Southern Indiana Road Trip: Evansville

Plan a weekend STAYcation in Evansville, Indiana, where you’ll find big city amenities with small town charm. You will be welcomed into this progressive town with good ‘ol Hoosier hospitality. Enjoy the renaissance of downtown Evansville, energizing cultural neighborhoods, an impressive greenspace, 8 museums, an expansive zoo and much more!

In Evansville, Indiana, the “E” is for everyone. While you’re visiting, you’ll see E’s prominently displayed around the town. The ‘E is for Everyone’ initiative is intended to highlight the unique personality of the community-driven city and all of the exciting things it has to offer. The Evansville community is known for their sense of pride, diversity and inclusion.

While you’re in town you’ll see that anyone can connect with something new, find a unique way to contribute to the community and together celebrate what makes Evansville amazing!

What to Do:

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Extending over 45 acres in Evansville, Indiana, historic Mesker Park Zoo is home to more than 700 animals and is open year-round. Take a stroll through the wild expanse of the South American Rainforest, home to various animals including monkeys, toucans, capybara, the jaguar and many others.

Mesker Park Zoo is also home to the largest lizard in the reptile world, otherwise known as the Komodo Dragon. Families will enjoy seeing rhinos, giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, red pandas and many more wild kingdom members up close! In the warmer months, take a paddle boat ride on Victoria Lake.

LST 325

During your stay in Evansville, you will not want to miss your chance to hop aboard the only operational LST (Landing Ship, Tank) in WWII configurations afloat in US waters. The ship was originally designed to land battle-ready tanks, troops and supplies directly onto enemy shores.

The 328 ft. long, 50 ft. wide and 1,625-ton ship of steel was on site in Normandy on D-Day, back in 1944. Tours are available and led by dedicated crewmembers, some of which who have served on LSTs.

Tropicana Evansville

Roll the dice on fun at the Tropicana Evansville Casino and Hotel. Tropicana’s Riverfront Event Center has the most spectacular views in Downtown, Evansville. Located on the Ohio River, this entertainment complex has two hotels, a 24-hour casino, four restaurants and bars and free parking.

Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the four sophisticated restaurants and grab drinks afterwards at the Piano Bar or Brew Brothers Tap House. Spend the remainder of your evening watching one of the live shows or even gambling a little money at the poker table! No matter how you spend your stay, it is sure to be divine.

Where to Eat

Breakfast at Lamasco

Start your stay off the right way, at Lamasco for breakfast. You will be handed a menu with several delicious items, but we highly recommend the Chicken and Waffles, and the Bloody Mary’s are to die for!

Lunch at Pangea Kitchen

The process to make a Detroit-style pizza dough is delicate – almost tedious, but Pangea in Evansville knows how to do it just the right way. Pangea is a great dining option for lunch. Everything on the menu is fantastic; however, we recommend the Pistachio Neapolitan Style Pizza and Gelato for dessert.

Dinner at Sauced

Located in the Haynie’s Corner Arts District, Sauced is an Italian American restaurant in a unique, historic neighborhood setting featuring signature cocktails, a gourmet menu and seasonal al fresco dining, making it the perfect option for dinnertime.

We recommend starting with the Aviator Salad to share and either the Red or White Plate or Filetto as your main course. You can’t go wrong with your drink choice!

Where to Sleep

There are several wonderful accommodations for your stay in Evansville, Indiana. Find the price range and amenities you want by choosing between various options conveniently located and staffed with friendly faces that will welcome you with Southern Indiana hospitality.