Discover Knox County

Knox County offers historic sites, museums, and outdoor trails to help you plan your trip. A particularly tangible connection to history is February 25, 1779: on that day, the garrison at Fort Sackville surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark.

Historic Sites and Their Stories

The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park commemorates this surrender. The visitor center offers a small exhibition area, a bookstore, and restrooms, as well as a 30-minute introductory film. Visitor services may vary by season.

The park grounds also invite visitors to enjoy the outdoors: they are open from sunrise to sunset for walking, running, and cycling. Be sure to take park notices and current conditions into account.

At the Vincennes State Historic Sites, the original Territorial Capitol was built in 1805. The original Old French House, built around 1809 in the French Creole style, is also located at the Historic Sites. The two buildings offer tangible examples of different historic architectural styles.

Grouseland was the home of William Henry Harrison and was built from 1803 to 1804. The museum collection includes art, furniture, and memorabilia, as well as three original Harrison portraits. Collection details may change.

Fort Knox II also connects landscape and history: the site is on a rise overlooking the Wabash River. Built in 1803, it served as a military installation from 1803 to 1813.

Museums, Commemorative Events, and Local Offerings

The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy presents Red Skelton’s career through interactive, educational exhibits. Group tours are available for parties of ten or more and must be booked in advance. Reservation requirements may change, so check them beforehand.

The Indiana Military Museum holds several commemorative events each year to honor veterans of World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Check the current calendar to find out which dates fall during your trip. The museum’s annex displays tanks, artillery, and aircraft; exhibit contents may change.

The Historic Farmers Market of Vincennes offers local produce, handmade goods, and artisan specialties. The market is seasonal, so it’s a good idea to check the current dates before you travel.

The monthly “First Friday” Art Walk features performances and pop-up galleries. If you’d like to include the Art Walk in your plans, check the dates for your travel period, as the schedule may change.

Trails and River Landscapes

The wooded Ouabache (Wabash) Trails Park spans 254 hectares along the Wabash River and has four miles of marked trails. Trail conditions may vary. The park rents mountain bikes for its biking trails; it’s best to confirm availability before your trip.

Fox Ridge Nature Park covers 95 acres and offers trails for walking, hiking, and biking, as well as a fishing pond. Park amenities may change. The activity you choose there will mainly depend on whether you want to focus on the trails or the pond.

The Riverwalk in downtown Vincennes runs from Main Street to Hart Street and includes an observation deck for visitors. Its named endpoints provide a clear orientation for your walk.

These outdoor offerings come in a variety of formats: marked trails in a wooded park, a range of trail activities and a fishing pond, or a Riverwalk with an observation deck. To choose, consider whether you’d prefer to plan a visit to a park or a clearly defined walk.

Discover more destinations: Bicknell, Vincennes, Adams County, Vanderburgh, Johnson, Fountain County, Morgan, Floyd County.

For the broader travel overview: Indiana.