The area that present-day Terre Haute sits on was once considered to be the border between Canada and Louisiana by the early French and British settlers. This area was significant because it included land that was uniquely high in elevation near the Wabash River. French fur trappers named it Terre Haute after the French phrase for “highland.”
As Terre Haute became an American city in the 1800s and early 1900s, local iron and steel mills, distilleries, breweries, and bottle factories drew residents to the town for work. Then and today, the area is a prime spot for growing corn for alcohol and food products. Late in the 19th century, several higher education facilities opened in Terre Haute, like Indiana State University, which still operates in the city today. The opening of these institutions promoted the arts in the city, too, and large opera houses were built as a result. While these opera houses no longer stand, visitors can still see historic theaters like the Indiana Theatre Event Center, which was built in 1922 and is now a nationally recognized historic place.
Today, you can see art from world-renowned artists in Terre Haute at the Swope Art Museum, which houses works from modern local artists as well as historically famous artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Edward Hopper, and Janet Scudder. This museum first opened in 1942 and has always been free to the public. You can also attend concerts by local groups regularly, like the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, which is the oldest orchestra in Indiana.
Another popular attraction of Terre Haute is The Clabber Girl Museum, a museum dedicated to the Clabber Girl Baking Powder brand, which was created in Terre Haute. This museum is open year-round for you to tour and learn about the history of the product, one of many that helped make Terre Haute the relatively large town it is today.
The Annual Strawberry Festival - Taking place on the second weekend of June, the Annual Strawberry Festival of Terre Haute celebrates strawberries with craft vendors and festival food.
Terre Haute Custom Auto Show - Held on the third weekend in March, the Terre Haute Custom Auto Show displays tons of local historic automobiles all in one place.
Christmas in the Park - Terre Haute's Deming Park hosts an annual Christmas festival with a playground candy cane hunt, shelter decoration contest, and photos with Santa.
Indiana Dunes National Park near Gary, Indiana, is located on the shore of Lake Michigan and features over 15 miles of beachfront area. Also featured are 20 square miles of countryside land, which has plenty of hiking and biking trails for you to explore. In the winter, cross-country skiing is popular here near the lake.
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the largest discovered cavern system in the world, and it's all open for daily guided tours in Kentucky. You can see the underground Frozen Niagara waterfall, the Rotunda cave, and the Gothic Avenue cave, which has a ceiling signed by visitors from the 1800s.
In St. Louis, Missouri, you can check out the iconic Gateway Arch at Gateway Arch National Park. Not only does this park offer rides to the top of the arch, but it also features underground museums and wide, grassy park areas on the Mississippi River.
In Marshall, Indiana, you'll find Turkey Run State Park, Indiana's second-oldest state park. This park features canyons and gorges through forests near Sugar Creek, a popular fishing and boating hotspot. There are also picnic areas and a large swimming pool for visitors to use.
Also founded around Sugar Creek is Shades State Park. In this park, there are many sandstone cliffs and waterfalls small and large, all accessible via hiking trails. The Pine Hills Nature Preserve is also located within the park and is a must-see destination full of beautiful historic forests that are older than the state of Indiana itself.
If you'd like to visit a state park in the winter, be sure to head over to Walnut Point State Park in Illinois. This park offers ice skating on the lake and hunting in the woods during this season. You can also come just for wildlife viewing since squirrels, deer, and raccoons are abundant.
While in Terre Haute, you can see local monuments and landmarks, like the "Little Syria on the Wabash" historical marker. This marker commemorates Syrian immigrants who brought the Orthodox Christian church to the area in 1927.
Another great local landmark to see is the Old National Road Filling Station, a historic gas station along National Road. Although the station has been moved from its original location, it has been preserved in its original state from when it was built in 1931.
The Fort Harrison Memorial is dedicated to the former Fort Harrison in Terre Haute. This fort was created by American pioneers prior to the War of 1812 and now hosts the burial site of William Harrison for whom the fort was named.
When you want to camp near Terre Haute, consider staying at a local campground like Horseshoe Lakes RV Park, which features RV washing, full hookups, and a recreation lounge. You could also check out the Terre Haute KOA, a campground that is open year round with full hookups and amenities like showers and restrooms. Another great option is the campground at Hawthorn Park, which has 85 campsites, 75 of which have hookups, and access to a lake with a boat ramp.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Terre Haute, IN RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Terre Haute, IN?Terre Haute has plenty of highway access to make RV driving a breeze. But just outside the city are ample parks, bodies of water and open spaces to visit. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore the Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center, the Swope Art Museum, or downtown Terre Haute.
What are the RV rental requirements in Terre Haute, IN?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double-checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Terre Haute, IN?Renting an RV in Terre Haute, IN means endless blue skies and wide open roads. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. You'll find plenty of RV campgrounds with showers, laundry, and other fun amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or visit off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Terre Haute, IN?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Terre Haute, IN RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Terre Haute, IN?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Terre Haute, IN RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Terre Haute, IN?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
