Terre Haute

Terre Haute is a city of 61,000 people (2019) in west-central Indiana, about 180 miles south of Chicago and 1 hour southwest of Indianapolis. Known as the "Queen City of the Wabash," it is one of the largest cities in the Wabash Valley and is home to several higher education institutions, including Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.

The name "Terre Haute" is French for "high land," referring to the area's French colonial history and its geography next to the Wabash River. The city's history reaches back to the early 1800s with the construction of Fort Harrison. It grew primarily around industry and river traffic, with railroads and a short-lived oil boom contributing to prosperity. The decline of both, along with the Depression, resulted in Midwestern urban decay through the 1980s. Since then, mayors have worked to reverse this image, making gains in turning the city around.

Terre Haute has a humid continental climate with warm summers (highs around 85°F/29°C in July) and cold winters (highs around 36°F/2°C in January). Spring and fall are pleasant and ideal for exploring the city's museums and historic districts.

By Plane

Most travelers use Indianapolis International Airport (IND), a 1–1.5 hour drive east on Interstate 70. Rental car services are available at the airport. Terre Haute Regional Airport has not had commercial flights since 1999.

By Car / Road

Three main highways run through the city: Interstate 70 (east-west through the south), U.S. 41 (locally known as Third Street, north-south), and U.S. 40 (Wabash Avenue, separating north and south parts). Greyhound provides service with daily buses from Indianapolis and St. Louis.

Automobiles are the easiest way to travel in Terre Haute. Pedestrian travel is best on the north portion of the city including Wabash Avenue. The public bus system runs Monday through Saturday from 6AM to 6PM with routes throughout the city, including several shopping centers. Since 2025, public transport in Terre Haute is free of charge. Breezy Cab ☏ +1 812-727-5306 is a local taxi option. Bicycling is becoming more popular, though bike lanes are still limited.

• Eugene V. Debs House (Eugene V. Debs Museum) — 451 N 8th St. ☏ +1 812-232-2163. Tu Th 3–7PM, W F Sa 10AM–2PM. The home of the late 19th- to early 20th-century leader of the Socialist Party of America. Each room is filled with artifacts, and the third floor features a beautiful ceiling mural by John Laska. Free.

• Swope Art Museum — 25 S 7th St. ☏ +1 812-238-1676. Tu–F 10AM–5PM, Sa noon–5PM. A small but excellent art museum featuring primarily 20th-century art, including Hoosier artists. Free admission.

• Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. ☏ +1 812-535-3131. Founded in 1840 by Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. Welcome visitors to see shrines, historic architecture, eco-justice center, and alpaca herd.

• Terre Haute Children's Museum — 727 Wabash Ave. ☏ +1 812-235-5548. Impressive hands-on exhibits and activities for children.

• CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center — 1532 S 3rd St. ☏ +1 812-234-7881. $5.

• Vorhees Skate Park — Corner of State Road 63 & Vorhees Road. Closes at dark. Free.

• Clark-Lansdbaum Holly Arboretum — 500 S Fruitridge (in Deming Park). ☏ +1 812-232-0147. Closes at dark. Horticulture displays and the Spirit of Terre Haute Miniature Train. Free.

• Dobbs Park Nature Center and Native American Museum — 5170 E Poplar St (in Dobbs Park). ☏ +1 812-877-1095. M–Sa 9AM–5PM. Nature trails with wildlife displays and a Native American museum. Free.

• M. Moggers Restaurant & Pub (Moggers) — 908 Poplar St. ☏ +1 812-234-9202. A turn-of-the-century brewery converted to a restaurant. Standard American fare with 170 beers. Unique ambience.
• J. Fords Black Angus — 129 S 7th St. ☏ +1 812-235-5549. Chef-owned upscale-casual steakhouse with local ingredients and wine classes. On the pricey side but unparalleled in Terre Haute.
• Bush Restaurant — 932 Locust St. ☏ +1 812-238-1148.
• Rick's Smokehouse & Grill — 3102 Wabash Ave. ☏ +1 812-235-8335. Barbecue.
• First Wok — 2570 Wabash Ave. ☏ +1 812-232-3298. Chinese cuisine.

The Moggers brewery-turned-restaurant is a destination for beer lovers with 170 beers on offer. Downtown Terre Haute has several bars and pubs along Wabash Avenue. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.

• Budget: The Comfort Inn Terre Haute, located near I-70, offers rooms from approximately $80–110 per night.
• Mid-range: The Hilton Garden Inn Terre Haute, 777 Wabash Ave, offers modern rooms from approximately $120–160 per night.
• Upscale / heritage: The Terre Haute House, a historic downtown property, offers a unique stay from approximately $140–200 per night.

• Haute City Center (formerly Honey Creek Mall) — 3401 S. U.S. Highway 42. ☏ +1 812-232-4500. M–Sa 10AM–9PM, Su noon–6PM. The main shopping center with standard mall stores and a T.G.I. Friday's.
• Linden Leaf Gifts — 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. ☏ +1 812-535-2947. M–F Sa Su 10AM–3PM. Religious books, fair-trade merchandise, and unique gifts on peaceful grounds.

• Indiana State University (campus) — Home to the Terre Haute Children's Museum and various cultural events.
• Indianapolis, IN (70 miles east, ~1 hour) — State capital with museums, sports, and cultural attractions.
• Paris, IL (30 miles west, ~30 min) — Small town with the Edgar County Fairgrounds and local charm.
• Bloomington, IN (55 miles east, ~1 hour) — Indiana University campus and vibrant arts scene.
• Louisville, KY (150 miles south, ~2 hours) — Bourbon trail, Churchill Downs, and cultural attractions.