This is a nice little museum that is located on the campus of Dobbs Memorial Park. It is operated…read moreand maintained by the Terre Haute Parks Department. They have three exhibit rooms in the museum that displays artifacts, native American living quarters, animal skins, some Native American dress, pictures, Jewelry, a canoe and other items. Just outside the museum is an active Native American Heirloom Garden. They pack a lot of material into this museum and they have an attendant on duty. It was very informational. The intent of the museum is to educate visitors in the life ways of the native peoples of the Northeast Woodlands The museum is free to visit, but they gladly accept donations. Additionally, They host monthly Saturday programs that feature crafts and topics of interest to people of all ages. The museum is not very popular for some unknown reason. I was the only person in the museum the entire time I was there. They have ample parking available in the park that it is in, but it is a slight walk from the lots to the museum. The museum is pretty clean and has a restroom available. Groups and tours are welcome and they have guest speakers available to address the groups/tours. I like this museum and it is a nice addition to the park.

This museum is designed to collect and share the history of the regional Native Americans who once…read moremade the Terre Haute area their home. As the only city park museum of its kind in the Midwest, the museum doesn't have a huge budget and with admission charges being free (donations are gladly accepted), the museum relies upon donated exhibits to enhance its offerings. There are several rooms inside the museum for displays. I was surprised at the number of life size pieces like a canoe, a wigwam, a long-house, and full ceremonial costumes that were inside. There are also quite a few necklaces, daily tools, and other artifacts with plenty of labeling for identification. Outside, there is an heirloom garden which has preserved some of the natural plantings that were common to the local population. During my visit, the garden was in transition as the summer months approach, so I didn't wander through the garden. Overall, I was glad to see the park system take the initiative to preserve and archive the collection. The park has participated in a program that has digitized the images and information for sharing and future study. The museum opens at 10 a.m. on most days. If you get there early, there is plenty in the surrounding park to help you pass the time. Review #891

Swope Art Museum, officially known as the Sheldon Swope Art Museum, may not have all the…read morerazzle-dazzle of Indy's Newfields, however, this is an impressive regional museum and a source of pride in Terre Haute. The Swope Art Museum has a collection of nearly 2,500 works of American art including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the 19th century to the present. Changing exhibitions from the permanent collection include selections from American Scene Painting of the 1930s and 1940s, 19th century American art, early 20th century modernism, Indiana art, and Post-World War II figurative and abstract art. The museum is particularly known for its American Scene Painting collection with artists including Thomas Hart Benton, Charles Burchfield, Reginald Marshall, Grant Wood, and Edward Hopper. 19th century American art movements include William Merritt Chase, George Inness, Frederick MacMonnies, Mary Fairchild MacMonnies, and Tompkins Harrison Matteson. 20th century art includes works by George Bellows, Arthur B. Davies, Manierre Dawson, Jack Levine, George Luks, and Fairfield Porter among others. Indiana artists are also represented here quite extensively - J. Ottis Adams, William Forsyth, Theodore C. Steele, C. Curry Bohm, Otto Stark, Carl C. Graf, Genevieve Goth Grath, and Terre Haute natives like John Rogers Cox, James Farrington Gookins, Janet Scudder (who is directly related to the physician who delivered me!), Caroline Peddle Ball, and Gilbert Wilson. Finally, more contemporary artists like Robert Indiana, Andy Warhol, Paul Jenkins, and Robert Motherwell also have art works here. You can schedule a guided tour here that lasts about an hour. In terms of accessibility, the Swope is on two floors. There is a small elevator that can accommodate most wheelchairs/mobility equipment. They also have a wheelchair that can be utilized in case yours doesn't work (assuming you can transfer). There is 2-hour street parking around the museum (it is watched, so watch the time to avoid fines). For special events, visitors can use the Old National parking lot. This is a 1901 building - so efforts at accessibility are appreciated. Admission is free, however, I'd check the website as there are somewhat limited hours. While Swope is certainly not a national museum, it's a much nicer than expected regional museum with a lot of impressive art and genuinely warm staff and volunteers. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Terre Haute has quite a bit to visit and a stop at the Swope should be a part of any weekend getaway.

It's a small museum, but if you can accept that, there is an interesting mix of Indiana artists,…read moreand others from different areas of the US. Heavy in landscape and 1800+ portraiture, it has several interesting galleries. Go now before June 2025, when it will close for six months, re-opening again in early 2026 after serious renovation. There is only a suggested donation as admission currently; that will likely have to change. It's a volunteer-driven organization, and they're quite helpful. The only downside is bad lighting; perhaps the renovation will pay attention to that. Worth a visit; free parking for 2hrs downtown nearby. Largely ADA accessible; if at standing-observation height.

Since the Hoosiers did so well this year NATIONAL CHAMPIONS I thought of a great place in…read moreBloomington. The Wonderlab!!! It's a nice sized science of wonders in my opinion. They have a bubble room! It's awesome. A place where you can parachute little figure people over and over again. Shoot I laid down on a bed of nails once here. They have a huge climbing vine that you can climb all the way up to the second floor. But, you have to climb back down it doesn't exit on that floor. They have a cool water science area for kids complete with rain gear - which is optional do what you want ha. It's just a cool place. It's not too big and it's not too small. It the perfect sized science museum. They have the coolest gift shop! I still have my Wonderlab water bottle from years ago. If you've never been make a day of it!

Tucked in amidst the buildings step into this wonderland for kids to explore science. All sorts of…read moreexperiments and things to learn, places to climb and things to do. Good for all ages! There is even a gate enclosure for toddlers to play separately.The older ones,even adults, will enjoy seeing what it's like to be laying on a bed of nails! It is a very busy place however so do keep an eye on your littles as they may feel the desire to walk to the next activity without you! If this were closer then I believe we'd take my grandkids more often, but it makes an excuse for a little road trip, although I'm always easily persuaded to be on the go!

Great 3-story children's museum. It has a lot of quality interactive fun exhibits. Some need…read moremaintenance or updates but overall it was a great time. We especially loved the construction section. It had great hands on tasks dedicated to the trades- electrical, plumbing, tile laying, painting, wall framing, and brick laying. It was really cool. There is a nice farming section. A really big water table. Also a large tree house climbing structure and for the bigger kids a harnessed rope course. It was easy to spend 2 hours here. Great resource for the Terre Haute area.

We stopped here after Indianapolis children's museum day 2. It was worth the hour drive to see…read morethis unique museum with rope challenge. It is an hour drive from Indianapolis and recognize ASTC reciprocal membership. Plus it has a great science store with cool toys for kids. There are 3 levels inside and plenty of activities to enjoy. My son and I tried the ropes challenge before 3:30pm which is last slot before closing. We wore harness and attached lanyard attached to above track. It is probably a little more advanced for him but he did just fine. Afterwards, we checked out the large water table and special exhibit on butterflies with sand table. There is street parking which is free and they remind you not to park in lot owned by hotel.

Very impressed. So much stuff there and a very friendly staff. Admission is very reasonable at $5…read morefor adults and $2 for kids 18 and under. Did I mention a lot of stuff?

I stopped by this museum while I was visiting Danville last month. I'll be honest- I figured a…read moremuseum in a town the size of Danville probably wouldn't have much to their exhibits. I will happily admit that I was WRONG! This is one of the best history museums that I have ever visited (and I go to a lot of museums). First of all- the people who work there are WONDERFUL! I believe they are all volunteers. They are great. I wish I could remember everyone's name- I know there was a nice gentleman named Jim who helped me when I first got there. He was super sweet and had a lot of information. Later on a kind gentleman named Mike was happy to give back stories on some of the exhibits. This museum has artifacts dating back to the Indian War (I believe). I was maybe there a little under two hours but could have easily stayed another hour or so. If you find yourself anywhere near Danville, be sure to stop by here.

Great house museum! Chronicles the life of Debs along with artifacts, paraphernalia, period…read morefurniture and great programming and interpretation.

Michael K in a former Yelp review did such a great review, I feel like I cannot add much that he…read morehas not said. He clearly covered the extensive history of what this museum is all about. I grew up in Terre Haute and this is my first time visiting (Vigo County school system in probably not real quick put such a progressive figure like Debs into their regular field trip rotation, thus why I never visited as a kid myself). Upon spending some time on the campus of ISU last week, I made it a point to wander over to 8th street and pop in. I was warmly welcomed by Allison Duerk, the Museum Director and a new intern who were at the front door. Very clearly stating at the beginning that this museum, tour and talk that this house/museum is open to all regardless of political views, backgrounds or opinions. Eugene Debs is part of the historical fabric of Terre Haute and the socialist movement and is simply honored by having his Terre Haute home preserved as a museum for all to visit. A sincere treat to have Allison as my personal tour guide on the day of my visit, for she is an extensive wealth of information and understanding about the Debs history and the family. Really very interesting and paced well as we wandered the home. She was excellent! Not a historical museum in a big city, but I provide the Eugene V Debs Museum a 5 star Yelp review because Allison and her open and welcoming manner coupled with her extensive history and understanding of socialism and the Debs family is remarkable and makes for such an interesting tour. Short the prior occupants of the home, the house itself is an interesting piece of architectural history and neat to see on its own. In the summer of 2019 as I visited, the museum is open from Tues-Sat, noon-5pm. There are not set times for tours, but they will start a tour as guests walk in. I asked a lot of questions and was engaged, so I was probably there for an hour and a half. You could take longer or less time depending on your interest level and time I suppose. You could probably wander the house on your own, but the information someone like Allison or one of the docents or tour guides would provide would easily tie everything together into a better understanding of who Eugene Debs was. There is not an entrance fee to visit, but they do point out their donation box and suggest a donation if you can. Without donations, this historical building would most likely not remain. An interesting little gem on the campus of ISU. Go visit!

Some say the official state bird of Indiana is the cardinal. For hoosier basketball fans, it's…read moreundeniably Larry Bird. Having opened on May 30th, The Larry Bird Museum is a tribute to one of the NBA's greats and a man who has continued to be significant to basketball in Indiana and beyond even beyond his retirement. Born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Bird played for Springs Valley High School and Indiana State University before spending his professional career with the Boston Celtics. Few remember that Bird actually played for Bob Knight's Hoosiers initially, however, had some trouble adapting to college and ended up first at a junior college (Northwood Institute) before transferring to Indiana State. To say he elevated ISU basketball is an understatement - and as many of us know, his senior year the team was undefeated and #1 until losing in the NCAA Championship game to Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans. Both Bird and Johnson would become known as a couple of the greatest players to ever play the game in the NBA. While he always played for the Celtics, Bird would return to Indiana after retiring and would be the coach of the Pacers (taking the team to the NBA Finals in 2000) and then the President of Basketball Operations. Bird is the only person to win an MVP as player along with Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year honors. The Larry Bird Museum is adjacent to the Convention Center in Terre Haute. Admission is free, though reservations are required through an online portal. Visitors to the museum can delve into various exhibits showcasing rare memorabilia, iconic moments, and interactive displays that highlight Bird's unmatched skill, commitment, and influence on the sport. Bird himself showed up for the grand opening on May 30th and has fully supported the museum's development. Self-guided tours are available and group tours/field trips are available on a limited basis. The museum is noting its popularity during its first week and so those with reservations need to be prepared to flex a bit in terms of timing, however, I found everything running quite smoothly and the museum is practically a must-visit for Indiana basketball fans, Larry Bird fans, and anyone visiting Terre Haute (which is only about 70 miles from Indy - an easy day trip with lots more to do in the city). Parking is available in the garage at 811 Cherry Street. No food or beverages are allowed in the museum. It's important to note that videography is not allowed - there are licensing restrictions with some of the items in the museum. However, photographs are allowed. This is a marvelous tribute to one of Indiana's iconic basketball players and it's quite awesome to see it come to life in Terre Haute. It's ideally located and very well accessible throughout. This is not what I'd call anything close to an all-day experience, however, it can easily be a meaningful part of a day in Terre Haute with plenty of hotels and restaurants around it.

Aa a native to Terre Haute, Larry Bird is woven into the fabric of my memories of growing up in…read morethis town. It is very very cool and completely a Terre Haute thing to have this museum commemorating the life and legacy of Larry Bird. Its charming and I kind of love it. Not large, actually quite small, but really well done with engaging, colorful, relevant and fun installations around the museum. Lots to read, some championship rings, photos from growing up in French Lick and the story of Larry Bird. I did not know he was an excellent trash talker, that he first went to Indiana University before attending Indiana State University and that the 3-point shot came into play in the NBA during his early rise in the league. There is a video to understand the story of Larry Bird that lasts about 5 minutes. No gift shop. You can park in the Convention Center Parking Garage on the backside of the museum (for $1 an hour and I believe off of Cherry Street). It does not hurt that this place is located right next to two great local bars (maybe a 30 second walk). A good place to start or end your time at the Larry Bird Museum. Terre Haute is famously known for a few things (Coca Cola bottle) and Larry Bird is one of them. So it is only appropriate and fun that this little museum is here.

Heath Museum When in…read moreRobinson, you have to visit this quaint little shop, even if just to get some very fresh Heath bars. Be advised that they are only open 11-2 during the weekdays. The shop has a good bit of Heath memorabilia and historical displays. There are plenty of fresh Heath bars for purchase, including bulk, un-wrapped bars. The staff was helpful and friendly, too!

It was a fun little stop. We expected more, it's more like a little soda shop/drug store with cool…read morememorabilia. But interesting history.

I have been to this museum three times. The first time was when I was a child with my mother and…read moresister. When I was in eighth grade, my middle school class got to go here for a field trip. We got to meet Eva and talk to her about her experiences, which was very cool. I, now an adult, recently visited again. Eva has now passed away, but her story and legacy is laced throughout this museum. The museum staff was very respectful and knowledgeable. You can let them guide you through the museum or go at your own pace. It's a small museum, but it has very cool exhibits and the personal touch from a real survivor is awesome. I, as a teacher, enjoyed the various discussion questions prompted throughout the museum, which I assume are mostly for school children on trips. After all, teaching children history, how to spot a leader or policy that doesn't have everyone's best interest in mind, and compassion is the best way to prevent another tragic event like the Holocaust.

Although you may be well versed in history regarding WWII and the Holocaust, this museum takes you…read moreon a personal journey that opens your understanding to a new level. The museum uses a timeline display to walk you through the life of Eva Kor, one of the children who was a test subject of the evil, yes, truly evil, Dr Mengele twin experiments as part of the attempted genocide of Jews and any non-aryan people under the rule of Nazi Germany. But this isn't a "shock" theater of horrific images. Rather, it's a journey in Eva's triumph of survival and ultimately, forgiveness that has led to her call to action for people to do what is right. Although you could read through all the displays in less than an hour, I encourage visitors to go around noon so that they can read through the material, and then stay to listen to the speakers that are often available beginning at 1 p.m. Although the founder/central focus of the museum was not there during my visit, I was able to listen to "Walt" who was born Jewish in Germany in 1920 and escaped to America in 1939 when his family's travel permits came through (his father had been taken to a concentration camp about 5 weeks earlier, but was released/deported with the family.) I learned things that shocked me. I learned things that were never taught in our "Pro-America" school system. I learned how ISOLATION and GREED led our country to finance the rise of Nazi military power which led to our later having to fight an enemy who was of our own making. I was both shocked and angered, but with that came the understanding of how these horrific things became unstoppable. After the lecture, I was able to spend time with Walt (who was the same age as my late father). He still loves Germany, just not what it did. He has gone back and visited and holds no hatred for the country even after all that happened. I was totally surprised by this as well. And that is a big part of what makes this museum special. It isn't just about the horrors. It is a tool to be used so that we become vigilant and proactive in fighting the circumstances of wrong doing. Forgiveness is a key to being able to move on, but first, we have to stop those things that we know are wrong, even at the risk of our own safety. I also suggest allowing time to go into the digital interactive theater. If you don't have the opportunity to ask Eva or one of the speakers directly, you can go to this theater and see a life sized image of Eva waiting to be asked questions. Pushing a button on the remote while you ask allows the computer to find the best match of a response where the image of Eva then tells of her experience. I asked a couple questions and was amazed at how these pre-recorded answers addressed my questions. It was so lifelike that at times, I would nearly forget that she was just an image instead of really being there. The story of how she was experimented on while her twin was held for comparison was shocking. If she had died from the injection, her sister would have been killed immediately so that the scientists could compare the autopsies to record the differences. Then her sister was injected with something else and Eva was held. Fortunately, both survived until liberation came though complications eventually claimed her sister much earlier than expected. Imagine being only 10 years old and being experimented on. What courage that must require. The museum is one that will give you far more than your $5 worth in understanding and insight. Just give yourself time to experience this place...it isn't something you want to rush through. Review #2526