Vanderburgh County lies along the banks of the Ohio River. Wesselman Woods offers a distinctive natural highlight: it is home to the largest stand of old-growth forest within a U.S. city. Two boardwalk trails are also part of Wesselman Woods; in dry conditions, they are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Forests, Wetlands, and Trails
The natural areas differ in scale: Howell Wetlands is a 35-acre urban wetland with marshland, a swamp area with bald cypress trees, an oxbow lake, a lowland deciduous forest, and an upland meadow. Burdette Park encompasses about 180 acres of forest and rolling hills in southwestern Indiana. Together, these offer two distinct natural settings: a diverse wetland and a larger forested, hilly landscape.
The Angel Mounds Loop Trail is four miles long and can be hiked. At Angel Mounds State Historic Site, the mounds are aligned so precisely that celestial events can be observed, including sunrise at the summer solstice and sunset at the winter solstice. Here, a named hiking route and an alignment with two specific points in the annual cycle offer different perspectives on Angel Mounds.
The USI-Burdette Park Trail also has a special distinction: the U.S. Secretary of the Interior designated it a National Recreation Trail. It is also a designated destination point on the American Discovery Trail, which runs through southern Indiana.
History, Shipping, and Culture
LST 325 is the only operational LST in a World War II configuration afloat in U.S. waters. Each year, the ship travels to various port cities in the U.S. river system. Check the ship’s current location before traveling.
The Evansville Wartime Museum dedicates its walk-through galleries and exhibits to the region’s military history, wartime production, local veterans, and vehicles from the World War II era. At the museum, you can book a ride in the Sherman tank Rosie’s Revenge by appointment. Check availability before your trip.
Since 1920, the Vanderburgh County Fair Association has held an annual family-oriented event for Vanderburgh County. If you want to include the fair in your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.
The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science offers exhibitions, educational opportunities, and family programs along the Ohio Riverfront. The Evansville African American Museum is located in the historic Lincoln Gardens neighborhood within Evansville’s Baptisttown community. These two locations provide specific connections to different aspects of cultural history and city life.
Exhibits, Animals, and Water
cMoe has three floors of interactive exhibits in a historic building in the heart of Evansville. At Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, Amazonia, the Children’s Enchanted Forest, and Lake Victoria are named areas within its 45-acre grounds. Mesker Park Zoo offers daily animal encounters and educational programs about animal life and behavior. If you plan to attend, check the schedule before your visit.
Burdette Park Aquatic Center has an Olympic-size swimming pool, as well as a family pool and a children’s pool. Three water slides and an interactive splash area round out the offerings. Seasonal operations may vary; check whether the center will be open during your visit before traveling. The Upside-Down House in the Magical Garden is a playhouse turned upside down.
Discover more destinations: Evansville, Allen, Elkhart, Fulton County, Hendricks, Washington County, Wabash County, Marshall County.
For the main travel overview: Indiana.
