Some road trips take you someplace new. A trip to Vincennes takes you somewhere unexpected— from frontier battles and presidential history to American comedy, military might and downtown discoveries.
Indiana’s oldest city is made for a fall or early winter getaway. Set along the Wabash River, Vincennes packs centuries of stories into a destination where you can stand where history happened, laugh with an Indiana legend, shop, eat and explore.
Start at George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. In February 1779, George Rogers Clark and his forces captured British held Fort Sackville after an extraordinary winter march through freezing floodwaters. Today, the massive Clark Memorial rises near the former fort. Step beneath its soaring dome, then walk the riverfront and imagine that legendary journey.
Next, explore Indiana’s earliest days at the Vincennes State Historic Sites. Walk into the original Indiana Territorial Capitol, where lawmakers met when Vincennes served as territorial capital. Discover the city’s French heritage at the Old French House, then continue the story at Jefferson Academy and the Elihu Stout Print Shop.
.
At Grouseland — the William Henry Harrison Mansion and Museum, history becomes personal. The National Historic Landmark was Harrison’s home while he served as governor of the Indiana Territory, years before becoming the nation’s ninth president. Visiting in December? Christmas at Grouseland takes place December 4 from 6–9 p.m., adding holiday magic to the historic mansion.
Then trade statesmen for smiles at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy. Interactive exhibits, memorabilia and personal artifacts celebrate the Vincennes native whose career took him from Indiana to radio, television and film.
The adventure continues at the Indiana Military Museum, where aircraft, military vehicles, uniforms, artifacts and immersive displays put visitors face-to-face with American military history.
Save time for present-day Vincennes, too. Browse downtown’s locally owned shops, pick up chocolates and caramel corn at Charlie’s Caramel Corn & Candy Shop, then enjoy gourmet salads, sandwiches and soups at Pea-Fections.
.
History, humor, hometown flavor and plenty of surprises — Vincennes has all the makings of a fall or winter road trip worth taking.
For more information visit: visitvincennes.org.
