Welcome to Indiana’s Territorial Past, located in Vincennes and Knox County.

Indiana’s first city is the perfect getaway for history enthusiasts.

‘Arts & Culture’ Category

Antiquing Shopping Guide

Knox County has a variety of unique shops, especially when it comes to antiquing. From vinyl classics to high-end collectables, make sure to check out Vincennes/Knox County’s best antique shops to score some one of a kind treasures.

104 Antiques

Cozy antique store in downtown Vincennes brimming with great finds for everyone!

Gavs Restorations, Antiques & Collectables

Features beautifully restored gasoline pumps and more. Browse through the charming array of antiques to find your perfect gift!

Kathy’s Corner Emporium

Brimming with antiques, collectibles, electronics and gently-used items on consignment. If you do not see what you are looking for, ask Kathy to put your name on her wish list and she will look for it for you! The variety of items changes weekly and booth rentals are available.

Shakers’ Landing & Old Northwest Framery

Come and browse this extensive antique mall featuring everything from primatives to military relics. In addition, Shakers’ Landing offers antique rentals for your next event or wedding. Custom picture framing is available by the Old Northwest Framery which is also located in the mall.

Posted August 15th, 2019 No Comments »

Last Minute Summer Fun with Kids

With trails, playgrounds, and museums made for kids, we’ve got everything you need to have a fun day with your kids before school starts back up!

WALK OR BIKE THE RIVERWALK

If you’re looking for a relaxing walk or bike ride location, the Downtown Riverwalk is the perfect place to go. Spanning Main Street to Hart Street with access from either street, the walk is perfect for kids to let out some energy.

Also check it out on Monday nights for Food Truck Monday’s.

TRY FARM-FRESH FOODS AT THE FARMERS’ MARKET

With colorful produce, the smell of freshly baked pastries and various artisan vendors, there’s something to captivate all your senses at every turn at the Vincennes Historic Farmers Market.

GET IN-TOUCH WITH KNOX COUNTY’S HISTORY

Take the kids to learn about the history of WWII at the Indiana Military Museum, featuring displays with tanks, battlefield relics, captured enemy souvenirs and more.

Next, visit the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy to let the kids do what they do best: touch everything! This fully interactive museum focuses on Red’s life and the many characters whom he brought to life through his radio and television shows.

Your kids will be begging to return to these two historic sites, even when school is back in session.

SPLASH AROUND

When the dog days of summer become too much, head over to Rainbow Beach for some fun at the pool! With water slides and a splash pad area, this family-fun space has something for kids of all ages!

Also be sure to check out the Splash Pads around town located at various parks.

When play time at the pool is over, be sure to stick around Gregg Park and go to one of the many playground areas.

TAKE A HIKE

4 miles of marked trails, picnic areas and playgrounds are what’s in store at Quabache Trails Park. If you’re looking for an overnight adventure, check out their modern rental cabins and RV sites, complete with a full service shower house facility, laundry service center and a whole lot of fun.

If you’re interested in bringing your furry friends along, the Knox County Dog Park is a great place to take them and let them explore.

Rainy summer day? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out our Rainy Day blog for things to do while you wait for the storms to pass.

Posted July 25th, 2019 No Comments »

The 14th Annual Red Skelton Festival

The 14th Annual Red Skelton Festival is this Saturday, July 20th at the Red Skelton Museum. Join us in celebrating the comedy genius that was Red Skelton. Festivities begin on Friday at 7pm.

Friday

7 pm – Red Skelton impersonator, Brian Hoffman will perform with an opening act by J.J. Jones, a world-renowned mime!

Tickets: $15/adult; $5/students 13 & under

Saturday

11 am – 3 pm – Kids can enjoy bounce houses and carnival games with prizes, food vendors will be serving up special treats for all!

11 am – Be sure to get your seat for one of the funnest parades that Vincennes has to offer! The parade will run down 5th & Main Street down Second Street to finish up at the Red Skelton Museum and Festival.

12 pm – Clown Follies on the outside stage with guest clowns and JJ Mime!

12:30 – 2 pm – Tribute to Tim Conway, the 2019 “Red Skelton America’s Clown Award Winner” with sketches of Tim Conway on the Red Skelton Hour.

1 pm – Take a seat and catch the Circle City Clown Band!

1:30 pm – Do you love donuts? Join in on the Donut Eating Contest!

2 pm – Be amazed by the Magic of Chippo the Clown at the outside stage!

2:30 pm – A crowd favorite, the Bath Tub Race will take place on the festival grounds.

2:30 – 5 pm – The day ends with the showing of “Du Barry was a Lady,” Hosted by Dr. Annette Bochenek.

You may purchase a festival button for $5, which is good for museum entry on Saturday the 20th.

Posted July 18th, 2019 No Comments »

Celebrate Patriotism with Red

Show your Patriotism at the Red Skelton Museum and Performing Arts Center this weekend.

Celebrate “Flag Day” at the beautiful, state-of-art Red Skelton Performing Arts Center on June 14. At 7:30pm, former Vincennes artist, Randy Hedden will give a 90-minute performance highlighted by a mass recital of the “Pledge of Allegiance” and coinciding with a performance painting of Red in front of the American flag. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling the Red Skelton Museum at 812.888.4184.

Sunday, June 16 at 2:00pm, local veterans from the V.F.W. American Legion and the Fort et Eight will present a short program on flag etiquette, including folding, proper flag disposal and a 21-gun salute. Directly after the program, the Red Skelton Museum invites the public to take part in setting a new world record! Register to participate in reciting the American Pledge of Allegiance in this attempt. You must be registered for the event at least one day in advance and can pre-register by following this link, http://redskeltonmuseum.org/red-skelton-and-the-american-flag/. All registered participants will receive a commemorative sticker that will provide free admission to the Red Skelton Museum that day.

“The Year of the Pledge” exhibit continues in the museum and celebrates the 50th anniversary of Red’s recitation of his iconic Pledge of Allegiance on his television show on January 14, 1969.
This new exhibit features items from the collection surrounding Red’s Pledge, including awards, recordings, paintings and letters from various congressmen and stories about Mr. Laswell and Red’s inspiration for creating this pledge. The exhibit will be on display through September 8th and museum admission is required to view it. New to the exhibit is the interactive kids’ rooms celebrating the American flag sponsored by the Harmony Society.

Posted June 13th, 2019 No Comments »

Rain in the Forecast? No Problem!

Rain is in the forecast for this weekend and into next week. April showers bring May flowers right?! There are still plenty of opportunities for fun in Vincennes/Knox County! We have compiled a list of rainy day ideas to help you get started.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Charlies Caramel Corn and Candy Shop or Pea-fections.

Brush up on your Indiana history by visiting our local historic sites including the George Rogers Clark NHP, Grouseland – Wm. H. Harrison Mansion and Museum and the Vincennes State Historic Sites.

Laugh out loud at the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy. The 3500 square foot fully interactive museum is fun for all ages.

Track down your ancestors at the McGrady Brockman Genealogical Research Center

Go on a treasure hunt at our local antique stores.

Get some retail therapy by shopping the downtown Main Street shops.

Take the day off from the kitchen and have lunch or dinner at one of local restaurants.

Warm up with a cup of coffee at Graze 1885. Bring a book or your laptop and stay awhile.

Feed your creative side at the downtown art galleries; Art Space, Northwest Territory Art Guild and the Open Gallery.

Dine at the Melon Patch’s Delish Deli then shop the gift shop. Don’t forget to sample the delicious homemade fudge.

Visit the Knox County Public Library and check out the latest book or movie release.

Check out one of the most extensive collections of military artifacts at the Indiana Military Museum.

Don’t let the rain keep you indoors or away, get out and explore all that Knox County has to offer.

Posted April 26th, 2019 No Comments »

Welcome Autumn this Weekend

Greet the beginning of a new season at “Autumn on Main” and the “First Friday” Art Walk! This popular event features vibrant new art exhibits at the Main Street galleries including “Portraits of Water: Watercolors by Amy Arntson” at Art Space Vincennes, Father-Son Show featuring nature themed artwork of Tony Bouillet and his father Jules Bouillet at Northwest Territory Art Guild, and “New Work”, embroidery pieces by textile artist Erin Bowen at the Open Gallery. V.U.’s Shircliff Gallery located on the corner of 2^nd and Harrison Streets will be exhibiting “Skimming Boundaries”, paintings by Lindsey Dunnagan.

The evening continues with street food vendors, craft beer and wine tasting, a classic vehicle show, live music, kids pumpkin painting and canvas painting class by Amanda Oakes. Many downtown businesses will remain open for shopping during the event.

Visit the Farmers Market on Saturday from 8am to 1pm to shop for fall décor items and in season produce.

Posted October 4th, 2018 No Comments »

Great things happening in Vincennes this weekend!

Art exhibitions, a nature walk along the Wabash River, USO stage entertainment, and a vintage vehicle show are all on the calendar for the weekend.

Start your weekend at the “First Friday” Art Walk from 5:00pm – 8:00pm, the Main Street art galleries, Art Space Vincennes, the Northwest Territory Art Guild and the Open Gallery will have new works of art on exhibit as well as returning exhibitions. Browse through mixed media sculpture, watercolor art, photography and much more presented by accomplished artists.

On Saturday, September 8 the Hoosier Cruisers are hosting a vintage vehicle cruise leaving from Gregg Park, 2204 Washington Avenue, at 7:00pm traveling to the Riverfront Pavilion, 102 N. Second Street. The public is invited to greet them at the pavilion for food, music and prizes! On Sunday, September 9 from 9:00am – 2:00pm these vintage vehicles will be on display at Gregg Park and the public will be able to enjoy food, music and prizes again!

Saturday evening the Vincennes Stage Door Canteen presents the 10th Anniversary “USO Night”! This fabulous FREE WWII-Korean War variety show will be held at Green Activities Center, 102 W. Harrison Street, on Saturday, September 8. The event begins at 6:00pm, doors open at 5:00pm, and will feature local entertainment and music by the “Temple-Airs” Big Band.

Meet with Master Naturalist Terri Talarek King on Sunday, September 9, 2:00 p.m. Eastern, to share this special Nature Exploration Walk at Ouabache Trails Park, just north of Vincennes, Indiana. Take a casual walk to the mighty Wabash River through the floodplain. Learn how water flows to the Wabash, and where the waters of the Wabash (Ouabache) River go. Look for animal tracks, birds, trees and plants along stream, floodplain and riverside.

Posted September 7th, 2018 No Comments »

Everyone’s Favorite Week of the Year: Fair Week!

It’s almost everyone’s favorite time of the year: fair week! The Knox County Farm Fair is filled with lively events, good food, fair rides, and limitless opportunities to make memories with your friends and family. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the fair this year!

VU Pavillion

Kick things off this Saturday, July 14th with Mr. Speed and the Kiss Tribute Band Concert! Show time is at 8 pm. Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. New this year, there will be a beer garden serving beer, wine, and wine coolers with an entry fee of $2! Please bring your own chairs to the event.

Some other events taking place at the VU Pavillion are the Fair Queen Contest, the Tiny Tot competition, and various musical acts. For show times, entry fees, and more check out this list of nightly FREE entertainment!

Grandstand Events

Some of your favorite events are back this year in the grandstands! Events like the Tractor Pull, Hog Wrestling, and Motocross Racing. For more details, check out this full list of Grandstand Events happening this week at the fair.

Pricing for the Grandstand events are as followed:

Outside Gate Admission: Adults $3, Children under 12 yrs FREE

Grandstand Admission: Adults $8, Children 0-11 yrs $4

Food Vendors

What is a fair without the food? Prepare yourself to eat till you waddle with the full list of food vendors that will be in attendance next week. Some of the vendors include the Horse and Pony Club, Pronto Pup, and the King of Wings.

Daily Events List

Can’t make it to the fair everyday? Not many of us can! Be sure to check out these lists of events happening each day at the Knox County Fair! We hope to see you there!

All links are directed to the Knox County Farm Fair website. You can visit their full website here.

Posted July 12th, 2018 No Comments »

Celebrate Summer in Knox County!

It’s officially summer! How do you plan on spending the rest of those hot days in the sun? Don’t worry, Vincennes/Knox County has plenty to offer this time of year! Here’s a list of things you won’t want to miss out on this summer.

Night Under the Stars w/ Junior Rangers

Join the staff and volunteers of George Rogers Clark National Historical Park for this special Junior Ranger event as they explore the night sky. This event takes place on Saturday, September 15^th at 7:30 PM

Nature Walk

Vincennes/Knox County is home to natural hiking trails that are unlike any other! Ouabache (Wabash) Trails features four miles of marked trails. Fox Ridge Nature Park allows the public a place to enjoy the natural world that inhabits the park.

Berry Picking

Blann Berries offers 30 acres of mixed berry varieties to insure a consistent quality of fruit. U-Pick or We-Pick options are both available for your convenience.

Eat Some Good Food

Choose from local favorites or popular food chains. We always recommend eating at one of our locally-owned restaurants. Here’s a list of our dining options!

Farmers Market

Come enjoy the Vincennes Historic Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings, now until October 27 at the Riverfront Pavilion. The Saturday market offers freshly picked produce from local farmers, local vendors, fresh cut flowers and some specialty “General Store” items. The Wednesday market hosts a local favorite Bobe-B-Q and much more!

Cool Off

Be sure to check out our Places to Cool Off blog post for ideas on how to stay cool this summer in Vincennes/Knox County!

Visit Red

Now until September 2, come to the Red Skelton Museum for a special exhibit to learn about Red’s major career breaks, his vacation spots and special keys to the city. This display can be seen during regular museum hours. You don’t want to miss this!

Ice Cream

You can’t forget about ice cream! Head over to Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream to enjoy one of their famous turtle pies, or check out Swirls to create your own frozen yogurt concoction.

Go Fishing

Camp Arthur and New Vision RV Park both offer stocked lakes to fish in. Camp Arthur has boat rentals available on site, and New Vision has its’ own bait, tackle and gift shop. If you’re looking for a more secluded fishing experience, try the public access areas along the Wabash River.

Take a Dip

Rainbow Beach Family Aquatic Center is a great public pool with water slides, concession areas and other attractions featuring a splash pad, wall climbing, and an activity center! This is the perfect place to take the kids and cool off.

Listen to Some Tunes

Live music can be found at The Vincennes Brewing Company, Café Moonlight, Old Town Players, Willies Pub and the Moose Lodge. Musical acts vary depending on the day of the week.

Looking for something that isn’t on our list? Be sure to check out our list of events so you don’t miss out on the fun!

Posted June 21st, 2018 No Comments »

March On Down Main Street

Welcome the Spring season downtown! Participating galleries have new exhibitions with many varied forms of art, Friday, March 2 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Art Space Vincennes LLC will open “Place or NonPlace: Paintings by Courtland Blade”. Indianapolis artist Courtland Blade earned his MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. He will show oil paintings some of which explore ideas of place-making, and others that investigate the idea of “non-place”.

The Northwest Territory Art Guild will feature works by Olney, Illinois artist Mary Pat Nash. Nash is an experienced and versatile watercolor artist who has also been experimenting with collage in recent years. Other seasonally-themed art and craft items created by guild members will be on display and for sale.

The Open Gallery will present Imagine the People, paintings by Bob Mathews. Omaha-based physician Mathews is largely self-taught and has exhibited his work widely across the U.S. He will be on hand to discuss his exhibit at the First Friday event.

The Shircliff Gallery will introduce the work of Texas mixed-media artist Samantha Parker Salazar. Parker Salazar creates large-scale installations and works on paper resulting is environments that play with light and shadow. Parker Salazar will present an artist’s talk Friday, March 16 at 11:00am at the gallery.

Make and evening, dine and shop downtown! Several businesses are open for First Friday as well as our downtown restaurants.

Posted March 1st, 2018 No Comments »