Vincennes, Indiana travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Vincennes is a city in Southwestern Indiana. Vincennes is the oldest town in Indiana. It was founded in 1732 as a French fur trading post. The city's history is unique compared to any other Midwestern town, and the historical relevance is plentiful. The nice thing about Vincennes is that things are close together, within blocks at times, and cheap. You can eat, drink and learn on a very small budget.

11 sights · 5 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Vincennes

Grouseland

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library

Lincoln Memorial Bridge

Vincennes University

Vincennes is one of two of the first two-year universities, and it's older than the state of Indiana. It was founded in 1801 as Jefferson Academy by future president William Henry Harrison, making it one of two colleges …

Pantheon Theatre

Built in the 1920s, and eventually closed, sixty years later this museum is a landmark, and being renovated. This is where Red Skelton got his big break. Call for tours.

The Old French House

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 th…

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 28°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Louisville)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
EVV Evansville Regional Airport, Evansville — 44 mi away. Directions
OWB Owensboro Daviess County Airport, Owensboro — 68 mi away. Directions
IND Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis — 97 mi away (major hub). Directions

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.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 3-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Grouseland, Vincennes University, Red Skelton Performing Arts Center
Lunch Dutch Pantry
Afternoon The Old French House, Sugar Loaf Indian Mound
Dinner Pea-Fections
Evening Windy Knoll Winery

Day 2

Morning St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library, Lincoln Memorial Bridge, Indiana Military Museum
Afternoon Vincennes State Historic Site, Ft. Knox II

Day 3

Morning Pantheon Theatre, USS Vincennes Monument
Afternoon Old Town Players, Pick your own apples at Apple Hill Orchard

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

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.

Get in

By car

By plane

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

Get around

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

See

Outdoors and landmarks

See Grouseland

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.

📍 3 W. Scott St💲 $2-5☎ +1 812-882-2096

Maps Website

See The Old French House

📍 509 N 1st St1st & Seminary St☎ +1 812-882-7422

Maps Website

See Vincennes State Historic Site

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 West Harrison St💲 $1-2☎ +1 812-882-7422

Maps Website

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park The site of the American Revolution take over of Vincennes. National Park and a must see.

See St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Library (The Old Cathedral & Library)

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 Northwestern territory. Self-guided tours, call ahead if you'd like a guided tour.

📍 205 Church St💲 $0.25-1

Maps

See USS Vincennes Monument

Four ships have been named for the state, and this monument explores the history of past and present ships.

Lincoln Memorial Bridge and Vigo St.💲 Free⚠ Last checked Dec 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps

See Lincoln Memorial Bridge

Dedicated in September of 1933 to coincide with the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris. A project combining citizens of Indiana and Illinois, the bridge marks the crossover point of the Lincoln Family over the Wabash a location of Buffalo Trace, which acted as a transportation route for buffalo hundreds of years ago. American and Native American statues are represented on the bridge.

Western end of Vigo St, carries over into Illinois.⚠ Last checked Dec 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps

See Vincennes University

📍 1002 N. First St

Maps Website

See Sugar Loaf Indian Mound

Located by the YMCA is this American Indian mound and burial spot.

Wabash Avenue, south of town☎ +1 812-882-7422

Maps

See Pantheon Theatre

Built in the 1920s, and eventually closed, sixty years later this museum is a landmark, and being renovated. This is where Red Skelton got his big break. Call for tours.

📍 428 Main St☎ +1 812-887-4834

Maps Website

See Ft. Knox II

Ft. Knox II was built in the early 1800s due to the complaints of the Vincennes citizens that the soldiers were spending more time boozing in the saloons then doing their proper duties. During the Battle of Tippecanoe injured soldiers were floated down the Wabash to Ft. Knox II which was used as a hospital and infirmary. Markers throughout the park discuss the history of the area, and picnic spots are available.

☎ +1 812-882-7422

Maps

Museums

See Indiana Military Museum

One of the finest military museum in the country, featuring indoor and outdoor displays. Countless vehicles, weapons, uniforms, artifacts, advertising and more from the Civil War up to current battles. Battlefield relics, military toys, and topics about the USS Vincennes ship, Pearl Harbor.

📍 715 S 6th St💲 $2☎ +1 812-882-1941

Maps

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

Do Old Town Players

Local theatre troupe.

📍 Broadway at 5th St☎ +1 812-888-4358

Maps Website

Do Red Skelton Performing Arts Center

⚠ Last checked Sep 2019 — confirm before you go

Maps

Outdoors

Do Gregg Park and Rainbow Beach

City park featuring swimming pool, performance space for live music, walking trails, tennis, and greenspace.

📍 2204 Washington Avenue💲 Free☎ +1 812-882-1140

Maps

Do Ouabache (Wabash) Trails Park

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.

📍 2500 N. Lower Ft. Knox Rd☎ +1 812-882-4316

Maps Website

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.

Do Pick your own apples at Apple Hill Orchard

Visit this lovely trellis apple orchard and pick your own apples, peaches and nectarines. They also have a gift shop open year round!

📍 6235 Ford Rd, Bruceville☎ +1 812-324-9010

Maps

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.