//
City in Indiana, United States
Photo: Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Vincennes is a city in Southwestern Indiana. Vincennes is the oldest town in Indiana. It was founded in 1732 as a French fur trading post. The city's history is unique compared to any other Midwestern town, and the historical relevance is plentiful. The nice thing about Vincennes is that things are close together, within blocks at times, and cheap. You can eat, drink and learn on a very small budget.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
President William Henry Harrison built this home in 1803. Harrison was the first governor of Indiana, national war hero, and eventually President. A National Historic Landmark, Harrison named the home Grouseland after the ruffled grouse which were prolific in the area. Tour the mansion and museum home, see personal items, tools of the trade, furniture, campaign memorbilia and more. The house was not only his home, but also territorial headquarters and bunker in times of trouble. A must-see.
This home was built in 1806 and was owned by a French fur trader and interpreter named Michell Brouillet. French Creole architecture, the history of fur trade, and the life of the family that lived there is offered in this interesting look into early Indiana. $1.
Although all buildings have been moved to this site from other locations, you may visit one of the oldest government buildings in the Midwest, a replica of the print shop that printed the Indiana Territory's first newspaper and print shop, Maurice Thompson birthplace, and the log cabin visitor center.
The Old Cathedral & Library
The cathedral is from 1826, and the library is the oldest in the state. The Cathedral is a Catholic landmark, with four bishops buried here, and the nearby cemetery is the final resting place of over 4,000 early Vincennes citizens. The library contains over 10,000 rare books dating back to 1319. Historical and church related artifacts and books, and the main library focus is the history of the Catholic church in America and history of the Northwestern territory. Self-guided tours, call ahead if you'd like a guided tour.
Four ships have been named for the state, and this monument explores the history of past and present ships.
Dedicated in September of 1933 to coincide with the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris. A project combining citizens of Indiana and Illinois, the bridge marks the crossover point of the Lincoln Family over the Wabash a location of Buffalo Trace, which acted as a transportation route for buffalo hundreds of years ago. American and Native American statues are represented on the bridge.
Vincennes is one of two of the first two-year universities, and it's older than the state of Indiana. It was founded in 1801 as Jefferson Academy by future president William Henry Harrison, making it one of two colleges founded by presidents. Guided tours are available.
Located by the YMCA is this American Indian mound and burial spot.
Built in the 1920s, and eventually closed, sixty years later this museum is a landmark, and being renovated. This is where Red Skelton got his big break. Call for tours.
Ft. Knox II was built in the early 1800s due to the complaints of the Vincennes citizens that the soldiers were spending more time boozing in the saloons then doing their proper duties. During the Battle of Tippecanoe injured soldiers were floated down the Wabash to Ft. Knox II which was used as a hospital and infirmary. Markers throughout the park discuss the history of the area, and picnic spots are available.
One of the finest military museum in the country, featuring indoor and outdoor displays. Countless vehicles, weapons, uniforms, artifacts, advertising and more from the Civil War up to current battles. Battlefield relics, military toys, and topics about the USS Vincennes ship, Pearl Harbor.
Local theatre troupe.
City park featuring swimming pool, performance space for live music, walking trails, tennis, and greenspace.
Ouabache is the French spelling of the American Indian word Wabash. During warm months naturalists are on hand giving tours and discussing the nature of the park, picnic areas, shelterhouses, playgrounds, hiking trails, campgrounds, 4 modern cabins, archery range.
Visit this lovely trellis apple orchard and pick your own apples, peaches and nectarines. They also have a gift shop open year round!
Popular lunch spot featuring tasty sandwiches and desserts. Their latte's, soups and flavored sodas. Vegan friendly.
Mennonite deli and grocery serving fresh-sliced meat and vegetables on homemade bread.
With the majority of their grapes grown onsite, this 37-acre vineyard offers ten types of wine. Tours and tastings available.
Campground with 10 RV hookups, countless primitive camps, boating and fishing, located on the Wabash.
39 RV hookups, fishing lake, gift shop, shower, laundry, internet access and local tours all available.
Features four cabin rentals, 35 electric sites, 9 tent sites, picnic area and shelter houses.
Indoor pool, big complimentary breakfast, and a fireplace.
A car is your best bet, however, walking is good for downtown activities.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Evansville · Regional · EVV
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Vincennes and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.