Local sculptor Bill Wolfe (Terre Haute) created a tribute to the man who is considered the Founder…read moreof Vincennes: Lt Francois-Marie Bissot. Bissot's father was in charge of promoting loyalty to the French among the Miami Indians. When Bissot's father passed away, Bissot was promoted to take over this duty. Bissot was French and worked his way up through the ranks of the French army in the Louisiana Territory in the area of modern day Indiana. In 1730, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was made commandant of the area. He was charged with promoting French trade with the native people and keeping British traders out. Vincennes became the site of the trading post set up by Bissot. Sadly, Bissot died at the age of 36 due to a fire started by the Chickasaw Indians while on a trip to the southern part of the Louisiana Territory. The bronze statue is a new addition to the downtown Vincennes waterfront. Review #2969

Some of the statues in historic Vincennes are for frontiersmen. But this collection of statues…read moreoutside the Old Cathedral Saint Francis Xavier Church in downtown Vincennes pays tribute to religious leaders & saints. Standing 9' tall in bronze is Father Pierre Gibault, the "Patriot Priest" which is located in the mall area in front of the church. Gibault was key in his attempts to convince the French settlers to switch their allegiance from the British to the Americans in 1778. This support along with his life savings which were given to help George Rogers Clark in his campaign of defeating the British helped turn the tide for the young American country. The Old Cathedral is the oldest Catholic Church in the state. Dating back to the early 1800's, the Cathedral added three figures to the front of the building in 1908. Viewing from left to right are Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Francis Xavier, and Saint Patrick. No artist data is available. Though starting to show some weathering, these three statues are still identifiable from ground level. If you are a history buff or are interested in art, these sculptures are worth checking out. Review #2973

Well kept I am proud to have seen it I do recommend the time to take to see it once it's not like…read morebreath taking but it is special to those in our community

Indiana has some of the best monuments when it comes to celebrating our appreciation for Soldiers…read moreand Sailors. Vincennes added its monument made from red granite in 1914 on the northeast corner of the county courthouse. Rising over sixty feet, the vault like structure base supports an obelisk that is topped with a bronze flag bearer. The flag bearer and four other statues, one on each corner of the vault, were created by sculptor Rudolf Schwarz and were cast posthumously to his death in 1912. The other four statues represent Navy, Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry. The monument sits in a plaza that allows access to all sides of the monument. The plaza also has granite monuments to significant historical documents on one side of the plaza. The other side has monuments honoring those who served in the military in each of the wars in our country's history. Flags fly behind the military monuments. The space is well kept and is beautiful. Because everything is done in bronze and granite, there has been little deterioration over the 100+ years. While at the monument, check out the nearby courthouse for additional statues. On the north end are two statues on the third story. One is George Rogers Clark and the other is a Union Soldier. On the south side of the courthouse is a statue of Justice. All three statues were carved by Andrea Barrot in Carrara, Italy in time for the dedication of the courthouse in 1874. The monument and neighboring statues are worth stopping by the next time you are in Knox County. Review #2976

This is the home where Red Skelton was born. It is not open, but you can go there and see the…read moreoutside and read the Historical Marker

If you are looking for things to do in Vincennes, swing by the local Visitors Center located near…read morethe entrance to the Indiana Military Museum. The center is located in a small building with most of it being offices for the Visitors and Tourism Bureau. But there is a space in the lobby where you can find brochures and merchandise promoting the area. The folks who work there are friendly and were glad to answer any questions. Still, for the small space that they have, you can get a lot of information. Review #3568

A great park. It happens to have a fantastic setting right along the river in downtown Vincennes…read more There was fog the day we arrived, and it was gorgeous to see it rising above the river and drifting along the grass area near the memorial. There is a small visitor's center available with a small exhibit and gift shop. Unfortunately, their speakers had broken, so we were unable to watch their park film, "Long Knives," onsite, though the friendly staff did advise that it was available online so we were able to watch it at home. The memorial itself is huge and located within an easy walk from the visitor's center. It does, however, require climbing a number of steps to enter, plus you'll want to check with the desk if it is open. They may be able to open it for you, if it's not already. If you opt to go inside, you can view a variety of large murals that detail how Clark's victory made the Northwest Territory possible. It was fascinating to see how the history intersects with other National Park/state historic sites we've been to - George Rogers Clark is the brother of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame, and this Clark called a big meeting with Native tribes at Cahokia. There is also a large statue of Clark in the center of the space. There is a parking lot available onsite, plus nearby street parking, and it's easy to stroll right over to downtown Vincennes and explore the town, as well.

If you like history, you're going to like this National Park Gem. You start in the Visitors Center…read morewhere they have a short film on the life of George Rogers Clark. When you go over to see the monument you have to climb a lot of steps and there is NO handicap access. We didn't know that if you want to go inside the monument you have to tell the Ranger so he/she can go and open it up for you. So when we got to the door of the monument it was locked. I looked up the number of the Ranger, called it and the got someone to come and unlock the door. The inside is awesome with a beautiful statue of Clark in the middle of stunning murals all around the wall. This is a must see if you are near Vincennes. Just remember to let the Ranger know you want to see the inside of the monument.

It was only a matter of time. The Mug Tree was an old tree. Mugs were placed with it and that…read morebrought it alive again in our hearts. Many, many mugs. Travelers along the highway admired that old tree, adorned with mugs. It offered a silent respite in our daily lives. It offered hope, that no matter what pains we carried, there was the Mug Tree. The Mug Tree, which was created out of the generosity of hundreds of people, most likely strangers to each other, but friends with a common goal of taking an old, dead tree along a country highway and giving it purpose, once more. The Mug Tree. A local landmark, never to be recognized as a national monument. Unlike the more famous curiosities just a few miles north in Casey, this oddity stood outside of the door to fame. Yet, to those of us who passed by, it stood for years alongside that country highway, day and night. Like an old trusted friend. So, to those who read these words and never knew the Mug Tree, I am sorry for your loss. And to those thousands of travelers that passed by and noticed, if you grieve, you grieve not alone. Dear Mug Tree: So long, my friend. Thanks for all the smiles you brought to our hearts.

So... It was fun to see this tree in passing on the way to Effingham but I felt like the house on…read moretop could've been utilized for birds or something.

This is a small quiet winery a few miles off of Interstate 70. I have been visiting for a decade,…read moreand appreciate the quiet atmosphere. They have flights, so you can sample before you buy a bottle. There are snacks like cheese, nuts and meat, to purchase in a cooler if you are hungry. There are also plenty of beverage choices if you do not wish to have wine, and milk and juice for kiddos if you are visiting with your family. I have always felt comfortable walking in with my kids. We often stopped here on our way from Indianapolis to St. Louis and stretched our legs. It is also close to a beautiful covered bridge, so i t makes pulling off the interstate a nice experience to pair the winery and bridge together. I feel like the wines are a combination of excellent flavor and yet affordable for yourself or as a gift. This year they has a wine called "Let it Snow" with edible glitter that made a beautiful swirl.

Lovely vineyard nestled in Cumberland County close to the interstate…read more We really enjoyed the ambiance sitting on the porch overlooking flowers, grapevines, and nature. The owners were very friendly and helpful. I tried a flight of wine and a slushy, my husband had the Canoe. We left. with a bottle of Canoe and cherry wine. If you want food you can bring your own or they had cheese and crackers for sale.

Under construction and down to a single lane in each direction when I passed, this bridge brought…read moreme from Indiana into the People's Republic of Illinois. No toll, which was nice. Despite the construction, the bridge was easy to drive and I successfully crossed over the Wabash River. [Review 19666 overall - 49 in Indiana - 638 of 2023.]