Sleep

There are plenty of chains to stay in the area, below is a list of unique and local places to sleep.

Budget Kimmell Park, 2014 Oliphant Dr, ☏ +1 812-882-1140. Campground with 10 RV hookups, countless primitive camps, boating and fishing, located on the Wabash. New Vision RV Park, 13552 N. US Hwy 41, Oaktown, ☏ +1 812-745-2125. 39 RV hookups, fishing lake, gift shop, shower, laundry, internet access and local tours all available. Ouabache (Wabash) Trails Park, 2500 N. Lower Ft. Knox Rd, ☏ +1 812-882-4316. Features four cabin rentals, 35 electric sites, 9 tent sites, picnic area and shelter houses.

Mid-range 1 Comfort Suites, 2555 Hart St, ☏ +1 812-882-2244. Indoor pool, big complimentary breakfast, and a fireplace. (updated Nov 2021)

Splurge