Discover New Albany

New Albany offers a range of reasons to choose the city as a travel destination: the history of the Underground Railroad, historic architecture, paths along the Ohio River, and events. To start planning your stay, consider whether you would like to focus on exhibitions and architectural history, outdoor activities, or a festival. The following places and activities offer specific points of reference; you can then choose a hotel to suit the purpose of your trip.

History and Architecture

Town Clock Church in Downtown was closely connected to Underground Railroad activities. Its 65-foot tower served as a beacon of hope for people seeking freedom as they tried to cross the Ohio River. The Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center, formerly Carnegie Center, features permanent exhibitions about Lucy Higgs Nichols and New Albany’s connections to the Underground Railroad. You can encounter this history both in connection with a specific church and through exhibitions about people and local ties.

Mansion Row on Main Street offers a stroll through the historic architecture of downtown. The stretch runs from the intersection with State Street to 15th Street. Culbertson Mansion also offers a glimpse into architectural history: the three-story Second Empire-style mansion has more than 20,000 square feet of space and 25 rooms. It dates from the Victorian era and was built in the late 19th century. Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site offers tours and showcases historically preserved details. Scribner House adds to this architectural history as the first timber-frame house in New Albany; Joel Scribner built it in 1814.

The restored Division Street School broadens the picture of historic buildings to include a community function. It serves as an educational resource as well as a neighborhood and community building. This means that New Albany’s cultural offerings include not only churches, houses, and exhibitions, but also a building used for education and neighborhood life.

Trails, Art, and Outdoor Activities

The Ohio River Greenway stretches from New Albany to Jeffersonville. This scenic, paved trail is suitable for walking, cycling, and jogging. New Albany Flow Park offers a different focus, combining art and recreation; visitors can skateboard or enjoy the sculptures there. You can choose between a route suited to several types of activity and a park that brings skateboarding and art together.

New Albany Riverfront Amphitheater is located directly on the Ohio River Greenway and is used for concerts and events. If a specific event is important to your trip, check the relevant dates before booking. Harvest Homecoming is a community-wide fall festival with a tradition spanning more than 50 years. The festival features events, vendor booths, games, and concerts; here, too, checking the dates can help if you want to plan your stay around it.

Nearby

Loop Island Wetlands are located near New Albany. There is a nearly one-mile hiking trail away from the Ohio River Greenway, as well as opportunities for birdwatching. This complements the paved Greenway route with a separate trail and another opportunity to observe nature. If you plan your trip around these interests, you’ll have specific options to consider for outdoor activities as well as history, architecture, and events.

For the broader travel overview: Floyd County.