Wheatland IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wheatland, Indiana.
1. Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy
LEGACY OF LAUGHTER
The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy celebrates the life and career of one of America's most beloved comedians. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits showcasing Skelton's characters, routines, and his significant contribution to American entertainment. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through the golden age of comedy while preserving the legacy of this Vincennes native son.
2. Grouseland (William Henry Harrison Mansion)
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC HOME
Grouseland, the elegant mansion of William Henry Harrison, stands as a testament to early American presidential history in Vincennes. Built between 1803-1804 while Harrison served as governor of the Indiana Territory, this Federal-style brick home now functions as a museum filled with period furnishings and historical artifacts. Visitors can take guided tours through the home where Harrison lived before becoming the ninth President of the United States.
3. Fort Knox II
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Knox II represents an important chapter in America's frontier history as a military outpost established in 1803. This historic site, located just outside Vincennes, served as a staging area for Governor William Henry Harrison's army before the Battle of Tippecanoe. Today, visitors can explore the grounds and learn about early 19th-century military life through interpretive displays and occasional reenactments.
4. Vincennes State Historic Sites
TERRITORIAL CAPITAL HERITAGE
The Vincennes State Historic Sites preserve the rich heritage of Indiana's territorial period. These sites include the territorial capitol building and other significant structures from when Vincennes served as the capital of the Indiana Territory. Visitors can step back in time to experience the political and cultural atmosphere of early 19th-century Indiana through guided tours and educational programs.
5. Ouabache Trails Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Ouabache Trails Park offers visitors a serene natural escape with miles of scenic hiking trails winding through diverse ecosystems. The park features beautiful woodlands, meadows, and riverside views along with facilities for camping, picnicking, and outdoor recreation. Nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife, enjoy seasonal wildflowers, and experience the tranquility of this well-preserved natural area near Vincennes.
6. Vincennes Escape Adventures
IMMERSIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING EXPERIENCE
Vincennes Escape Adventures challenges visitors with immersive puzzle-solving experiences in themed rooms. Teams must work together to discover clues, solve riddles, and complete objectives within a time limit to successfully escape. This entertaining attraction offers a unique blend of storytelling, critical thinking, and teamwork that creates memorable experiences for friends, families, and colleagues.
7. Knox County Veteran Memorial Park
TRIBUTE TO SERVICE
Knox County Veteran Memorial Park honors the service and sacrifice of area veterans with thoughtful monuments and commemorative displays. The peaceful grounds provide a space for reflection and remembrance of those who have served in the armed forces. Visitors can walk among the memorials, read the names of local veterans, and appreciate the community's dedication to preserving military heritage.
8. Edith Barrett Memorial Pike County History Center
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Edith Barrett Memorial Pike County History Center showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Pike County through diverse exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore collections of photographs, documents, and items that tell the story of the region's development from pioneer days to the present. The center serves as a valuable educational resource preserving local traditions, notable figures, and significant events that shaped the community.
9. Old Town Players Theatre & Arts Center
COMMUNITY PERFORMING ARTS
The Old Town Players Theatre & Arts Center enriches the cultural landscape of Vincennes through quality theatrical productions and arts programming. This community theater presents a diverse season of plays, musicals, and special performances featuring local talent. Audiences can enjoy intimate, engaging shows in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates creativity and artistic expression.
10. AMC Showeplace Vincennes 8 Theatre
MODERN CINEMA EXPERIENCE
AMC Showeplace Vincennes 8 Theatre offers moviegoers a contemporary cinema experience with multiple screens showing the latest film releases. The theater features comfortable seating, digital projection, and surround sound for optimal movie enjoyment. Visitors can complete their entertainment experience with traditional concessions while catching Hollywood blockbusters and occasional special screenings.
11. Indiana Dunes
LAKESIDE NATURAL WONDER
Indiana Dunes encompasses both state and national parks along Lake Michigan's southern shore, featuring dramatic sand dunes, diverse ecosystems, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can hike more than 16.5 miles of trails, including paths that traverse Mount Tom, while experiencing unique landscapes of oak savannas, swamps, marshes, and forests. The parks attract nearly 4 million guests annually who come to enjoy swimming, birdwatching, photography, and other outdoor activities in this natural treasure.
12. Kankakee Sands Bison
PRAIRIE WILDLIFE RESTORATION
Kankakee Sands Bison offers visitors the rare opportunity to witness American bison roaming freely on restored prairie lands after nearly 200 years of absence from Indiana. The Nature Conservancy's reintroduction of these magnificent animals helps maintain the natural prairie ecosystem through their grazing patterns. Visitors can observe the bison from designated viewing areas while learning about conservation efforts and the historical significance of these iconic creatures to the American landscape.
13. Fair Oaks Farms
AGRICULTURAL TOURISM EXPERIENCE
Fair Oaks Farms provides an interactive agricultural experience where visitors can learn about modern farming practices through engaging exhibits and tours. The attraction features adventures centered around dairy cows, pigs, and crops, along with seasonal activities like apple picking in the fall and the magical Forest of Lights during winter. Culinary experiences include sampling award-winning cheeses at their café or enjoying farm-to-table dining at the Farmhouse Restaurant.
14. George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
REVOLUTIONARY WAR MEMORIAL
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park commemorates the accomplishments of Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark and his men who captured Fort Sackville from the British in 1779. The park features a grand neoclassical memorial building housing a bronze statue of Clark and seven murals depicting his expedition. Visitors can explore the memorial, attend ranger programs, and learn about this pivotal military campaign that expanded American territory during the Revolutionary War.
15. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
WILDLIFE AND PLANT COLLECTIONS
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden houses over 700 animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats spread across 50 acres of beautiful landscapes. The attraction combines zoological exhibits with botanical collections, creating an immersive experience that educates visitors about wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. Highlights include the Amazonia rainforest exhibit, Kley Building Discovery Center, and the Engelbrecht Carousel, offering entertainment and educational opportunities for all ages.