George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
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On February 25, 1779, the surrender of British troops to soldiers led by Colonel George Rogers Clark near Vincennes, Indiana, added a new frontier to America that was almost as large as the original 13 states. This area where no one could settle had been under British control since the French Indian War. However, the victory had not come easy as soldiers led by Clark often marched through icy waters up to their shoulders to reach Vincennes, where Clark met with British leader Hamilton. Today, there are many different buildings that can be found at this site to help you understand the story of what happened during the cold winter of 1779 better.
Things To Do Near George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Start your visit at the Visitors Center to learn more about the story by watching the 30-minute documentary and checking out the exhibits. Then, head out to see the Clark Memorial. Workers constructed the rotunda memorial with its Doric columns between 1931 and 1932. Follow the short path to see other exhibits and interpretive panels. Living history demonstrations sometimes occur at this site as well.
Hiking Trails
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Stagecoach Trail
The Stagecoach Trail begins at the pioneer village in Spring Mill State Park. It starts by running across gently rolling hills to reach the Oakridge Picnic Area. Then, it continues from the camp store on a 2-mile loop trail.
Location
Pioneer Village, Spring Mills State Park, 3333 State Road 60 East, Mitchell, Indiana 47446
Length
5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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O’Bannon Woods State Park
This trail at O’Bannon Woods State Park runs through Big Wyandotte Cave. You can see helictites, plus gypsum, epsomite, and prehistoric flint quarries along this trail. Headlamps are required to enter the cave and be aware that you will be climbing many stairs.
Location
Big Wyandotte Cave, 7234 Old Forest Road Southwest, Corydon, Indiana 47112
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Gregg Park
Play horseshoes in the eight horseshoe pits at Gregg Park in Gregg Park in Vincennes or tennis on the two lighted courts. Groups often hold outdoor concerts at the bandshell. There are also plenty of options for places to have a picnic.
Location
2204 Washington Avenue, Vincennes, Indiana, 47591
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Indiana Territorial Capitol
The Indiana Territorial Capitol, located across from Vincennes College, was the government seat for the Indiana Territory. The territory included Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota. Officials moved to this location in 1949. The same property contains a French Creole home, the Jefferson Academy, and Elihu Stout’s Print Shop.
Location
Indiana Territorial Capitol, 1 West Harrison Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
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Basilica Of St. Francis Xavier
The Basilica Of St. Francis Xavier is the oldest Catholic Church in Indiana. It was constructed in 1826 and contains several statues. Next to the basilica is a Greek Revival-style rectory built in 1841, a library built in 1840, and a museum built in 1968.
Location
Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, 205 Church St., Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Museums
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The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
Learn more about Red Skelton by stopping at this museum in his hometown. Explore the characters, like Freddie the Freeloader and Clem Kadiddlehopper, that Red Skelton brought to life through interactive exhibits. This 35,000-square-foot museum is attached to an 800-seat European-style theater where performances often take place.
Location
20 Red Skelton Boulevard, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
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Indiana Military Museum
See many military transportation types, including a mule-pulled doughboy, F-4 Phantom jet, and a blue submarine at the Indiana Military Museum. Many types of uniforms from various periods are on display, and you can even get a close look at a missile.
Location
716 South 6th Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Pearl & Chrome Home and Gift
Find a wide range of home décor and gifts at Pearl & Chrome. Lots of funny signs are available here as well. You can even find the perfect throw pillows for your RV.
Location
309 Main Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
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Attic Salt Boutique
Select from a wide range of women’s clothing ranging from size small to 3X at Attic Salt Boutique. Then, accessorize the look with their jewelry and bags. This store also carries home décor and gifts.
Location
502 Main Street, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
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Old Thyme Diner
If you are hungry for excellent comfort food, like chicken fried steaks and mashed potatoes, head to Old Thyme Diner. This restaurant serves a daily lunch special. Sit at one of their tables or draw up a barstool at this restaurant that has been delighting hungry diners since 1996.
Location
331 Main Street, Vincennes, Indiana 48591
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The Café Moonlight
Enjoy a lunch of a fresh-made sandwich and a bowl of hot soup at The Café Moonlight. Come back in the evening for an excellent filet mignon or your favorite fish.
Location
512 Main Street, Vincennes, Indiana 48591
How To Get To George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Start your visit to George Rogers Clark National Historical Park at the Visitors Center located at 401 South 2nd Street. It is easy to get to this park from Evansville by taking US-41 North. Then, take the Indiana 441 North Exit. Turn right to get on that road. Continue straight, and you will be on Willow Street. Turn right onto 2nd Street. You will reach your destination in about 0.2 miles. This park is closed on all major holidays, and it is often closed on federal holidays. It gets busiest during the summer when families come to this area to explore history. It can also get busy in the spring when the fish are biting because you can fish from shore at this location.
Address
401 South 2nd Street, Vincennes, Indiana 48591
Fee: Entry fee $0
Learn the role that George Rogers Clark and his brave soldiers played in protecting the Indiana Territory from the British by visiting the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Then, throw a line in the river to see if the fish are biting. Vincennes was the capital of the Indiana Territory, and you will also want to explore other nearby attractions. It is also Red Skelton’s birthplace, and you will want to explore the museum dedicated to his life. With such an array of activities and sights to pursue in Vincennes, including shopping and dining in the historic downtown area, bringing your RV is the ideal option to get it all done. If you do not have one, renting one on RVshare.com is the way to go. There are many different options available, so you can choose what is right for you and your traveling companions.


