Things to Do in Evansville

You'll love what this lively college town offers—a scenic riverfront corridor, an awakening arts district, museums, dynamic recreation venues and restaurants serving everything from Amish to Irish cuisine.

Playtime for All

The Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville was designed for you and your youngsters to explore together. Four hands-on exhibit areas encourage physical play, science discovery, building, and creating through visual and dramatic arts. Kids can let loose at the Wet Deck, so it's a good idea to bring them a change of clothes. Go wild at Mesker Park Zoo, home to 700 animals. Little ones can climb a spider’s “web” and pet the friendly critters at the Children's Enchanted Forest exhibit. Cool off on the lake with on-site paddle boat rentals.

Craft Beer Trail

Few things bring people together like a cold beer, so tackle Evansville's Craft Beer Trail by bike or walk it to sample its best brews. The trail offers seven stops to explore the microbrewery scene and make new friends. But first, download a trail map from the Evansville Brewing Association website. Head to Bokeh Lounge at Haynie's Corner Arts District for craft brews, wine, classic pub food and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Soak in the good vibrations at this trendy gathering spot, or find your Bohemian side among the art district's cluster of bars, boutiques and cafes, like Penny Lane Coffeehouse, specialists in organic and vegan sandwiches and beverages.

Learning and Entertainment

Shoot for the stars at the Museum of Arts, History and Science, one of Evansville's seven themed museums. Planetarium shows at the Koch Immersive Theater showcase the cosmos on a giant, 40-foot dome. Permanent and changing art exhibits and drop-in family art workshops on the fourth Saturday of each month bring out everyone's creative spirit. History exhibits document Evansville life. At the Family Place, the entire gang can dive into science mysteries with interactive exhibits like Fling Magnets. For sports and entertainment, check out the 11,000-seat Ford Center, host to live performances and hometown athletic teams. Cheer on the Icemen professional hockey team and the University of Evansville NCAA men's and women's basketball teams.

Nature Walks

See Mother Nature at her best when you experience the stillness and beauty of the 200-acre Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, an Indiana State Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark. Its 6 miles of foot trails meander through an urban forest that embodies 300-year-old trees standing 100 feet tall. Wildflowers splash across the forest floor in spring, and deer, raccoon, fox and songbirds make occasional appearances. If you're hungry for more green space to explore, there are 65 city parks spanning 2,500 acres waiting for you.

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