Vincennes: History, Collections and Riverwalk

Vincennes brings together several different themes for your stay: historic buildings and collections, attractions along the Wabash, and seasonal leisure activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Vincennes, choosing which themes to explore can help with planning. You can discover the area’s history through the original Territorial Capitol, Old Cathedral and museums; outdoors, the Riverwalk and Sugarloaf Mound offer different points of interest. The market and Aquatic Center also add fixed or seasonal time frames to your plans.

Historic Buildings and Collections

The original Territorial Capitol was built in 1805 and is open to visitors. The present-day Old Cathedral was built in 1826 on the site of three earlier churches. This brings together two distinct historical points of reference: the original Capitol and a church site with several predecessor buildings. The Old Cathedral Library & Museum, Indiana’s oldest library, holds ten thousand rare books and documents. Here, the focus differs from that of the buildings: rather than construction dates and architectural history, the emphasis is on written collections. When comparing historical themes, you can therefore choose between a focus on architecture and one on collections.

Military History and Fort Knox II

The Indiana Military Museum displays military vehicles, aircraft, uniforms, insignia and equipment from the American Revolution to the present day. Its tank collection is a more narrowly defined focus: it includes tracked and wheeled vehicles from the United States and other countries. This makes it possible to choose between a broad collection featuring different types of objects and a specific interest in vehicles.

Fort Knox II offers a different kind of visit: self-guided outdoor visits are free and available Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the hours before you arrive so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Wabash Riverwalk and Sugarloaf Mound

The Vincennes Riverwalk is along the Wabash River and is open to pedestrians and non-motorized cyclists. It extends from Main Street to Hart Street and can be accessed from both streets. Along the way, you can choose between walking and non-motorized cycling; the Riverwalk also has an observation platform.

Sugarloaf Mound is a natural landscape feature that members of the Late Woodland culture used as a burial mound around 900 AD. This offers a different historical focus from the buildings and collections: here, the interest lies in the earlier use of a landscape feature. The Riverwalk and the mound therefore appeal to different interests, from a path along the river to the history of a burial mound.

Market and Seasonal Water Attractions

The Historic Farmers Market of Vincennes takes place every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening from May 23 through October 31 at the Riverfront Pavilion. Farmers, bakers and artisans offer fresh produce, handmade goods and specialty food products. If the market fits your travel plans, check the date before visiting.

The Rainbow Beach Family Aquatic Center is located in historic Gregg Park at 2204 Washington Ave., Vincennes, Indiana, and offers family-friendly water attractions. Check seasonal hours before visiting. For families who want to include water activities in their trip, the center can be a separate itinerary stop.

Discover more destinations: Bicknell

For the broader travel overview: Knox County.