Evansville

Evansville is the largest city in Southern Indiana and the third-largest city in the state, with a population of 117,000 (2010 census) and a metropolitan area of approximately 350,000. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for the Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois tri-state area. Known as the "River City," Evansville sits on a gentle horsesheshoe bend on the Ohio River and is often referred to by that nickname.

Unlike most of Indiana, Evansville is in the Central Time Zone. The city is known for its southern-style hospitality, economic vitality, and proud German heritage. Evansville's culture combines Midwestern charms with Southern family values, fairly distinct from Indiana's other major cities. The strong economic base provided by Toyota and AK Steel plants, combined with the University of Southern Indiana (established in 1965), has created a vibrant community with an active nightlife.

Evansville's history reaches back to the Paleo Indians who left the Angel Mounds in the area. French explorers called the area La Belle Rivière. The city was settled in 1812 and has grown into a diverse regional center. In 2004 it was named an "All-America City" by the National Civic League.

By Plane

Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) is on the north side of the city, offering over 50 flights daily. Destinations include Charlotte, Chicago, and Dallas on American Eagle, Atlanta on Delta Connection, and Orlando, Tampa, and Destin via Allegiant Air. Many rental car options, hotel shuttles, and public transportation options are available.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Evansville.

By Car / Road

US Highway 41 bisects Evansville. Interstate 69 connects Evansville with Interstate 64, 20 miles to the north, and will eventually provide a direct link to Bloomington and Indianapolis. The city is accessible from Louisville (about 115 miles east), Nashville (about 150 miles southeast), and Indianapolis (about 170 miles north).

Highway 41 and Interstate 69 are the primary north-south routes, while Diamond Avenue and the Lloyd Expressway are the primary east-west routes. The Lloyd Expressway takes you completely from one side of town to the other but despite its name has numerous intersections and stoplights. A car is the most convenient way to get around. The city is served by public bus routes transiting the classic 1938-era Greyhound bus terminal downtown.

• Angel Mounds State Historic Site — The Visitor's Center gives a glimpse of life from 1100 to 1450, when Angel Mounds was the largest Indian community in what would become Indiana. Walking through the site's 100 acres, visitors view the remains of several Indian mounds and a reconstructed stockade.

• Evansville Riverwalk — Sometimes called the "front door to the city," the riverwalk follows the Ohio River and connects the Casino entertainment district to the downtown area and Sunset Park.

• The Pagoda Visitor Center — Located off the Riverwalk with a memorable design, offering information about Southern Indiana.

• West Franklin Street — Historic street home to great events including Mardi Gras Franklin Crawl and the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival, one of the largest street festivals in North America.

• Haynie's Corner Arts District — A creative community of four neighborhoods adjacent to the Ohio River. The heart of the district is defined by a shift in the city's grid where multiple arteries meet at a fountain.

• Mesker Park Zoo — Over 50 acres with over 600 animals including the oldest living hippopotamus in captivity in the United States, giraffes, lions, zebras, and river otters.

• Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville — 22 SE 5th St. Four main galleries with 18,000 square feet of exhibits. Open W–Sa 9AM–4PM, Su noon–4PM.

• Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science — 411 SE Riverside Dr. American and European art collection, history exhibitions, and Koch Planetarium. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. $4 suggested donation.

• USS LST-325 — Authentic World War II warship open for tours Tu–Su. The last navigable ship of its kind in operation today, docked on the Evansville riverfront.

• Bosse Field — 23 N Main St. The third oldest baseball stadium behind Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Home to the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League. Seen in the movie A League of Their Own.

• Bally's Evansville (formerly Casino Aztar) — 421 NW Riverside Drive. ☏ +1 812 433-4000. A $200-million entertainment facility with a 2,700-passenger riverboat casino, 250-room hotel, restaurants, and shops.

• Fall Festival — The second largest street festival in the United States. Games, rides, bands, talent shows, and food booths during the first full week of October. Best known for the signature Brain sandwich.

• Ford Center — 11,000-seat arena hosting the University of Evansville Purple Aces men's basketball team and the Evansville Thunderbolts hockey team.

• Wesselman Woods — 551 N Boeke Rd. Tu–Sa 9AM–4PM, Su noon–4PM. Urban hardwood river bottom nature center.

Evansville's food scene reflects its German heritage and Ohio River location, with hearty Midwestern fare and Southern-influenced cuisine.

• Gerst Bavarian Haus — 2100 W Franklin St. ☏ +1 812-424-1420. German-inspired cuisine in a historic building on Franklin Street.
• Lamasco Bar and Grill — West Franklin Street. Live music and pub fare in a lively atmosphere.
• Maidens Brewery and Pub — West Franklin Street. Craft beer and pub food.
• Turoni's Pizzery & Brewery — Downtown. Popular local pizza and craft beer.
• Madeleine's Fusion Restaurant — Downtown. Upscale dining with creative fusion cuisine. Dinner $18–35.

Evansville's bar scene is centered along West Franklin Street, with venues like Gerst Bavarian Haus, Lamasco Bar and Grill, and Hagedorn's Pub. The Haynie's Corner Arts District also has craft cocktail bars and wine bars. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.

• Budget: The Comfort Inn Evansville, located near the airport, offers rooms from approximately $80–110 per night.
• Mid-range: The DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville, 601 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, offers comfortable rooms from approximately $120–160 per night.
• Upscale / heritage: The Bally's Evansville Hotel, 421 NW Riverside Drive, is a 250-room hotel attached to the casino and entertainment complex. Rooms from approximately $130–200 per night.

• Eastland Mall — 800 N. Green River Road. ☏ +1 812-477-4848.
• Downtown Walkway — Shopping area in downtown Evansville.
• Northpark Shopping Center — 4525 N First Ave. 8AM–8PM.
• Look for local favorites: Grippo's barbecue-flavored potato chips and Ski citrus soft drink, regional staples not easily found elsewhere.

• New Harmony, IN (25 miles northwest, ~30 min) — Historic utopian community with the Atheneum visitor center and historic buildings.
• French Lick, IN (55 miles northeast, ~1 hour) — Resort town with French Lick Resort, West Baden Springs Hotel, and Patoka Lake.
• Mammoth Cave National Park, KY (110 miles southeast, ~2 hours) — World's longest known cave system with guided tours.
• Louisville, KY (115 miles east, ~1.5 hours) — Bourbon trail, Churchill Downs, and the Louisville Slugger Museum.
• Indianapolis, IN (170 miles north, ~2.5 hours) — State capital with world-class museums and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.