There are many ways to spiritually connect in Vincennes. From quiet reflection in nature at Fox Ridge Nature Park to touring the oldest basilica in the state of Indiana; Vincennes has many perfect places for you to reconnect. Here are the top 5:
1. Clown of God
The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy explores Red Skelton’s relationship with his faith this month in a special “Clown of God” exhibit that shows his Bible, talks about his religious movie still collection, and looks at other artifacts of Red Skelton’s life, including Red’s take on ending his program with “May God Bless.” This exhibit will continue through February.
2. Basilica of St. Francis Xavier (the Old Cathedral)
The current Basilica was built in 1826 and stands on the site of three previous churches. The first was a crude log structure built about 1732, where the first Catholic parish in Indiana was formed. Four bishops are buried in the crypt of the current Cathedral, and the adjoining cemetery is the final resting place of over 4,000 early citizens of Vincennes. To learn more about the Basilica and its hours, click HERE.
3. The Brute Library & Museum
Located behind the Basilica rests the oldest library in Indiana. Containing ten thousand rare volumes and documents, the oldest document in the collection is a papal bull issued by Pope John XXII, dated 1319. Artifacts on display include prehistoric stone tools, 18th and 19th-century maps and paintings, Governor William Henry Harrison’s peace pipe, Shawnee Warrior Tecumseh’s war club, various chalices, Abraham Lincoln’s campaign banner, and many other items too numerous to mention. The Library is currently only open by appointment. To learn how to schedule your visit, click HERE.
4. Sam Williams
Visit local artisan Sam Williams. At age 83, Sam finds peace creating and repairing rosaries. His rosaries have gone around the world, most recently to India and Ukraine. Sam often works out of The Open Gallery at 329 Main Street, however, winter hours vary. To learn more about Sam or to learn how to schedule an appointment with him, click HERE.
5. Fox Ridge Nature Park
If you are someone who best finds spirituality in nature, there is no better place to go than Fox Ridge Nature Park. This 95-acre property north of Vincennes offers solitude for those looking to quietly reflect and commune with nature.
To learn more about the nature park, click HERE.
