Three Ways To Explore Southern Indiana, Louisville’s Underrated Neighbor

Long renowned for its booming whiskey industry and prowess at horse racing, the city of Louisville serves as a major tourist destination on the northern edge of Kentucky—yet those who venture across the Ohio River will find a truly underrated destination on the southern edge of Indiana. Across the tri-municipality area of Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, visitors can explore fascinating museums and pristine natural spaces, with no shortage of top-tier bourbon to discover along the way. As you plan your next trip to Derby City, be sure to save some room in the itinerary for a foray into the Hoosier State as well.

For Nature Lovers

While the northern reaches of Indiana are home to the picturesque Indiana Dunes National Park, the southern edge of the state is equipped with its fair share of natural beauty as well. Case in point: Falls of the Ohio State Park, an idyllic preserve that earned protected status in 1990. While the site served as the initial meeting point for the 19th-century Lewis and Clark Expedition, natural history buffs can find a treasure trove of fascinating organisms just steps away from the river’s edge. Hundreds of millions of years ago during the Devonian Period, the surrounding area was covered in a shallow sea, and in the modern era, the exposed rock boasts a massive amount of fascinating fossils, with ancient trilobites, clams, snails and corals all on display.

During a trip to Falls of the Ohio, visiting birdwatchers can marvel at native species like the belted kingfisher, sharp-shinned hawk and bald eagle—yet for those hoping to experience the true splendor of Indiana’s native wildlife, Origin Park is an essential destination. Measuring in at 174 hectares on the southern edge of Clarksville, this sprawling green space is currently undergoing a rapid transformation to allow Indiana’s native flora and fauna to flourish. While small pockets of the park are currently open for public exploration, Kentucky and Indiana residents alike can look forward to the restoration of native woodlands and wetlands, ultimately ushering in a truly remarkable ecotourism destination for all to enjoy.

For Gastronomes

The riverside city of New Albany was officially founded in 1813, and today, this charming municipality serves as a testament to Southern Indiana’s thriving dining scene, with Outcast Fish & Oyster Bar serving as a particularly enticing spot for fans of both seafood and Atlanta-based hip hop duos. During a visit, guests can sample savory dishes like cheddar bay hush puppies, panko-crusted calamari and andouille sausage-loaded fried rice, while cocktails span from spicy tequila-infused SpottieOttieDopaliscious to the classic OG Old Fashioned—and for those in search of a nightcap after a hearty meal, High Street Apothecary is a top spot thanks to their complex cocktails and lengthy bourbon list.

Speaking of whiskey—Louisville draws crowds in droves due to its high concentration of esteemed bourbon producers, yet those who venture north across the Ohio River can find a spectacular spirits experience in the form of Starlight Distillery. A testament to Simon Huber’s lengthy family history of distillation, this state-of-the-art institution has cemented itself as one of the Hoosier State’s top authorities on bourbon production, with beloved releases spanning from the fruit-forward Carl T. Bourbon Whiskey to the Double Oak Carl T. Bourbon, a fragrant spirit that’s loaded with butterscotch and caramel notes. And while Starlight Distillery’s prowess at whiskey-making is unmatched, visitors are welcome to swing by and sample their other spirits as well, with spiced rum, barrel-finished gin and apple brandy serving as just a few options for the bourbon-averse.

For History Buffs

For those hoping for a glimpse into Southern Indiana’s storied past, Jeffersonville provides a wealth of historic attractions just north of the Ohio River. Upon arrival, guests can make their way to one of the city’s most time-honored businesses: the vibrant Schimpff's Confectionery. Established in 1891, this vintage candy shop is home to a massive array of sweets spanning from chocolate turtles to peanut brittle, while guests are welcome to get a close-up view of the production process at the Candy Demonstration Area. After stocking up on sweet treats, the nearby Red Yeti has earned abundant acclaim for their hearty pub fare, while the historic Big Four Bridge serves as the perfect place for a post-meal stroll, with no shortage of informational displays and antique newspaper headlines found along its perimeter.

After a long day of exploring the city, Market Street Inn offers particularly cozy accommodations in an 1880s-era home, with seven lavish suites that come complete with jacuzzi baths and in-room fireplaces. During morning hours, guests can enjoy a freshly-cooked breakfast and free-flowing tea and coffee before heading out to one of Jeffersonville’s most fascinating attractions: the Howard Steamboat Museum. Operating out of an opulent 1890s-era mansion, this esteemed institution shines a spotlight on the city’s status as a major hub for shipbuilding throughout the 19th century, all while simultaneously showcasing the legacy of the Howard family. Once you’ve had your fill of marveling at intricate steamboat models, the nearby Vintage Fire Museum provides insight into the lengthy history of firefighting, with massive engines, fire marks and other paraphernalia all on display.