Our county is full of history and is home to many wonderful people and events. That’s why we thought we would create a sort of ode to Knox County.
Agritourism – the combination of agriculture and tourism. It’s having access to experience what farm life is really like. You can read more about Vincennes/Knox County’s Agritourism sites in our blog.
Blue Jeans Center – Most well known for their Blue Jeans Festival, the Blue Jeans Center is located in the heart of Monroe City and is home to basketball tournaments, graduation parties, and other local events.
County Fair – Everyone looks forward to the Knox County Fair coming around and this year promises fun, great food, activities, and fun for the entire family!
Downtown Architecture Tours – Walking guided architecture tours are available during various events throughout the year. Tours begin at the corner parking lot on 6th and Main Streets and guide you down our historic Main Street.
Ellis Mansion – Now known as the Harmony Society, is Indiana’s Oldest Social Club celebrating over 130 years! Abraham Lincoln even stayed there before he became president!
First Friday Art Walk – Art viewers flood downtown Vincennes on the first Friday of every month for the First Friday Art Walk, where the art galleries in town display seasonal and new works of art!
Gregg Park – Considered the centerpiece of the Vincennes Parks system, Gregg Park is full of rich history, from its early days as the home of the Knox County Fair to the building of three WPA projects in the late 1930s. Today, Gregg Park has been recognized for its historic significance by being placed on the National and State Register of Historic Places.
Harrison Mansion and Museum – Grouseland – Home of William Henry Harrison, then governor of the Indiana territory, later ninth president of the United States. Built-in 1803-1804, it was saved from destruction and restored by the Francis Vigo Chapter of the DAR in 1911.
Indiana Military Museum – Has one of the most outstanding displays in the Midwest spanning the Civil War through current engagements. The IMM is truly a Knox County treasure. The newly-opened Annex exhibit space displays features tanks, artillery, and aircraft and the indoor museum showcases uniforms, flags, battlefield relics, captured enemy souvenirs, WWII toys, home front items, and vehicles.
Jefferson Academy – Used to interpret the first college in Indiana, the direct predecessor of Vincennes University.
Knox County Parks – Our parks include: Fox Ridge Nature Park, Knox County Dog Park, Ouabache Trails Park, and Kimmell Park.
Local: shop local, eat local, live local – Keeping things local is a recurring theme of Knox County. Businesses and Government officials encourage our community to shop, eat, and live local to support our local business community.
McGrady-Brockman House – The McGrady-Brockman House is the Knox County Public Library’s history/genealogy center and the repository of documents from the Old Northwest Territory as well as the Indiana Territory.
National Historical Park: George Roger’s Clark National Historical Park – The park features a massive granite memorial that commemorates the conquest of the Old Northwest Territory and is the largest national monument outside of Washington, D.C.
Ouabache Trails Park – Located on a 254-acres along the Wabash River, Oubache Trails Park features 4 miles of marked trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds in a beautiful wooded setting.
Parade of Lights – A true Christmas staple of Vincennes, the Downtown Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights on Main Street offers people the chance to visit participating merchants offering special deals during the holiday season.
Quality Education: Vincennes University – The first college in Indiana, V.U. is steeped in 200 years of tradition but is definitely in the 21st century, being the State’s premier transfer institution and leader in innovative career programming. The V.U. community ensures educational access, delivers proven associate and baccalaureate programs, and offers cultural opportunities and community services in a diverse, student-centered, collegiate environment.
Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy – Celebrating the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest comedians, this 3,500 square-foot, fully interactive museum focuses on Red’s life and the many characters, such as Freddie the Freeloader and Clem Kadiddlehopper, whom he brought to life through his radio and television shows.
Sieur De Vincennes – Francois Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes, founded Vincennes in 1732 and built the first fort here along the Wabash River. A statue has been made in his honor and can be seen on the Downtown River Walk.
Theaters: The Red Skelton Performing Arts Center & the Old Town Players Theatre – A healthy arts society is vital to the well-being of a thriving, successful community. And a community that supports the arts reaps tangible benefits in the form of economic development, community pride, and an enhanced vision for the future. Our community is lucky enough to have not one, but two amazing theaters.
USS Vincennes Monument – Located at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge on Vigo Street, commemorates the four naval ships named for our community. The first U.S.S. Vincennes launched in 1826 and was the flagship of a U.S. South Seas Exploring Expedition.
Vincennes Rendezvous – Experience Revolutionary Era food, merchants, battle enactments, and encampments of the Northwest Alliance, along with more than 100 booths with re-enactors demonstrating early frontier skills and merchants selling period wares. You haven’t had the full Vincennes experience until you’ve visited the Vincennes Rendezvous.
Wabash River – The Wabash River was used as a means of transportation in the early days of Knox County. Today, it is a focal point of our community, the Vincennes Riverwalk, and Kimmell Park.
Xavier: Old Cathedral – The current Old Cathedral 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.
Yum! – There are so many delicious and wonderful eateries in Knox County! During the summer months you can even find Food Trucks on the Wabash; a weekly event where food trucks from all over gather along the Vincennes Riverwalk to provide visitors and locals alike with some of the best food and drinks around!
Za’: Local Pizzerias – Where you get your pizza is a local feud. But don’t worry, we have plenty of pizzerias to choose from!
