The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Terre Haute, Indiana (IN)

The Vigo County Historical Museum is located on the National Road in downtown Terre Haute...the Crossroads of America. The 34,000 square foot facility offers you a 21st century experience while you learn the stories of Vigo County from the last 200 years. The Museum is operated by the Vigo County Historical Society, which was formed in 1922. A group of dedicated staff and volunteers want to make your visit a fun and informative experience. With exhibits that change throughout the year, our goal is to entice you to come back again and again. The Society also operates and maintains the Paul Dresser Birthplace located in Fairbanks Park. The Museum is fully accessible for all to enjoy. There are over 200 street parking spaces within 3 blocks of the Museum, as well as 2 parking garages 3-4 blocks away. The Apgar Soda Shop and the Main Street Gifts & Gallery are open to visitors without paying admission to the Museum.

This iconic Terre Haute landmark opened on January 28, 1922, and occupies a special place in American theatre architecture design. The Theatre was built by Terre Haute resident T.W. Barhydt to be a lasting gift to the city of Terre Haute and it was designed by America’s preeminent designer John Eberson to be his first prototype “Atmospheric Theatre” which became his signature style that is recognized to be the gold standard of American theatre design. Throughout its rich history, the Theatre has hosted a wide range of events that have included vaudeville, cinema, performing arts and community celebrations of all types. Through restoration efforts which began in May 2013, the Indiana Theatre’s heritage has been preserved and the Indiana has been reborn as a 1,600 seat full service event center which can host a wide range of community gatherings that include live entertainment, performing arts, cinema, wedding events, and fundraisers. While visiting our proud and historic city, we encourage you to visit this downtown treasure which has served as a vault for Terre Haute memories since 1922.

The Terre Haute Children's Museum is three stories of fun, laughter and exploration located in the heart of Terre Haute. Since its early beginnings, the museum has more than doubled in size and has educated more than 230,000 children and adults from 22 counties in Indiana and Illinois. The museum has received funding from the National Science Foundation and participates in a national consortium of 14 science and technology museums. The museum is also part of the ASTC Passport program, giving its members access to more than 280 other museums across the nation.