Looking for the best and fun things to do in Terre Haute, this city sure has some cool attractions and activities to give you a fun vacation time.
Terre Haute is a name from the French phrase “Terre Haute,” meaning “a highland.”
Terre Haute is a fantastic place and an educational hub where several institutions of higher learning are established.
This city features arts, entertainment, theatrical performances, fantastic parks, courses for golf, tennis ball and other fun attractions and activities to give you a fun time.
Are you planning a trip to Terre Haute, here are the best things to do in Terre Haute, IN
Things to Do in Terre Haute
1. Terre Haute Children’s Museum
The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is full of engaging activities for kids of all ages.
For children below the age of four, there are lots of unique activities they can do, such as the under-construction, AIRways, Rev It Up! Racecar, Toddler Zone, Dig It, Water Works, Ag-Citing, Build It, the Kitchen, and other games they will love a lot.
For kids from age five-Eight, there are games stores for them too. Games like the Fresh and Fit Market, Tree House, Under Construction, Dig It, Kinetic Balls, WTHCM Studio, Ag-Citing, Health Zone, the Ropes Challenges Course, and many other games will make their visit fabulous.
If your children fall between the ages of nine-twelve, they can check out the Fiddling with Physics, Kinetic Balls, WTHCM Studio, Under Construction, Build It!, Health Zone, and the Ropes Challenge Course.
Terre Haute Children’s Museum offers other programs like field trips, Camps, learning labs, discoveries, self-exploration trips, summer science camps, and other educational activities for your kids.
There are exhibits and many traveling exhibits that attract visitors to the museum. A visit to Terre Haute Children’s Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Terre Haute with the family.
Address: 727 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3203
2. Candles Holocaust Museum
Candles Holocaust Museum
If you are looking for things to do in Terre Haute with the family, add a visit to Candles Holocaust Museum to your checklist.
Explore the Candles Holocaust Museum and enjoy the holographic image of Eva. The museum is an influential museum of Eva Kor and her sister and what they went through as part of Dr. Mengele’s experiments on twins.
There is a lot to learn and explore as you will ask questions and get answers. Interviewing the talking hologram of Eva enables you to ask questions as she answers, which makes it innovative.
In Candles Holocaust Museum, there are also reading materials about a survivor’s story. The museum is engaging and educational.
It is an excellent area to visit and a lovely experience that will live long in your memory as there are lots of information to read in the museum.
Visitors or students on a field trip should and visit the area as it is worth your visit. The admission charge is affordable too.
Address: 1532 S 3rd St, Terre Haute, IN 47802-1012
3. Hulman Center
Hulman Center
Hulman Center opened on December 14th, 1973, and it features the Indiana State Sycamores men’s basketball team stadium.
The renovation of the Hulman Center took place in 2018 by Indiana State University.
The Hulman Center features a 10,200- seat multi-purpose arena and has organized many concerts in its histories such as Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson, Elvis Presley, Van Halen, Kiss, and John Denver.
It has also worked as the site of several NCAA championship events, for instance, the 1974 Midwest Region of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament and the 1979 Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball tournament title game.
You will love this place, especially for a basketball lover. You can also take photographs there and see the statutes of different famous basketball players.
Address: 200 N 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809-1930
4. Deming Park
Deming Park
In 1921, Demas Deming Jnr, the child of early settlers of Terre Haute, started developing the district on a massive tract of land owned by his family that later became the Deming Park.
The Deming family built a scenic boulevard with a picturesque parkway stretching from 19th Street to Fruitridge Avenue.
Deming Park is a vast park in Terre Haute’s parks system and is situated on the East side of Terre Haute.
Deming Park measures 177 acres, and it features an Oakley Playground, the Clark-Landsbaum Arboretum, 18 hole disc golf course, a public pool, the Spirit of Terre Haute miniature train, various sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts, and two lakes.
Deming Park is a pleasant park suitable for your families or friends, and nature lovers. If you take to disc golfing for a fun time, add a visit to Deming Park to your checklist of fun things to do in Terre Haute, IN.
Address: 500 S Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803-1931
5. Fowler Park
Fowler Park
Are you in for an adventure? If yes, add a visit to Fowler Park to your checklist of fun things to do in Terre Haute, IN.
The Fowler Park is a pleasant park and a gem with beautiful trees, spacious campsites, excellent trails, and a beach. You will also need to take your camera with you as it is a picturesque area for photography lovers.
Fowler Park is a multi-purpose park that features two lakes, picnic shelters, playgrounds, a campground, beautiful trails, a bridge, and a pioneer village with a working gristmill.
The Lake in Fowler Park covers 25.9 acres and has a boat launch and a beach for swimming.
One of the lakes in Fowler Park is stocked with bluegill, sunfish, large-mouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie. While the second lake is situated on the west side of the park behind the hillside, creatures like Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are found in it.
The campground has about 15 primitive campsites, shower houses, a dumpsite, and restrooms available to campers who will love to come visiting. In Fowler Park, the camping season each year starts on May 1st and ends on October 15th.
Address: 10654 Bono Rd, Terre Haute, IN 47802-8580
6. Swope Art Museum
Swope Art Museum
Swope Art Museum opens every Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Swipe Art Museum was planned on September 26th, 1939, and was officially opened to the public on March 21st, 1942.
Swope Art Museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and celebrating American arts by organizing programs and displays to engage and educate the public and people it touches their lives.
The museum improves the culture and contributes to the economic development of the city.
Swope Art Museum also organizes summer classes for youth, artist lectures, and presentations and sponsors yearly student art exhibitions.
Address: 683 Ohio St, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3525
7. Eugene V. Debs Museum
Eugene V. Debs Museum
Eugene V. Debs Museum is recently owned and operated by the Debs Foundation as a free museum.
The interior of the museum comprises lots of Debs’ possessions and other artifacts from his lifetime. The rooms in Eugene V. Debs Museum are open for visitors to walk around and explore.
The visitors are counted on to treat the collections and artifacts with respect while walking about the rooms. There is also a 75-minute guided tour made available on a walk-in basis.
The museum is spectacular, inspirational, and informative. Visit the Eugene V.Debs Museum as it is open to the public, and admission is free of charge.
Address: 451 N 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3006
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8. Indiana Theatre
Indiana Theatre
For some theatre time, add a visit to Indiana Theatre to your checklist of things to do in Terre Haute, IN.
Indiana Theatre first opened its doors for its visitors on January 28th, 1922, as it occupies a unique place in American theatre architecture design.
Terre Haute resident T.W. Barhydt established the theatre to be a precious lasting gift to the people of Terre Haute.
Over the years in the history of theatre, it has hosted several events ranging from performing arts, vaudeville, cinema, and community celebrations of all kinds.
The theatre houses about 1,600 seats for significant community events or gatherings, such as weddings, fundraisers, entertainment, etc. You will love this beautiful historic building as the marble stairs are excellent and there are lots of things to learn and discover.
Address: 683 Ohio St, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3525
9. Boot City Opry
Boot City Opry
The Boot City Opry started in 2007. Boot City is an excellent place to watch entertainment and watch how your favorite entertainer performs as the sound is impressive.
Enjoy a wonderful evening at the Boot City Opry. The staff is friendly together with the operators.
There are also band-backups featuring singers with good vocals singing and narrating interesting historical stories as the performance is going on.
Boot City Opry provides a quaint, lovely ambiance for relaxation and an evening of musical performances. It offers live entertainment every Saturday night from April through December.
The Boot City Opry seats 300 visitors in comfortable theater seats with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The Boot City Opry is available to rent for weddings, receptions, auctions, and corporate events. The seats can be arranged to place tables and chairs close to 160.
Visiting Boot City Opry is one of the best things to do in Terre Haute for a fun time.
Address:11800 Highway 41 South, Terre Haute, IN 47802
10. Hawthorn Park
Hawthorn Park features lots of hawthorn trees growing on the ground, and the park was called Hawthorn Park. There are two areas in Hawthorn Park, a wetland and an upper lake, both having trails that encircled each.
The central part of the Upper Lakes offers various trails like picnic shelters, a campground, a playground, and modern restrooms. There are always lots of campers in Hawthorn Park during the season of camping which runs from May to October.
The three picnic shelters in the park each hold 200 people and are made available for year-round rentals.
The main purpose of the lake is water flow management, with fishing designed as a secondary use. The lake consists of the large-mouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, warmouth, and yellow bullheads.
Hawthorn attracts several visitors like swimmers, school groups, family and school reunion groups, fishermen, businesses and organizations renting the facilities, individuals seeking a picturesque environment, and many others.
Address: 6067 E Old Maple Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803-9526
11. WaterTower Estates
WaterTower Estates
WaterTower Estates was established in 2016 and designed to satisfy a need in Wabash Valley by creating a top-notch winery in Terre Haute and maintaining the local heritage from the past.
At WaterTower Estates, it is their passion to create and serve you the highest quality wine. Ingredients used in WaterTower Estate to produce the finest wines are the best of their kind.
The environment is family-friendly, as is for all to come and enjoy and be happy.
The owners and the attendants are nice and friendly and will offer you a pleasant and relaxing experience. You can also see fabulous gifts and other fine things you will love to buy for your friends or family.
Address: 525 W Springhill Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47802-9786
12. Vigo County Courthouse
Vigo County Courthouse
The Indiana General Assembly created The Vigo County Courthouse in 1818, and construction of the county’s first courthouse began that year. Previously, a temporary courthouse named the Eagle and Lion Tavern was on Wabash Avenue and Second Street.
Vigo County Courthouse is a courthouse in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the government seat for Vigo County. Vigo County Courthouse courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Vigo County Courthouse is an impressive piece of architecture designed for you to explore and enjoy a wonderful visit there.
The courthouse’s ground floor was finished in 1822 and immediately became the place for court business, elections, lectures, political gatherings, public town meetings, sermons, and many others.
There are plenty of notable lawyers from the region who started their careers at the first Vigo County Courthouse, people like Thomas H. Blake, James Whitcomb, Elisha Mills Huntington, and Edward A. Hannegan.
Address: 33 S 3rd St, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3425
13. Dobbs Memorial Park & Nature Center
Dobbs Park & Nature Center
Dobbs Memorial Park was named after John G. Dobbs, and Miss Dobbs later inherited the 105-acre farm after her father’s death.
Dobbs Memorial Park and Nature Center was established in 1977.
Dobbs Memorial Park and Nature Center serves as a place to preserve and maintain all types of wildlife, and plants native to Indiana, especially the trees there.
There are some gorgeous birds in the nature center, and the Nature Center offers its visitors the opportunity to enjoy a close-up view through a unique one-way glass. You will see the birds, tufted titmice, white-breasted nuthatches, fox squirrels, different woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, raccoons, and many others.
You will need to take your camera with you as the park is gorgeous. You could sit and watch all day. The ponds and trails are lovely too.
Other park attractions include the Native American Museum, a butterfly garden, prairie restoration, wetland area, fishing pond, playground, old-growth forest, State Nature Preserve, 1903 Pennsylvania Railroad Caboose, picnic shelters, etc.
Address: 5170 East Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803-9313
14. Vigo County Historical Society & Museum
Vigo County Historical Society and Museum
The museum is a unique and essential attraction in Terre Haute. Vigo Count Museum is well maintained and educational.
You will learn about the Root Glass of Terre Haute as the founder of the iconic Coca-Cola bottle well-known worldwide.
You will also discover how people emigrated to Terre Haute from all over the world and plenty of historical events that took place.
The Vigo County Historical Museum is situated at the National Road in downtown Terre Haute, and the 34,000 square foot facility provides you with a 21st-century experience as you learn the stories of Vigo County Historical Society and Museum from the last 200 years.
The museum also offers expanded exhibits of Terre Haute’s exciting history, such as the exhibit of famous Haitians, the displays of historic downtown, and immigrants that contributed to the city’s growth.
There are fine displays you will find in the museum as it is fully accessible for everyone to walk through and enjoy with lots of parking space.
Do add a visit to Vigo County Historical Society and Museum to your list of things to do in Terre Haute, IN, for some historical time.
Address: 929 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3229
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15. Griffin Bike Park
Do you love bike riding? Are you looking for a good place where you would take your bike for a good ride? Griffin Bike Park is a good place for that.
Griffin Bike Park is a spectacular park as riders will enjoy an incredible riding experience. The park is for everyone with relevant skills and abilities to ride a bike.
The bike parks an excellent and well-maintained trail with sections for those who love doing stunts and jumps. If you also want to teach your friends or family how to ride a bike, there are reserved spaces where you can teach someone how to ride the trails.
You can also enjoy an astounding view or do some kayaking in a beautiful river if you’re not interested in riding.
Take a walk around the park with your family and friends and enjoy the relaxing and beautiful place.
Address: 10700 Bono Road, Terre Haute, IN 47802
16. Honey Creek Mall
Honey Creek Mall
Honey Creek Mall was previously established in 1968 as the Honey Creek Square. It was later expanded in 1973 and 1981 and renovated in 1992 and 2007.
The mall was then renamed Honey Creek Mall during the time of the 1992 renovation. Honey Creek Mall is now owned by Out of the Box Ventures, a subsidiary of Lionheart Capital since 2019.
Honey Creek Mall is an exciting shopping center in Terre Haute, Indiana, covering 680,890 sq ft (63,257 m2) of gross leasing area.
Honey Creek Mall is located in a good area with an accessible parking space. The number of stores in the mall gives you a lot of things to be desired. Honey Creek Mall features stores like Hollister, PacSun, Glicks, TradeHome, Francescas, JC Penny, Victoria’s Secret, Claire’s, and other fantastic stores you can visit.
Address: 3401 S U.S. Highway 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802-4154
17. Vigo County Public Library
If you need some research in the area, which may be researching ancestors, Vigo County Public Library is one of the best areas to visit.
Vigo County Public Library is an excellent place for learning with loads of informative materials and neatly arranged historical books.
The genealogy section of Vigo County Public Library is well equipped and well-maintained. The librarians are very helpful and knowledgeable that will help you through your time in the Library.
Vigo County Public Library has a computer for your researches, and there are always things to do there. There are many programs for both kids and adults in the Library.
The Library organizes other exciting events during weekends or some holidays. The relaxing and beautiful environment will make you pick up a book, find a seat and start reading immediately.
The Library consists of other essential materials like newspapers, magazines, materials for local history and genealogy, reference help, children’s storytimes, and many other things you will find in the Library.
Address: 1 Library Sq, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3609
18. Vendors’ Village
Vendors’ Village
Vendor’s Village is a family-owned business previously opened by Brothers Matthew and Elijah Jeffery of Louisville, Kentucky.
Vendors’ Village has been operating since 2010, and they are committed to offering you a fun and enjoyable experience. Vendors’ Village is an indoor flea market consisting of antiques, collectibles, household items, misc items, and many other things you will love to purchase.
The place is well-maintained and organized as it has a row of showcases that displays other items. In the store, there are approximately 400 consignment booths, and they are all fascinating to visit.
Vendors in the store are friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a place with beautiful pieces for the home or a wonderful gift for your friend or family, Vendor’s Village is the right place to visit.
Address: 3401 S U.S. Highway 41 Honey Creek Mall, Terre Haute, IN 47802-4154
19. Terre Haute Masonic Temple
Terre Haute Masonic Temple
The Terre Haute Masonic Temple is a historical building, and the cornerstone was laid in 1916 and opened in 1917. The Temple has a lot of things you can discover and learn.
The Terre Haute Masonic Temple was built by A.W. Stool man with Archie H. Hubbard working as the architect. The Terre Haute Masonic Temple Association later commissioned the place.
The Temple’s first floor is the public floor that features the Library, parlor, board room, ballroom, office, card room, and lady’s and gentleman’s cloakrooms and restrooms.
The second floor is consists of the Blue Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star and houses three lodge rooms, restrooms, and lounge area.
The third-floor houses three bodies of the York Rite, namely: the Commandery of Knights Templar, Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and Council of Royal & Secret Masters, while the fourth floor consists of storage, an organ loft, and a choir.
Address: 224 N 8th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3110
20. Clabber Girl Museum
There are many historical artifacts to explore in the Clabber Girl Museum as it consists of images and arts of creative artists. The museum is well-maintained, and the staffs are friendly.
Some of the historical images you will find in the Clabber Girl Museum are the 1892 grand opening of the Hulman Building, a vintage Clabber Girl Advertisement Indiana, a Hulman and Company wagon from the 1880s and others.
You will also discover a vintage Clabber Girl Baking Powder can, Hulman Coffee Company image of the real Jabez Burns and Sons coffee roasting equipment. The museum is accessible and worth your stop!
Address: 900 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3208
21. Native American Museum
The Native American Museum is situated in the amazing Dobbs Memorial Park, and it is the only museum operated by a city parks department in the Midwest.
The Native American Museum is the only museum operated by a city parks department in the Midwest. Native American Museum features various Indiana housing and memorabilia and other educational plaques.
The museum is open to people and visitors who love to visit the place as it is free of charge.
The Native American Museum also organizes seasonal displays and other permanent exhibits about the history and culture of the local tribes. It has a library that offers weekend programming for both kids and adults.
The permanent exhibits consist of the ways of life of the native people in the Northeast Woodlands.
Address: 5170 E Poplar Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47803-9313
22. LaVern Gibson Championship Course
Lavern Gibson Championship Course
For some sports time, add a visit to the Lavern Gibson Championship Course to your checklist of things to do in Terre Haute, IN.
Lavern Gibson Championship Course is a large sports complex on the east side of Terre Haute used for Cross Country running. LaVern Gibson Championship Course is a fun, engaging, and fantastic place to visit.
College or high school students hold different competitions in the Championship Course who enjoy what they do. School events can be held there too.
The State Cross Country Finals are recently held in LaVern Gibson Championship Course. The large sports complex can contain many people with a spacious parking space as it is a 250 acres complex.
The Championship Course is for you if you love sports so much, especially games like Cross country running.
Address: 599 S.Tabortown Road, Terre Haute, IN 47803-7735
23. Crossroads Repertory Theatre
Do you love art performances? Do you want to learn some history of Terre Haute? Do add a visit to Crossroads Repertory Theatre. on your bucket list of things to do in Terre Haute, IN.
Most of the productions in Crossroads Repertory Theatre have open seating so that people that reserved a specific seat would come early before the event kicks off.
The production features a combination of Equity performers or Actors Theatre Guild and students that perform in the theatre. Soft drinks and snacks are offered during the intermission. The admission fee is affordable, and students are admitted free.
You will discover a lot when you visit the Crossroads Repertory Theatre as you will have an enjoyable experience.
Address: 540 N 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809-1908
24. Bogey’s Family Fun Center
Bogey’s Family Fun Center offers indoor and outdoor fun, so there will be something for you regardless of the season you want to visit with your family.
The Family Center has a playland that allows smaller kids to use their imagination.
The kids can play in the Kangaroo Room, enjoy a magic carpet ride, go into the Dragon’s Lair, or challenge themselves on the Elastic Tunnel.
Bogey’s Family Fun Center also has go-kart tracks where adults and kids can drive around.
The karts have a secure bumper system so everyone can bring out their inner racing champion without any issue.
Kids and adults who love to jump will enjoy the bungee trampoline. At this place, you can enjoy jumping up to 30 feet in the air and see this facility in another light.
Bogey’s Family Fun Center also houses a mini golf course where obstacles like bridges, waterfalls, and lighthouses can make the holes more fun.
Visiting Bogey’s Family Fun Center is one of the fun things to do in Terre Haute.
Address: 3601 Union Rd, Terre Haute, IN 47802, United States
25. Terre Haute Bowling Center
Bowling is an exciting way to celebrate your special events. No matter the weather, your event can go without a hitch at Terre Haute Bowling Center.
Terre Haute Bowling Center offers special party packages, arcade games, bounce houses, and beer.
One of the things that makes this center great is that it is perfect for the entire family, regardless of age.
Terre Haute Bowling Center is famous for its excellent services and friendly staff, always ready to assist you.
Besides the pocket-friendly prices, the center’s atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing.
Additionally, the lanes at Terre Haute Bowling Center are pretty modernized.
Address: 600 E Springhill Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47802, United States
26. Maple Avenue Nature Park
Maple Avenue Nature Park spans an area of 29.7 acres. This Park is great for walking and family-friendly activities and has sports amenities like bike paths.
Maple Avenue Park is also famous for its lovely lake. In addition to the park’s natural scenery, it has playgrounds, natural scenery, parking lots, and restrooms.
Maple Avenue Nature Park is a great place to fish throughout the year and at no charge.
You can rent the Park’s shelter if you want to host a family event or birthday party.
Address: 500 Maple Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47804, United States
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Plan a Trip to Terre Haute
Terre Haute is the perfect place for a fun vacation with your friends and family as there are lots of promising packages awaiting your visit.
There are amusement parks, campgrounds, playgrounds and other exciting places you can visit to enjoy yourselves and spend time with your loved ones.
You will also love to take a charming walk on the excellent trails with people you love. There are museums you can explore, stores to buy beautiful furniture and other items for your house.
Get your bags ready as you prepare for your next vacation to Terre Haute and discover the city’s exciting history. Have fun!