Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Jeffersonville, Indiana

Commonly referred to as “Jeff,” this city, with a population of 49,000, is situated across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky.

Jeffersonville’s heritage can be traced back to the 1780s, and the city was named after Thomas Jefferson in 1801, coinciding with his inauguration as President.

The steamboat manufacturing industry significantly shaped Jeffersonville during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the opulent residence of a prosperous shipyard proprietor at the Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion.

This grand mansion is located in the riverside Old Jeffersonville Historic District, which offers numerous insights into the city’s shipbuilding era and houses Schimpff’s Confectionery, established at the same location since 1891.

Louisville is conveniently accessible by foot or bicycle via the historic Big Four Bridge (1895), while downriver lies the Falls of Ohio State Park, which includes a 390-million-year-old fossil bed.

1. Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion

The steamboat industry was vital to Jeffersonville for several decades, and there is no more fitting location to learn about this era than the residence of shipyard owner Edmonds J. Howard.

Constructed in 1894, this elaborately designed 22-room Richardsonian Romanesque house is a genuine artifact, preserving nearly all of its original furnishings, many of which were obtained from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

Noteworthy features include the Moorish-style parlor, the black walnut grand staircase inspired by a steamboat, the stained glass windows, and the preserved brass gasoliers powered by electricity and natural gas.

The Howards took particular pride in the craftsmanship of their steamboat hulls, and visitors can view a collection of half-breadths at the museum, alongside various shipbuilding memorabilia, tools, models, and paintings.

2. Big Four Bridge and Big Four Station

Now a remarkable connection to Louisville for pedestrians and cyclists, the Big Four Bridge was originally opened in 1895.

This 2,525-foot, six-span railroad truss bridge was constructed for the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Railway (Big Four Railroad) and remained inactive since 1968.

Previously termed the “Bridge that Goes Nowhere” due to its approaches being removed, it was revitalized when repurposed for pedestrian and bicycle use in 2014.

Today, the Big Four Bridge is a destination itself, offering stunning sunset views and an LED lighting system that turns the bridge into a vibrant spectacle at night.

On the Jeffersonville side lies the Big Four Station, a contemporary plaza featuring green spaces and a bike-share station, hosting year-round events, including a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings throughout the summer.

3. Schimpff’s Confectionery

Owned by the same family since 1891, Schimpff’s Confectionery is the oldest retail establishment in Jeffersonville and the most ancient candy store in all of Indiana.

The shop has remained in its original location since its inception by G. A. Schimpff Sr. and Jr. over 130 years ago, with the family crafting candy in the Louisville area since the 1850s.

Signature offerings include cinnamon Red Hots, hard candy fish, and Modjeskas (caramel-covered marshmallows).

In harmony with the nostalgic ambiance of the Old Jeffersonville Historic District, the lunchroom features an authentic 1950s soda fountain and original tin ceiling.

Visitors should consider ordering a signature root beer float or malt. The big glass candy jars, display cases, and turn-of-the-century equipment evoke a charming bygone era.

A museum preserves vintage candy artifacts, and guests can also tour the Candy Kitchen or watch demonstrations of Red Hots being made.

4. Falls of the Ohio State Park

Located just nearby in Clarksville, this riverside site is rich in historical and prehistoric significance.

This was originally the site of George Rogers Clark’s cabin, where, in 1803, his younger brother William Clark met Meriwether Lewis at the commencement of their celebrated expedition.

Approximately 390 million years ago, this area was a seabed, now recognized as one of the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds globally.

Innovative exhibits at the newly constructed interpretive center provide insights into this fascinating geology, complemented by a brief informative film.

During late summer, when the river levels are at their lowest, visitors can best appreciate the expansive fossil bed, which spans approximately 220 acres.

5. Ohio River Greenway

In Jeffersonville, you will discover the eastern trailhead for a multi-use path that offers traffic-free access to the Ohio River bank for three different communities.

Stretching westward to New Albany, the Ohio River Greenway presents numerous attractions along its route, including Ohio River mile markers, the Falls of the Ohio, a newly-built bridge over Silver Creek, historical highlights, and several overlooks ideal for viewing the Louisville skyline.

With its flat terrain, this path is particularly suitable for families wishing to bike, allowing for infrequent encounters with road traffic.

6. Louisville

Undoubtedly, the largest city in Kentucky is always within a short drive, walk, or bicycle journey. The name “Louisville” evokes numerous renowned associations, and first-time visitors should aim to experience as many of these as possible during their stay.

Key attractions include the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where visitors can explore the history of this iconic baseball bat brand and tour the historic factory where bats are crafted.

Louisville is also the birthplace of Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., and the acclaimed Muhammad Ali Center chronicles his life, career, and significant cultural influence.

The Kentucky Derby is held in Louisville each May, and a visit to Churchill Downs, along with the Kentucky Derby Museum, offers insight into the 150-year history of this prestigious horse race.

Furthermore, bourbon enthusiasts should prioritize at least one distillery in their itinerary, with Sitzel-Weller, Angel’s Envy, and Old Forester Distilling Co. as excellent starting points.

7. Vintage Fire Museum

Recently relocated to a new facility, this exceptional museum boasts a nationally recognized collection of historical firefighting equipment. The Vintage Fire Museum showcases the progression of firefighting since the 1700s.

It features a variety of pumpers and steamers, including a rare hand pumper from 1756.

This is complemented by an array of fire trucks from the 20th century, showcasing models from 1937, 1927, and others. Additionally, an extensive collection of historical memorabilia, including alarms, lamps, uniforms, helmets, axes, and fire marks, is on display.

8. Old Jeffersonville Historic District

Overlooking the Ohio River and encompassing the downtown area, Jeffersonville features a significant district that developed over the 80+ years leading up to the Great Depression, when the city was a bustling center for steamboat production.

Many of the historical buildings date from the 1870s to the mid-20th century, showcasing varied architectural styles, including Italianate, Gothic Revival, Late Victorian, Beaux-Arts, and Colonial Revival.

A notable site downtown is the Grisamore House (1837), which combines Federal and Greek Revival styles and was spared from demolition in the 1980s.

Many of the city’s most impressive homes can be found along Riverside Drive toward the southern end of the district.

The commercial area runs for four blocks along Spring Street, featuring a delightful mix of locally owned restaurants and bars, including the renowned Riverside Cigar Shop and Lounge, offering a selection of premium bourbons and cigars.

Alongside Schimpff’s Confectionery, the downtown district also hosts unique shops for flowers, gifts, fashion, home goods, and perfumes.

9. Clark County Museum

For an engaging historical experience, one can visit the Clark County Museum, conveniently located directly across from the Vintage Fire Museum.

Established in 2008 by a dedicated group of collectors recognizing the county’s importance in both state and national history, the museum features a rich collection available for exploration from Tuesday to Saturday.

The inventory highlights photography, early maps, clothing, Edwardian toys, family documents, artwork, vehicles, and archaeological artifacts uncovered within the county.

As visitors explore the museum, they can learn about significant events that occurred in Indiana, the Underground Railroad, and the county’s experiences during the Civil War. The museum also offers miniature replicas of a Prohibition-era speakeasy, a late 19th-century marriage parlor, and an 1830s farm.

10. RiverStage

Located directly along the riverfront in downtown Jeffersonville is Van Dyke Park, which has evolved into a premier venue for concerts and outdoor events during the summer months.

The RiverStage, as it is known, hosts two months of weekly performances, typically in June and July.

The lineup features a diverse array of musical genres, with food and beverages provided by local eateries.

Additionally, Saturday evenings during the summer feature outdoor movie screenings, beginning at 8:30 p.m., as part of the Twilight Cinema series, showcasing family-friendly films, primarily from recent years.

11. Warder Park

A noteworthy destination situated in the heart of Jeffersonville, this park has a historical narrative that dates back to the mid-19th century, originally serving as a bakery producing hardtack for Union soldiers during the American Civil War.

Established as a public park in 1881, Warder Park received enhancements in the early 2000s. As part of this revitalization, a ten-foot cast bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, weighing 900 pounds and crafted by sculptor Guy Tedesco, was installed in honor of the city’s bicentennial.

Additionally, the park features a dome-shaped Carnegie Library, built in 1903, while a gazebo serves as a venue for outdoor concerts during the summer evenings.

12. Perrin Family Park

Opened in 1991, this expansive community park has a unique history that dates back to the 1780s. Initially, this 100-acre parcel was acquired by dairy farmers H.L. (Duley) and Catherine Perrin in 1943.

Upon their retirement, the Perrins established a trust to repurpose their farm into a park, ensuring its maintenance without reliance on public funding.

Perrin Family Park features a lake with a waterfowl feeding station, alongside a one-acre playground equipped with sandboxes and a 1.25-mile paved walking trail.

An enchanting highlight is the museum, Catherine’s Teddy Bear Place, which showcases Catherine Perrin’s remarkable collection of more than 650 teddy bears.

13. Jeffersonville Aquatic Center

Opposite Perrin Family Park lies Jeffersonville’s public outdoor swimming facility, typically open from the Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

This favorite retreat during hot summer days hosts a 50-meter pool alongside a perpendicular 25-yard competition pool, both boasting six lanes.

For younger visitors, there is a zero-depth family play pool and an innovative sprayground featuring climbable equipment and various jets and sprays.

The aquatic center also offers two water slides, full-service concessions, a skate park, and a spacious sundeck where parents can relax.

14. Vissing Park

Vissing Park is a sought-after choice for family reunions and summer birthday celebrations in Jeffersonville.

This park is named after Richard Vissing (1919-1987), who served as mayor for approximately 20 years and played a significant role in revitalizing the city during the 1970s and 1980s.

Several sheltered areas are available, two of which can be reserved ahead of time through the parks and recreation department.

Renovated during the 2010s, Vissing Park is equipped with a variety of recreational facilities, including paved and unpaved trails, two softball fields, two batting cages, two playgrounds, summer concessions, a basketball court, and ample open grounds for casual sports.

15. Hidden Creek Golf Club

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the well-regarded 27-hole facility located in the northern part of Jeffersonville along Silver Creek.

The challenge posed by the 18-hole course should not be underestimated, featuring smooth greens, demanding hole placements, and fairways bordered by dense trees.

This facility also boasts zoysia grass throughout, applicable to the links-style executive course. The 9-hole track serves as an excellent option for beginners seeking to hone their skills.

Additionally, Hidden Creek offers a tiered driving range, a practice area for short game, and a separate putting green.