Evansville, IN

With a population of over 100,000, Evansville is the third-largest city in Indiana. It is located in the southwest corner of the state, close to the borders with Illinois (which lies to the west) and Kentucky (which lies to the south), making it a hub for what is known as the Tri-State Area. Unlike most of the state, which is in the Eastern Time Zone, Evansville observes Central Standard Time in order to be consistent with business centers in nearby states. Evansville is home to a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville, Ivy Tech, and Indiana Business College. The influx of college students each year helps the city retain its vibrant character.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The Evansville area has historically had a manufacturing-based economy, producing appliances, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, plastics, and nutritional products. However, the city has made a concerted effort to expand its economic base, and the economy now includes businesses in the health-care, finance, utility, and technology sectors.

Toyota Motors is the top employer in Evansville, followed by various health-care centers, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, and several manufacturers.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Evansville is home to many historical and shopping districts, college campuses, and, of course, plenty of friendly neighborhoods:

• Belknap/Indiana State University: This funky urban area, popular with college students, offers affordable housing and an energetic feel.
• Downtown/Main Street: This vibrant area is home to independent specialty and antique shops, and it boasts an exciting nightlife with plenty of restaurants and bars.
• Highland: This quiet and affordable residential neighborhood draws mostly families with children.
• McCutchanville: This area is the most expensive residential neighborhood in Evansville, and several executives prefer this quiet area.
• Olde Towne: This renovated historic neighborhood has a lively mix of locally owned shops and boutiques.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science: Permanent and traveling exhibits focus on artwork; the museum includes the Koch Planetarium and a children's learning and exploration center.
• Reitz Home Museum: This historic house offers one of the best examples of French Second Empire architecture in the country and is known for its intricately detailed interior moldings and furnishings.
• Memorial Coliseum: This 1918 Classic Revival building was built to honor war veterans; it is now used for sporting events, plays, concerts, and exhibitions.
• Mesker Amphitheatre: This outdoor amphitheatre is a great nighttime venue for a variety of concerts and events, including movies shown under the stars.
• Casino Aztar: Evansville is known for its riverboat gambling, and this downtown riverboat casino on the Ohio River has slot machines, gaming tables, restaurants, and live entertainment.

BEST BETS

• Angel Mounds State Historic Site: One of the most well-preserved prehistoric Native American sites in the country, the recently renovated Angel Mounds site boasts interactive exhibits that trace the history of the area's native people.
• Evansville African American Museum: Located in the 1938 Lincoln Gardens, one of America's first housing projects, this museum honors the history, contributions, and culture of African Americans.
• Evansville Museum Transportation Center (EMTRAC): Exhibits focus on the history of river, rail, street, and air transportation in the area.
• Howell Wetlands: This 35-acre wetland is one of only five urban wetlands parks in the state.
• Riverfront/Dress Plaza: Pedestrians can enjoy the outdoor sculptures and the natural beauty of the Ohio River.

FAMILY FUN

• Mesker Park Zoo: This zoo and botanic garden, includes Amazonia, a climate-controlled indoor rainforest habitat.
• Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville: Interactive exhibits allow children to learn by doing, including writing, directing, and starring in their own dramatic works.
• Burdette Park & Aquatic Center: The year-round aquatic center boasts four water slides, a bumper pool, a children's spray park, and an Olympic-size pool with diving well. The rest of the complex offers a BMX biking track, miniature golf, batting cages, tennis courts, fishing lake, outdoor trails, and camping.
• Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage: Still partially under construction, the Greenway Passage will eventually have some 40 miles of paved trails for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the city.
• Swonder Ice Arena and SK8 Park: Ice hockey and ice skating facilities are available indoors, while rollerbladers and skateboarders have the option of using indoor or outdoor skate parks.
• Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve: This virgin bottomland hardwood forest is filled with natural wonders.
• Evansville BlueCats: Indiana's only professional indoor football team provides fast action and a lively atmosphere.
• Evansville Otters: a Frontier League baseball team that plays in historic Bosse Field, the nation's first municipally owned sports venue.

EVENTS

Evansville keeps a full calendar of social and cultural events, including:

• Maple Sugarbush Festival: For more than 30 years and with the participation of the Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, revelers have been tapping the maple trees in the Preserve in the early winter months and pouring the resulting maple syrup on their pancakes in early March.
• Freedom Festival: This salute to tri-state-area veterans has been held on the banks of the Ohio River at the end of June for the past three decades.
• Road Knights Car Show: At this annual car show, visitors can admire the many hot rods, custom designs, classic cars, and trucks this club shows.
• E'ville Iron Street Rod Club's Frog Follies: This club has held its annual street rod contest since 1975. Today about 4,000 street rod owners participate.
• Native American Days: This annual celebration in September typically draws close to 20,000 people to the Angel Mounds State Historic Site to view Native American dancers, flint knappers, basket weavers, and others demonstrate their tribal heritage.
• West Side Nut Club Fall Festival: The West Side Nut Club holds this annual event in October. Festivities include live entertainment, rides, and even a pet parade.