Considered by many to be the premier city of southwestern Indiana, Terre Haute is known as not just a great place to live, but a fantastic one to visit as well! Whether you’re a new resident of the area, planning a visit, or just curious what this slice of the Hoosier state has to offer, you’re in luck! Our guide is here to help you find out the absolute best things to do in Terre Haute—whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor fun, recreation or education, or dining options! Read on to find out our top picks of the best things to do in Terre Haute, Indiana!
Restaurants in Terre Haute, IN
1. Charlie’s Neighborhood Pub and Grub
Satisfy your craving for classic American pub food here at Charlie’s Neighborhood Pub and Grub! This strictly 21 and up establishment boasts a favorite trio—burgers, beer, and bourbon! But that’s not all…besides their famous burgers, craft beers, and delicious bourbon, you’ll also find a menu offering breakfast sandwiches, salads, melts, wings, and so much more! No matter what your favorite homestyle pub food may be, you’re sure to find a mouthwatering variation of it on Charlie’s menu!
2. Piloni’s Italian Restaurant
If you have a hankering for rustic Italian dishes, stop by at Piloni’s Italian Restaurant! Not only will you find such classic favorite entrees options as spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, and ravioli, but you can also order a variety of chicken, veal, steak, and seafood dishes, as well as delectable desserts including tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, and more. This is a fantastic, atmospheric option for lovers of Italian cuisine!
3. Umi Grill
A fantastic choice for fans of Japanese fare, Umi Grill offers a high end dining experience with both popular, familiar Japanese dishes and new ones just waiting for you to try! Indulge in sashimi and sushi, noodle bowls, teriyaki, udon, seafood, fried rice, and more—whatever your heart desires! Umi Grill offers a fantastic variety of menu options all amidst a classy, beautiful restaurant setting. You’re sure to enjoy the experience of visiting Umi Grill almost as much as you love the food itself!
4. Cackleberries
On the hunt for a one of a kind American diner experience for breakfast or lunch that’s perfect for the whole family? Cackleberries is where you’ll want to go! With a vintage diner atmosphere aided by counter stools and warm décor, and a wonderful, familiar menu of old favorites including breakfast skillets, omelets, pancakes, egg dishes, burgers, ribs, sandwiches, and more, Cackleberries is considered a local favorite for a reason! No matter how large your family, group, or personal appetite, everyone is sure to find something they love at Cackleberries!
5. Java Haute
When you need a caffeine pick me up, look no further than Java Haute! This wonderful coffee shop and bakery offers both classic favorites—like drip coffee, lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos—and fun new drinks like blended frozen coffee and frozen chocolate! Grab a java boost and one of the bakery’s delicious pastries—or a slice of quiche, if savory’s more your thing—and settle into one of the comfortable seating arrangements for some reading, café work, or time with friends. This is a great spot to hang out solo or with a group, and Java Haute is truly the perfect coffee shop experience!
Family-Friendly Activities in Terre Haute, IN
6. Deming Park
Looking for an outdoor option for the whole family to let out some energy and enjoy nature? Deming Park is the perfect spot! Located on the east side of Terre Haute, this sprawling park offers a bevy of fun activities spread across nearly 200 acres, including a public pool, the enormous Oakley Playground, an arboretum, an 18-hole disc golf course, and several different sports facilities. With so many options for fun and play, this park is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
7. Terre Haute Children’s Museum
Fun and education collide at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum! This three story building hosts a variety of incredible exhibits delineated for specific age groups! For children ages 4 and under, there are several exhibits including Water Works, Ready, Vet, Go! The Kitchen, and the Toddler Zone. For kiddos ages 5 through 8, some of the exhibits you’ll want to visit are Kinetic Balls, Fresh and Fit Market, the Tree House, and the Ropes Challenge Course; and for ages 9 and up, check out Fiddling with Physics, WTHCM Studio, Built It!, and more! No matter what ages your kiddos are, they’re guaranteed to have a fantastic, memorable experience at the Children’s Museum!
8. Fowler Park
Another great outdoor opportunity for families to connect and have fun together, Fowler Park offers a plethora of fabulous activities to choose from! Contained in the park are a pair of lakes, several playgrounds, trails, one of Indiana’s famous covered bridges, and even a preserved pioneer village with a working gristmill! This is a great park for fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, biking, sports, exploring, and so much more. No matter what season, a trip to Fowler Park makes for a fantastic family outing!
9. Terre Haute Action Track
For families interested in four wheel entertainment, look no further than the Terre Haute Action Track! Hosting a season that generally extends from May to October, and with its roots going all the way back to the 1950s, the Action Track’s half-mile dirt racetrack is the best place to watch midget car, sprint car, and Silver Crown events! Occasionally even hosting well-known drivers such as Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, the Action Track is a classic Indiana staple for some grandstand, pulse-pounding family fun!
10. The Bouncin’ Barn
A fantastic indoor option for rainy or cold days, The Bouncin’ Barn offers over 10,000 square feet of fun! This much loved location boasts a regular 8-10 inflatable bounce houses, as well as a toddler area, on site gymnasium, birthday party rooms, a concession stand, and free WiFi for the adults to use! With the bounce houses rotated on a monthly basis, your kiddos are sure to always enjoy another visit to The Bouncin’ Barn, even if you’ve been here before! (Note: The Bouncin Barn only accepts cash or check payments due to rising ATM fees.)
Cultural and Recreational Activities in Terre Haute, IN
11. CANDLES Holocaust Museum
A sobering yet inspiring educational experience awaits you at CANDLES Holocaust Museum. Founded by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor, this museum has been around for many years, even coming back from an arsonist attack in 2003; its purpose is to offer the public a chance to hear firsthand stories and learn more about the survivors of the Holocaust—specifically the children who were experimented on in concentration camps. With many rotating exhibits in addition to the testimonies, the CANDLES Holocaust Museum offers a unique chance to learn from those who endured so much, and to honor their struggles and strength.
12. Swope Art Museum
Art lovers won’t want to pass up the chance to visit Swope Art Museum! Best known for its over 2,000 pieces of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and more, Swope Art Museum hosts both a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions. Among these are two annual exhibitions promoting local contemporary artists—one which focuses on young artists currently enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade in the surrounding counties, and the other focusing on artists from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. A visit to Swope is a great opportunity to see not only classic American art, but also contemporary brilliance and the talent of the future!
13. Haute City Center
Ready to shop your heart out? Haute City Center is the spot for you! Amidst the mall’s more than 50 stores, you’ll find many of your beloved, well known chains, including Hollister, Lids, PacSun, Maurices. and JC Penney’s, as well as dining favorites Pizza diRoma and TGI Fridays! Or, if you prefer more of an antique, handmade experience when shopping for items and home décor, stop in at Vendor’s Village—a chain of antiques and vendor malls located within the Haute City Center!
14. Community Theater of Terre Haute
Perfect for lovers of the famous mainstage theater experience, the Community Theater of Terre Haute offers both classic and modern shows to delight folks of all ages and tastes! Offering mainstage shows from Shrek the Musical to Little Women, from dramas to comedy shows, as well kid’s theater camps and more, there’s something for everyone to love at the Community Theater of Terre Haute! This location offers a great opportunity to enjoy a classic theater experience while watching the sort of shows that appeal most to you. This is a can’t-miss spot for entertainment in the Terre Haute area!
Conclusion
After reading our guide, we hope you’re excited about all the things to do in Terre Haute! It is an amazing city with so much to offer. What are you most looking forward to experiencing in this delightful city? Let us know in the comments below!