Located in the East of Illinois, Terre Haute is one of the largest cities in the Wabash Valley. Terre Haute is known as the Queen City of the Wabash and its name means the highland as Terre Haute is located above the Wabash River.
Surrounded by beautiful museums, parks, heritage houses, and nature centers, Terre Haute is a popular destination among tourists who are students or traveling with families.
In addition to this Terre Haute is a great place to watch live performances, shop, explore sample craft beers and get an adrenaline rush at sports matches. Terre Haute has something for everyone to explore.
Many thrilling activities and beautiful attractions await you in this bustling city. Feel free to browse below the list of the 20 best things to do in Terre Haute.
List of Things to Do in Terre Haute
1. Downtown, Terre Haute
In recent years this area has been completely transformed and you will be amazed to see the recent transformation. This place started resuscitation after the 2000s and now it will blow your mind away.
French Second Empire lines of the Vigo County Courthouse (1888) and others are some stunning historical architectures to visit.
Things to do- Any trip is incomplete without food so satisfy your hunger by visiting various famous eateries including Wabash Avenue, Cherry Street, and Poplar Street.
Explore the stunning architecture of the Downtown area and click pictures for your social media post and let your friends know about this amazing place.
Parking- Hourly parking is $2.00 for the first 30 minutes, then $1.00 for every 1/2 hour thereafter. The maximum charge is $10.00 per day.
Timings- 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday
Address- 630 Wabash Ave Suite 105, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
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2. Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Centre
Opened in 1995, Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Centre is the only museum in Indiana dedicated to Holocaust.
You may know that the word CANDLES is denoted to the Children of Auschwitz Nazi Lab Experiment Survivors. This museum has documents that describe the genocide and other topics like eugenics.
Things to do- Visit this museum to know about the history of the Holocaust and the miserable lives of the people who suffered during Nazi Germany.
Parking- Free parking but space is limited
Timings- 10 am to 4 pm, Thursday to Saturday
Address- 1532 S 3rd St, Terre Haute, IN 47802, United States
3. Wabash Valley Railroad Museum (WVRM)
Terre Haute is an important place in the history of railways as it was a huge rail hub back in the 1880s. Here you will observe the mainline operations of the 21st century along with the old setup.
Things to do- Want to know about the railroad industry of the past time? Then visit this museum, where you will be guided by the volunteer about the history of the depot’s structures and old rolling stocks.
Here you will get to know about the old-day system of Morse code, switching towers, and other things.
Parking- $0.50 per hour
Timings- 12 pm to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday
Address- 1316 Plum St, Terre Haute, IN 47804, United States
4. Terre Haute Children’s Museum
Terre Haute Children’s Museum is made for children up to the age of 12. This museum is a perfect place loaded with fun and plays, educating kids without making them feel bored.
Things to do- Toddlers can enjoy at Toddler Zone and they can play with toys.
They can also drive a tractor. For older children, special setups are there to educate them about body functions and health, physics, and other things with high-tech multimedia. You can also try Fit Gym here.
Parking- Free parking
Timings- 10 am to 4 pm, Wednesday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday
Address- 727 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
5. Square Donuts
Square Donuts has been in business since 1967. You will be amazed to know that its name square Donuts is literal and it is based on its unusual shape.
Richard Comer, who founded this shop, used a square cutter to make doughnuts from the first day. He started this shop with his wife and four daughters. There are two square Donuts in Terre Haute.
Things to do- Try these unusually shaped square Donuts. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with their famous cake doughnuts and jelly-filled doughnuts.
In addition to this, try their long Johns and cinnamon rolls with strawberry icing, chocolate icing, or peanut butter icing.
Timings – Shop 1- 6 am to 2 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and 6 am to 11 am on Sunday
Shop 2- 6 am to 11 am, Tuesday to Sunday
Address – Shop 1- 935 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
Shop 2- 2417 Fort Harrison Road, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
6. Terre Haute Action Track
It is a 0.5 miles off-road race track in Indiana that was opened in 1952. It is a great place to have fun with your family members.
Things to do- This track hosts the annual United States Automobile Club midget car, sprint car, and other events, try to attend those events.
Timings – 24 hours
Address – 3901 S US Hwy 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802, United States
7. Deming Park
Spread over 177 acres, Deming Park is the largest park here. It was set up by the Deming family who was the early settlers in the city and they had a huge piece of land. They built the Grand Boulevard by selling this land to the city.
It is a wonderful space having an arboretum, a golf course, a public pool, playgrounds, and many other facilities for tennis, basketball, picnic, and fishing.
Things to do- It is a perfect place for relaxing. If you’re with kids then bring them here as this place has a very beautiful children’s area.
You can barbecue with your family members. Also, it is the perfect place to walk at night with your lover.
Timings – 24 hours
Address – 500 S Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803, United States
8. Haute City Center ( Honey Creek Mall)
Spread over an area of 63,257 sq meters, Haute City center, formerly known as Honey Creek Mall, was opened in 1968. This place has a dynamic destination catered to all.
It is a nice quiet mall with no big department stores and relaxing to walk inside.
Things to do- It is a perfect place for shopping and having fun. In addition to this, you can also try having a meal here. If you are with kids then it should be on your must-to-do list to visit this place.
Parking – Free parking
Timings – 10 am to 8 pm, Monday to Saturday 12 to 6 pm on Sunday
Address – 3401 S US Hwy 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802, United States
9. Vigo County Historical Museum
Built-in 1895, Vigo County Historical Museum is home to numerous collections of artifacts. This place is full of detailed exhibits of transportation, historical events, business and industries, and many more.
Things to do- Visit this place to get an idea about the history of Terre Haute. You will be amazed to know the various facts about Terre Haute.
One such fact is that the contour bottle of Coca-cola was designed here in 1915 by Root Glass Company.
Parking – Free parking with 200 car parking space
Timings – 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Saturday
Address – 929 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
10. Terre Haute Masonic Temple
Terre Haute Masonic Temple is a Revival-style Masonic building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Things to do- Explore the historical furniture and ancient architectural styles. Visit the building made and designed by a Midwestern architect.
Learn the history of the foundation of the order and get information about the historical Masonic literature.
Timings – 24 hours
Address- 224 N 8th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
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11. LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course
It is a 250-acre course specially designed for cross-country running. 15 national championships are hosted here.
It is a spectator-friendly course that has a unique design for the spectators to watch the entire race.
Things to do- It hosts various championships throughout the year. You should attend them especially when you are a sports enthusiast.
Timings – 24 hours
Address- 599 Tabortown St, Terre Haute, IN 47803, United States
12. Crossroads Repertory Theatre
It is a volunteer theatre that hosts five main-stage plays and several musicals. Crossroads Repertory Theatre started as the ISU Summer Theatre and produced its initial plays during the summer of 1965.
Those days graduate students used to participate in plays who wanted to have experience and be a part of good theatre.
Things to do- Crossroads Repertory Theatre is famous for its production and performances. It has performances ranging from well-known artists to immature performers. Try to attend concerts and plays and have a fun time.
Timings – 5:30 pm to 9 pm, Thursday and Friday and 1 pm to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday
Address- 536 N 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809, United States
13. Memorial Stadium
Opened in 1924, Memorial Stadium is home to the famous professional football team of Indiana State.
Originally, it had 16000 seats for fans and it hosted various types of sports events ranging from high school football and baseball to soccer matches including annual 4th of July celebrations.
Apart from sports activities, it will give you the nostalgia of the First World War as the entrance has a graceful arch that was built in honor of those people who served during the war.
Now you will see the remains of that arch as it is now renovated with a football-only facility.
Things to do- Visit this place to watch the match if you are into sports and outdoor activities. You can visit this to have glimpses of the past time as well.
Timings – 11 am to 8 pm, seven days a week
Address- 3300 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803, United States
14. Indiana Theatre
Opened as a movie palace in 1922, Indiana Theatre was built and designed by John Eberson. It has the design of an atmospheric theatre.
It has a huge auditorium that evokes an Andalusian courtyard with beautiful nightfall and it shows a transition of dusk from dawn.
During its early days, Indiana Theatre was for movies and vaudeville and it had famous performers such as Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and the Marx Brothers. Indiana Theatre has been restored since 2013.
Things to do- Go and explore the beauty of its interior architecture. You will have a guided tour with options from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.
Now this theatre has been provided with the latest technology including LED atmospheric lighting, a new sound system, and a digital projection system.
Timings- 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday
Address – 683 Ohio St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
15. Saint Benedict Catholic Church
Established in 1864 by a few German immigrants by the end of the civil war, this church was dedicated to Saint Benedict and it was served by Benedictine priests.
In 1872 this church was moved to a bigger building built by Adolph Druiding in Romanesque architecture. This church features three bells named for Saint Benedict, Saint Francis, and the Blessed Virgin.
Things to do- It is one of those free activities that you can do in Terre Haute.
Some people are religious and they never forget to pray even on trips, if you are one of them then you should definitely check out this place.
Timings – 24 hours
Address- 111 S 9th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
16. Charlie’s Neighborhood Pub and Grub
It is a favorite spot for foodies who are into American roadside dishes including California classics such as juicy cheeseburgers, tasty hot dogs, crunchy onion rings, and other things.
They provide classical and modern dishes made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. In addition to this, their toppings are delicious and they have a huge variety of toppings.
Things to do- It is a perfect place for having breakfast or lunch. Here you can have a classic American burger with cheese toppings or you may try freshly baked buns and locally crafted brews.
Timings – 7 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday, and 11 am to 12 am on Sunday
Address- 1608 Crawford St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
17. Piloni’s Italian Restaurant
Piloni’s Italian Restaurant offers classic and authentic Italian dishes & pizza in down-to-earth surroundings with a lounge.
Things to do- If you want to have authentic Italian food then you should visit this place. Try their famous delicacies including margarita pizza.
As they provide a wide range of pizzas, you will get your favorite pizza. And chances are there that you will eat your best pizza here.
Timings – 11 am to 9 pm, Monday to Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday, and 12 pm to 8 pm on Sunday
Address-1733 Lafayette Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47804, United States
18. Grand Traverse Company
It is a local chain outlet serving coffee and sweets with pies. They serve delicious food items and you will love the huge collection of pies here.
They provide different types of pies which are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Things to do- Visit this place for having snacks and see the crowd of people in line. This reflects their quality and trust in people. Try its famous pesto Mayo and cherry pie.
Timings – 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday
Address-525 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
19. Dobbs Memorial Park
Dobbs Memorial Park is a wonderful multifaceted outdoor space consisting of a nature center, a three-acre pond, a Native American Museum, and a 25-acre State Nature preserve.
Things to do- This place is beautiful and surrounded by pine woods. Here you will find peace away from the chaotic world.
Timings – 7 am to 9 pm, seven days a week
Address – 5170 Poplar Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47803, United States
20. Swope Art Museum
Built-in 1901, Swope Block is one of the biggest buildings in the Downtown area and Swope Art Museum is in the Swope Block on 7th of Ohio Street.
It was named after the jeweler and war veteran, Michael Sheldon Swope who lived in Terre Haute.
Things to do- Visit this museum to explore the rich collection and pieces by Edward Hopper, Hoosier Group of Impressionists, Grant Wood, and Zoltan Sepeshy.
Since 1945, The annual Wabash Valley Exhibition has been running including the showcase for art from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
Parking – Free parking but space is limited
Timings – 12 to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Address – 25 S 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, United States
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