Evansville offers so much promise beyond the tall structures and blinding city lights in this sprawling economic hub.
Dubbed the Pocket City, Evansville also boasts a strategic location near the 900-mile-long Ohio River where you can relax and chill out.
Hidden natural gems further highlight the city’s beauty.
Discover its rich culture and tradition through the historical landmarks carefully preserved for the generations to come.
Take a trip to their local restaurants to have a taste of their cuisine.
Allow yourself to go and seek the best things to do in Evansville, IN with the people you love.
Read on to find out why Evansville is for everyone.
1. USS LST Ship Memorial
610 NW Riverside Drive
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 435-8678
Evansville takes care of the last fully operational landing ship tank that played a huge role in the Second World War—the LST-325.
It was launched in 1942 and subsequently commissioned the following year.
Why You Should Go
LST-325 is one of the unique things to see in Evansville that you should tick off your bucket list.
It’s one thing to see a warship displayed in a museum but it’s an altogether different experience to ride on one.
It may have gone through a series of renovations but the ship has not lost its spirit over the last eight decades.
Private donors and local volunteers have worked together to maintain the ship.
What To Do
Book a tour with your friends and family all year except during Mondays and holidays.
Listen to your tour guide to get to know the significant mark that LST-325 left.
If you would opt for a standard tour, you’ll be able to see the main deck, troop berthing, tank deck, mess deck, galley, and a lot more.
Be ready to walk on stairs to reach all these areas. You can choose the Main Deck Tour if you want a shorter visit.
2. Bosse Field
23 Don Mattingly Way
Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 435-8686
Inaugurated in 1915, Bosse Field is one of the oldest ballparks where professional baseball tournaments are still held up to this modern day.
Why You Should Go
Watching baseball games in a historic field could count as one of the top things to do in Evansville with kids.
It is the third oldest field next to Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
If you’re a film buff, you can also recognize this field as the site of “A League of Their Own” in 1992.
Indeed, Bosse Field does not only give you a chance to witness action-packed games, but it also allows you to be part of its dynamic history.
What To Do
Look forward to some awesome baseball match-ups that will bring your competitive spirit out.
Cheer loudly and proudly for the team you’re rooting for.
On other occasions, the field also transforms into an event space for concerts, festivals, and other special events for you and your friends. Have a blast.
3. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
1545 Mesker Park Drive
Evansville, IN 47720
(812) 435-6143
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden takes great pride in being Indiana’s first zoo.
Not only that, it has obtained an accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, proving its world-class standard for animal management and care
Why You Should Go
Children and adults can learn so much about wildlife conservation through the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.
It strives to merge entertainment and education to bring everyone a memorable experience.
With its affordable admission fee, visiting the zoo is also one of the cheap things to do near you.
What To Do
Go on a day tour around the zoo to meet different species of animals from South America, North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
You’d feel as if you’ve taken a world tour once you finish walking around the park.
Elevate your experience further by trying out their rides and attractions like feeding a giraffe.
If you ever go hungry, you can grab a bite at the Rainforest Grill or the Concessions Cart.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville
4. Tropicana Evansville Casino
421 NW Riverside Drive
Evansville, IN 47708
(800) 342-5386
Tropicana Evansville Casino could satisfy every adult gamer’s dream.
Located in a 45,000-square-foot space, the casino offers an extensive range of games that has enticed thousands of guests over the past years.
It started its operations in 1995 as Casino Aztar.
Why You Should Go
Gaming has never been this exciting.
Tropicana Evansville Casino welcomes you to a gaming haven where you can have a chance to earn money while having fun.
While the casino is open all day long, playing in Tropicana Evansville Casino has been among tourists’ favorite things to do in Evansville at night.
Maybe you should try it, too.
What To Do
Test your luck in the casino’s classic and modern slot machines to see if you can get the right combinations.
Tropicana Evansville Casino has more than a hundred slot machines available.
Guests can also play table games like blackjack, high card flush, roulette, and poker in the casino.
Just be sure to watch your opponent’s every move to have the best night of your life.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Tropicana Evansville
5. Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
411 SE Riverside Drive
Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 425-2406
Arts, history, and science come alive in the Evansville Museum.
It seeks to bind communities together through the preservation of the past and the cultivation of today’s wonders.
Why You Should Go
Evansville knows the importance of various disciplines in shaping the heart, soul, and mind of the younger generations.
Visiting this museum can grant you a special pass to understanding the intricacies of arts, history, and science as well as their tight relationship with each other.
What To Do
It would be best to dedicate a full day to the museum to maximize the whole experience either with your friends, family, or colleagues.
Check out the stunning displays that depict life through art.
Satisfy your yearning for the past through the historical walk showcasing the old Rivertown.
Zoom into the future with the science exhibits in the museum.
The museum also hosts the Koch Immersive Theater—one of the cool attractions in Evansville—where you can rediscover the planet and outer space.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Le Merigot at Tropicana
6. Willard Library
21 First Avenue
Evansville, IN 47710
(812) 425-4309
Willard Library is Indiana’s oldest repository of books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials since it opened in 1885.
It’s a golden sanctuary for researchers, students, and academics in need of materials for their work.
Why You Should Go
There are many nice places to visit in Evansville, including Willard Library.
Beyond its physical beauty, this library can also take you to a magical place where you can learn and enjoy.
Bibliophiles will have a great time inside the library.
Children, on the other hand, can also discover a love for reading through the services available at Willard Library.
Start them young.
What To Do
Attend the library’s reading events to find new people you share a common interest with.
If you have kids who love to read, you can also sign them up for their very own reading program.
Outside the library lies Willard Park, a 3.5-acre space where you can chill out under the trees while reading your favorite book.
Have a calm afternoon rest in this park.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Evansville, IN
7. Children’s Museum of Evansville
22 SE Fifth Street
Evansville, IN 47701
(812) 464-2663
Child-friendly exhibits and galleries can be found inside the 20,000 square feet space of the Children’s Museum of Evansville.
It functions as a non-profit organization in Evansville, IN.
Why You Should Go
No kid would say no to an interactive learning experience.
The Children’s Museum of Evansville could be among the most solid downtown spots to visit to grant your little ones a chance to explore the world.
It can also bring them closer to their fellow kids which can help them develop their social skills.
What To Do
Allow your darlings to try all the nine exhibits inside the museum where they can cook healthy food, build a house, and create art.
Let them experience an actor’s life through the Speak Loud gallery or they can travel back in time through the Amazing Castle.
Science exhibits—such as Fantastic Plastic and the Quack Factory—can also pique their mind.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn by Marriott Evansville West
8. Wesselman Woods Nature Center
551 N Boeke Road
Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 479-0771
Step into the Wesselman Woods to reconnect with the natural world.
It introduces guests to the beauty of the world’s flora and fauna through an exciting outdoor trip suitable for all ages.
The Wesselman Nature Society, a non-profit organization, manages the center’s daily operations. Wesselman Woods was originally founded in 1972.
Why You Should Go
Wesselman Woods could be one of the most perfect sights to see this weekend to regain your focus and find your inner peace.
Traveling with kids would not be much of a hassle because your guides can help you walk along the trail with ease.
There’s also a dedicated nature playscape where your darlings can spend time playing.
What To Do
Wear proper hiking shoes to walk on the trail with ease.
Make sure to follow the lead of your guide and refrain from walking off the trail to not disturb nature’s pristine character.
Take photos of this picturesque natural site you can post on your social media accounts.
It’s also a great way to remember this trip forever.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Evansville
9. Reitz Home Museum
112 Chestnut St.
Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 426-1871
Reitz Home Museum has been widely acclaimed as the finest example of the Second French Empire architecture in the US.
Thanks to the locals’ preservation efforts, this Victorian-era home has stood the test of time, making it one of the most popular places to go today in Evansville.
Why You Should Go
Victorian homes could be a rare find today considering the world’s shift to modern and contemporary types of architecture.
It’s important to look back on the old styles to take inspiration on how to move forward to the future.
Students majoring in architecture can also learn a lot by visiting this precious gem.
What To Do
Join an hour-long tour to know more about this house originally owned by John Augustus Reitz.
Inside the museum, you can still find original furniture, silk-covered walls, and high-painted ceilings that can make you feel like you’re in the 1800s.
Check out the education center on the second level of the Carriage House for a well-rounded trip.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Evansville – West, an IHG Hotel
10. Angel Mounds State Historic Site
8215 Pollack Ave.
Evansville, IN 47715
(812) 853-3956
Situated near the Ohio River, the Angel Mounds State Historic Site offers visitors a reprieve from the busy city life.
Beyond its calm surroundings, the knoll also provides a quick historical journey that can take you as far back as the early 1000s.
Yes, more than a millennium ago.
Why You Should Go
Visit the Angel Mounds if you’re seeking a serene place where the past meets the present.
Satisfy your curiosity about the Mississippian culture and the beginning of modern archaeology in Indiana by visiting this place.
What To Do
Start a relaxing day by taking a hike or a bike ride along the four-mile Angel Mounds Loop Trail.
It’s among the fun things to do in Evansville, Indiana most especially when you’re with the people closest to your heart.
You’ll also be surprised to see stunning scenery at the end of the trail.
It’s breathtaking.
Within the site, you can also explore the interpretive center where you can take quick history and archaeology lessons about the original settlers who lived in the Angel Mounds.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Evansville East
Related: Best Restaurants in Evansville
11. The Eastland Mall
800 N Green River Road
Evansville, IN 47715
(812) 477-7171
The Eastland Mall houses various shopping and dining options where locals and tourists can interact with one another.
Why You Should Go
Find indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold right here in this central community hub.
Clothes for men, women, and children can be found anywhere you look in the mall.
You’ll never go hungry with the exquisite range of restaurants and cafés in this two-level shopping space.
What To Do
Schedule a special meeting with your closest friends to have a quick catch-up.
You can also style each other by buying a new addition to your wardrobe and collection.
Go ahead and purchase gifts for them, too.
Partners can also schedule their date night in any restaurant to complete romantic things to do in Evansville for couples.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Evansville East
Also See:
Things to Do in Indianapolis
Things to Do in Fort Wayne, IN
12. Evansville African American Museum
579 Garvin Street
Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 423-5188
Institutions like the Evansville African American Museum serve as a bastion of the country’s rich history.
It recognizes the significant contributions of African Americans throughout time.
Why You Should Go
African Americans deserve credit for all the positive things they have done in society.
Get to know them better as this museum puts a spotlight on their past, culture, and tradition we should all be cognizant of.
In addition, the museum also stands as a permanent artifact as the last building of the Lincoln Gardens housing project built in 1938.
What To Do
View the museum’s extensive collection featuring the intricate past of African American communities in Indiana.
It has a particular section that focuses on the late 1930s era.
Visit the modern area of the museum where local artists can promote their work and hold cultural events to knit the community together.
Consider donating to the museum to support some of their causes, which includes providing scholarships to African-American students.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Drury Inn & Suites Evansville East
13. Hartman Arboretum
5939 Spirit Trl
Evansville, IN 47720
(812) 963-5418
Founded in 2001, Hartman Arboretum blooms as a soothing paradise for people who love plants and the environment.
It hosts 10 educational divisions where you can discover more about trees and flowers all around the world.
Why You Should Go
Kids and adults can have a fun time staring at the lovely flowers and plants in the arboretum.
You can also find native trees to Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky inside the botanical garden.
Tree-focused professionals have also accredited the Hartman Arboretum for its excellent efforts in maintaining the gardens.
What To Do
Open yourself to some of the free things to do in Evansville by visiting the arboretum.
Enjoy the mesmerizing Wildlife Garden as butterflies surround you.
Some sections also feature a woodland garden, a blueberry patch, oak trees, shrubs, as well as a memorial garden.
Capture the moment with nice photographs.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn by Marriott Evansville West
Related: Indiana: Places to Visit
14. Burdette Park
5301 Nurrenbern Road
Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 435-5602
Burdette Park allows families to be one with nature within their 170-acre facility.
It provides a man-made pool facility, numerous shelters, and a venue space to relax and enjoy.
Why You Should Go
Visiting Evansville during the summer?
Take off the summer heat by splashing into the Aquatic Center, the largest of its kind in the Midwest.
If your family wants to hold a special event, try booking the O’Day Discovery Lodge which is dubbed as the crown jewel of Vanderburgh County.
It’s spacious, engaging, and beautifully styled.
What To Do
Slide into the fun with your whole clan by spending a day or two inside this water park facility.
Choose your shelter from 19 different options depending on your family size and needs.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Evansville – West, an IHG Hotel
15. Gattitown Evansville
316 N Green River Road
Evansville, IN 47715
(812) 473-3800
Gattitown Evansville has been bringing smiles to people’s faces since 1969.
Not only does it serve you with delectable pizza, but this place also functions as a game and entertainment center for you and the kids.
Why You Should Go
Food and games, especially for kids, should not be taken away from each other.
Let your kids fill in their tummy while trying out fun arcade games inside Gattitown.
Prizes await them if they play their games well.
Good luck!
What To Do
Schedule your children’s birthday party in Gattitown to let them experience a unique celebration they could not forget about.
Invite their close friends and relatives to the party for better entertainment and bonding on a special day.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Evansville
Also See:
South Bend Activities
16. Tin Man Brewing Co.
1430 W. Franklin St.
Evansville, IN 47719
(812) 618-3227
Minimize waste, maximize taste—this is the motivation that has driven Tin Man Brewing Co. into doing business since 2012.
It’s a special brewery in Indiana that pays close attention to the environment through its responsible conservation ways.
Why You Should Go
Beer lovers who have a big heart for nature would not be conflicted at all in this local pub.
Tin Man Brewing Co. has strongly committed to an innovative process of crafting beers.
It uses a high-efficiency brewing system to conserve water and energy in making the drinks you love.
Packages come in aluminum cans which can easily be recycled afterward.
What To Do
Spend quality time with your best buddies to just loosen up after a long day of work.
If you still want to hang out after a few drinks, you can easily find cheap activities to do near you, thanks to this pub’s awesome location.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Evansville Airport
17. Walther’s Golf & Fun
2301 N First Avenue
Evansville, IN 47710
(812) 464-4472
Walther’s Golf & Fun allows golfers-wanna-be to test their athletic skills in a miniature facility.
Other activities such as laser tag and arcade games are also available for everyone.
Why You Should Go
In this golf facility, you can choose between an indoor and an outdoor setup to put your skills and swing to the test.
It mimics the look of a real golf course with wide green patches and lush green trees, giving you the vibe that you need in the game.
Go and check out one of the best things to do in Evansville, IN.
What To Do
Young children can play golf with their friends and family on a bright and sunny day.
They can also have a blast playing laser tag for an awesome recreational activity with the whole bunch.
Compete with each other in cool arcade games where you can get awesome prizes like plushies, toys, and so much more.
If you ever get hungry, the Coconut Café comes to the rescue with some pizza, chips, fries, and refreshing drinks.
Recharge before stepping back into action.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Le Merigot at Tropicana
Evansville Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for 2024
- USS LST Ship Memorial
- Bosse Field
- Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
- Tropicana Evansville Casino
- Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science
- Willard Library
- Children’s Museum of Evansville
- Wesselman Woods Nature Center
- Reitz Home Museum
- Angel Mounds State Historic Site
- The Eastland Mall
- Evansville African American Museum
- Hartman Arboretum
- Burdette Park
- Gattitown Evansville
- Tin Man Brewing Co.
- Walther’s Golf & Fun
