Spend a Weekend in Historical Vincennes, Indiana

Updated June 2024

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love visiting Vincennes, Indiana, in Knox County – Indiana’s first city. If not, don’t worry because there are plenty of other unique finds in Vincennes that are great for the whole family. Like comedy, war reenactments, architecture, and more. My husband and I had the privilege of visiting Vincennes over a weekend, and we packed in a lot over the two days we were there. There are more museums in Vincennes than I had ever imagined! We visited several of them, explored parks, and enjoyed great food. I’ll highlight our visit below! First, let’s start with some interesting facts about Vincennes to better acquaint you with this incredible, historic town.  

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Interesting facts about Vincennes, Indiana

• Vincennes was founded in 1732 by Francois Marie Bissot–Sieur de Vincennes, a French military officer. You can find his life-sized statue overlooking the Wabash River on Main Street.
• Vincennes is known for its victorious battle during the Revolutionary War in 1779. An annual battle Revolutionary War reenactment is held here annually (on Memorial Day weekend) called “The Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous.”
• Comedian Red Skelton was raised in Vincennes and has a museum dedicated to his accomplishments (we’ll learn more about this below).
• Vincennes was the first capital of Indiana Territory when William Henry Harrison became the governor in 1800.
• Many Indiana “firsts” happened in Vincennes: the first county, the first bank, the first medical society, the first sheriff’s department, the first post office, the first Catholic church, the first newspaper, the first Presbyterian church, and the first Masonic Lodge.

Ready to spend a weekend in Vincennes? I’ve got a 2-day itinerary covered for you! You’ll want to start with the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

This National Historical Park is the best place to start your visit, starting with a film called “Long Knives” at the Visitors Center. You’ll learn the story of George Rogers Clark, an American patriot military officer during the Revolutionary War, and his win over Fort Sackville – which once stood where the park is. After viewing the film and exhibits at the Visitors Center, head to The Memorial, a 1931 classic-Greek-style memorial to Clark’s accomplishments. The inside of The Memorial is stunning; it features murals, rotunda walls, and marble floors. The park is free to visit and is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for some holidays). Please see a ranger at the Visitors Center for an inside tour of The Memorial.

The Old Cathedral and Old Cathedral Library & Museum

After visiting the George Rogers Clark Historical Park, walk next door to The Old Cathedral Complex. The basilica is Indiana’s oldest church, once a log church built in the mid-1700s. A second log church was built in 1770, and although neither of the original structures still stands, the Old Cathedral Complex was built on the original land. The present St. Francis Xavier Church dates back to 1826 and features a Crucifixion mural from 1870, a crypt, a bell tower, stained glass windows, and a library and museum. The Old Cathedral Library and Museum is the oldest library in Indiana! The library is a work of art and includes displays of prehistoric stone tools, maps, paintings, Abraham Lincoln’s campaign banner, and more. It is a fascinating stop for those especially interested in religious history. We can’t wait to go back this summer. The library and museum are open Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm after Memorial Day through mid-August. The cathedral is open all year, daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and welcomes guests for free, self-guided tours when mass is not in session.

The Indiana Military Museum

After visiting the Indiana Military Museum, I’m claiming this as one of the best military museums I have ever visited. Plan to spend at least a few hours here. Between the indoor and outdoor exhibits and the new Annex, there is a lot to experience! Inside, you’ll find it easy to explore, as the museum exhibits are in chronological order starting with the Civil War. The new Annex will feature 22,000 square feet of WWI through post-Vietnam War exhibits! The museum has an enormous collection of unique artifacts you won’t find elsewhere. Such as Generals Patton and Einsehowers military uniforms, a hand-knitted afghan made by General Custer’s wife (Libby Custer), trench art, and Edith Shane’s nursing cap (the famous nurse photographed kissing a sailor on VJ Day). Just a name a few of many! The Indiana Military Museum is also known for its events and battle reenactments. Admission is $8/adults, $5 for children 5-17, and free for children under 5. $7/Veterans and seniors (over 62), WWII veterans, are free.

The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy

The Red Skelton Museum is located inside the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center at Vincennes University. The museum honors the legacy of comedian Red Skelton, who was raised in Vincennes. I was thoroughly impressed by the 3500 square foot “Red Skelton: A Legacy of Laughter” exhibit. From the showcase theatre to interactive displays and memorabilia, you’ll easily spend around 2 hours here. I really enjoyed learning more about Red’s personal and professional life. I won’t spoil your visit too much, but I think you’ll really enjoy this colorful and comical museum! Admission is $9/adults, $6 for children 5-17, and free for children under 5. $8/Veterans and seniors (over 62)

Vincennes State Historic Sites

The 2-story “Red House” is the original Indiana territorial Capitol Building. It was used by the legislation from 1813 to 1905 before the capital moved to Corydon, where Indiana became a state in 1816. Therefore, it’s one of Indiana’s most important government buildings! The Jefferson Academy (Indiana’s first school of higher learning) and Elihu Stout Print Shop (where Stout started the first newspaper in Indiana) are on-site. Other State Historic Sites in Vincennes include the Old French House, Sugarloaf Mound, The Old State Bank, and Fort Knox II.

Where to Stay?

Hampton Inn

The Hampton Inn in Vincennes offered us safe and relaxing accommodations for our weekend visit. The king room was spacious and featured a sofa sleeper, mini-fridge, and microwave. Other on-site perks included an indoor swimming pool, continental breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center.

Where to eat?

Bill Bobe’s Pizzeria

Vincennes locals raved about Bill Bobe’s Pizzeria, claiming it is the best in town. We went with the popular Indiana pick, the Farouk pizza (sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, onion, and green pepper)—a Bobe signature special. 

Graze 1885 

Graze 1885 is a coffee shop and cafe serving breakfast and lunch. It is located in one of the downtown buildings (believed to have been built in 1885), just across the street from The Old Cathedral and George Rogers Clark Historical Park. I enjoyed the Signature Chicken Sandwich. 

Other things to do in Vincennes:

• Ouabache Trails Park – hiking, camping, and cabins.
• Vincennes Architecture Tour
• Grouseland – the William Henry Harrison Mansion & Museum
• Downtown Vincennes Riverwalk
• Charlie’s Caramel Corn & Candy Shop
• Historic Attractions “Dial and Discover” Cell Phone Tour – (812) 703-4004, free tour (pick up a visitors guide at the Visitors Bureau for a list of cell phone tour stops)

Nearby places to visit:

• 8 Reasons You Should Visit Evansville, Indiana – 53 miles from Vincennes
• 5 Ways To Prepare For A Trip To French Lick – 60 miles from Vincennes
• Visiting Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial & Trails – 73 miles from Vincennes
• Guide to Visiting Brown County State Park – 101 miles from Vincennes
• Ultimate {free} Art Tour Guide for Columbus, Indiana – 114 miles from Vincennes