Top 15 Attractions and Activities in New Albany, Indiana

In the early 19th century, prior to the establishment of locks in Louisville, New Albany emerged as one of the preeminent cities in the Midwest and served as a pivotal location on the Underground Railroad.

This growth was facilitated by thriving shipyards that constructed steamboats, earning New Albany acclaim for the quality of its craftsmanship.

As the steamboat industry declined following the Civil War, glass manufacturing took its place, with the first plate glass windows in the nation produced in this city.

The echoes of these historical developments are still perceptible in the charming and diverse downtown area, as well as in the exquisite architecture of the Mansion Row Historic District.

1. Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site

William Culbertson, a dry goods merchant and investor, was once the wealthiest individual in Indiana, and this affluence is represented in the opulent mansion that he commissioned in 1867.

This 25-room French Second Empire residence was an extravagant investment for its era, costing a remarkable $120,000, albeit a small portion of the $3.5 million estate he bequeathed to his wife upon his death.

An ongoing restoration project aims to return the Culbertson Mansion to its 1869 aesthetic. Among the remarkable preserved features are crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces, a carved rosewood staircase, and hand-painted ceiling and wall frescoes.

Guided tours (offered Wednesday through Sunday) provide captivating insights into the mansion as visitors explore the formal parlors, dining areas, kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry room.

2. Downtown New Albany

The historic core of New Albany features beautiful architecture from the city’s zenith alongside a burgeoning shopping and dining area populated by independent enterprises.

This combination creates an appealing environment for exploration, complemented by a year-round Saturday farmers’ market.

Blended with newer establishments that have emerged in recent years are several businesses that have stood the test of time. One notable example is Rookies Cookies, a cherished bakery established in 1939.

Throughout downtown, visitors can find boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, a vintage clothing store, and a varied assortment of bars, cafes, and restaurants, catering to diverse tastes, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, pizza, tacos, and tapas.

Historical significance abounds, with one standout property, the Scribner House (built 1813-1814), constructed by Joel Scribner, one of the three founders of New Albany.

3. Mansion Row Historic District

The Culbertson Mansion is merely one of many splendid homes that grace Main Street, built from the 19th to the early 20th century. This area is ideal for those wishing to appreciate the wealth generated by New Albany’s steamboat trade.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, visitors can spend an hour or two admiring a variety of architectural styles, including Federal, Italianate, Victorian, Beaux-Arts, Gothic Revival, and Greek Revival.

Alongside William Culbertson, notable residents include playwright William Vaughn Moody, Speaker of the House Michael C. Kerr, and affluent industrialist Washington C. DePauw.

4. Louisville

With so much to explore in New Albany, it’s easy to overlook Louisville, which is just across the Ohio River.

The name “Louisville” evokes numerous renowned attractions, and visitors will have numerous opportunities to engage with notable features such as Louisville Slugger baseball bats, the Kentucky Derby, and local bourbon distilleries.

A visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is essential, especially due to the presence of the world’s largest baseball bat. Tours at Churchill Downs, along with visits to the Kentucky Derby Museum, provide insights into the storied 150-year history of this iconic racecourse.

Additionally, allocate time for a visit to several distilleries, including Evan Williams, Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, Kentucky Peerless, and Rabbit Hole.

Importantly, Louisville is the birthplace of Muhammad Ali, featuring a prominent museum and cultural center inaugurated by the legendary heavyweight in 2005.

5. Carnegie Center for Art & History

Among New Albany’s array of elegant historic buildings is the Carnegie Library, constructed in the Beaux-Arts style in 1904.

Following a significant renovation in 1998, the library expanded its scope to include a contemporary art gallery and local history museum.

Two permanent exhibitions highlight different facets of the Underground Railroad.

The first examines the extraordinary life of Lucy Higgs Nichols, who transitioned from slavery in Tennessee to serving as a nurse during the Civil War and attaining freedom thereafter.

The second interactive exhibit, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage, explores the contributions of everyday individuals who aided fugitive slaves in achieving freedom across the Ohio River.

6. Ohio River Greenway

New Albany serves as the western trailhead for a multi-use path that extends for 7.5 miles along the Ohio River, linking three historic towns.

The Ohio River Greenway offers nearly continuous views of downtown Louisville, along with various overlooks that allow visitors to pause and appreciate the scenery. The trail reaches as far as Jeffersonville, another city linked to the steamboat industry.

Here, one can admire the majestic Big Four Bridge (built in 1895) originally designed for the famous railway and repurposed for pedestrian and cyclist use in 2014.

The route of the Ohio River Greenway encompasses parks, historical landmarks, and at least three interconnected trails that invite diversions.

7. Falls of the Ohio State Park

One of the most significant exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world can be found along the Ohio River in Clarksville, just upstream.

When visiting the Falls of the Ohio State Park, you will find yourself walking on a sea bottom that is 390 million years old. The extent of visibility varies with river levels.

The optimal time for exploration is late summer when a majority of the 220 acres of fossil beds can be accessed for a “dry snorkel” experience to observe the diverse fossil types at your feet.

At the park, an interpretive center is situated on a cliff top, offering an excellent view of the fossil beds alongside engaging exhibits that illustrate the tropical sea that once enveloped this region nearly 400 million years ago.

Additionally, visitors can learn about the historical significance of this site related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806) and enjoy the sunset from the scenic River Viewing Room.

8. New Albany Farmers’ Market

The New Albany Farmers’ Market is a significant weekly gathering, featuring dozens of vendors in a permanent setting beneath the shelters at City Square.

The market takes place on Saturday mornings throughout the year (with shorter hours from November to early May), in addition to an afternoon market on Wednesdays from July to September.

Expect to find an assortment of products including fruits and vegetables, cheeses, grass-fed meats, poultry, eggs, honey, pickles, salsas, baked goods, maple syrup, artisanal confections, jewelry, pet supplies, handcrafted soaps, and much more.

9. River Run Family Water Park

In 2015, New Albany unveiled a state-of-the-art outdoor swimming complex, offering families in the city and Floyd County yet another exciting summer destination.

Among the attractions at River Run Family Water Park are a lap pool connected to an activity pool, a massive steamboat play structure, a lazy river, three water slides, a thrilling bowl slide, a splash pad, and a wading pool for toddlers.

These features are enhanced by a spacious poolside deck designed for relaxation, along with a beverage bar and concession stand.

10. Floyd County Historical Society Padgett Museum

For those interested in learning more about New Albany and its surrounding areas, the Floyd County Historical Society operates a museum in a historic residence located southwest of downtown.

The William Young House, a Federal-style brick I-house, was constructed for a local entrepreneur.

Noteworthy is the two-story porch along the rear ell. Inside, visitors can discover an impressive collection of original fittings, as well as well-organized exhibits showcasing local history.

The permanent exhibit, By the River’s Edge, delves into the Ohio River’s contributions to the development of New Albany and Floyd County.

Additional exhibits explore local industries such as steamboat construction, leather production, glass-making, and railroads. Highlights include historic glass canes, a 38-star American flag from the 1870s, and a 200-year-old surveyor’s chain.

11. Sam Peden Community Park

Located in the northern part of New Albany, Sam Peden Community Park is the largest community park in Floyd County, encompassing over 100 acres.

A significant part of the park is dominated by the picturesque Kiwanis Lake, attracting a diverse range of waterfowl and providing excellent fishing opportunities.

The park features a paved trail along the water suitable for walking, jogging, or biking. Additionally, there are four distinct playground areas for families with young children. Sports facilities include soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.

12. Riverfront Amphitheater

The sloping banks of the Ohio River in New Albany present an outstanding venue for enjoying live entertainment during the summer months. While an amphitheater has been situated at this site for many years, the contemporary steel half-dome structure was completed in the summer of 2009.

Enhanced by grassy terraces and several rows of permanent seating, the Riverfront Amphitheater boasts stunning views of the Ohio River, framed beautifully by the Sherman Minton Bridge (1962).

This venue hosts a variety of concerts and performances, including productions by Kentucky Shakespeare.

Even in the absence of scheduled events, it remains an ideal location to experience the significance of the Ohio River as a transportation route, with barges and tugboats navigating the waters alongside freight trains operating behind the flood wall.

13. Loop Island Wetlands

The Ohio River Greenway passes by this wetland area adjacent to Silver Creek, situated just southeast of downtown New Albany.

The 54-acre Loop Island Wetlands offers newly extended and improved trails, making it a superb location for observing wildlife close to the city, including various waterfowl, occasional raptors, and beavers.

This site has a fascinating history; it has been referenced in surveys conducted by Lewis and Clark, and was the site of a duel between politicians Humphrey Marshall and Henry Clay in 1809, which resulted in minor injuries for both men.

Visitors will also encounter interpretive signs highlighting the tannery that operated here until relatively recently in the 19th century. Founded by German immigrant George Moser, the Moser Leather Company utilized New Albany’s abundant chestnut tree resources, known for their natural tannins.

14. George Rogers Clark Homesite

Situated west of the primary unit at Falls of the Ohio State Park, the site of George Rogers Clark’s home (1752-1818) is located amidst private property.

Commonly referred to as the “Conqueror of the Old Northwest,” Clark was a militia leader in Kentucky during the American Revolutionary War, known for key victories during the Illinois Campaign of 1778-1779.

In the early 19th century, he established a cabin at this remarkable location at the lower end of the Falls of the Ohio, selected for its sweeping views of both the falls and the river’s bend towards New Albany.

George’s younger brother, William, met with Meriwether Clark here in October 1803 prior to their famous expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase and the Pacific Northwest. A replica of George’s cabin was erected in 2001 but was tragically destroyed by fire in 2021.

15. Harvest Homecoming Festival

Every October, downtown New Albany hosts one of Indiana’s largest events, the Harvest Homecoming Festival, which has been celebrated for over 50 years.

The festival kicks off with a highly anticipated parade on the opening Saturday and then intensifies a few days later during the main event, running from Thursday to Sunday of the second weekend in October.

This festive occasion features a plethora of live music, amusement rides, children’s activities, and numerous craft and food booths. Culinary offerings range from oysters and chicken and dumplings to pork chop sandwiches and freshly glazed donuts.