Go all in visiting Southern Indiana
Looking south into Kentucky from Jeffersonville, Indiana several bridges crossing the Ohio River blend in with the skyline of Downtown Louisville.
*During my stay in Southern Indiana I was hosted by the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention Tourism Bureau. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Living in the shadow of a city known around the world for its bourbon and horse racing can make it hard to get noticed. And while that might be the case for a collection of small cities and towns across the river from Louisville it might not take long for one of the Hoosier State’s best kept secrets to get out.
Rich history, a thriving arts scene and plenty of ways to stay busy make Floyd and Clark Counties in Indiana the perfect place for a vacation or a quick weekend getaway. My wife and I got to GoSoIn for a couple of days and only scratched the surface of what the area has to offer.
The downtown area of New Albany, Indiana is rich in history and things to do. Strolling down the streets it's easy to see why at one time it was called Louisville's Brooklyn.
Riverboats, railroads and a flight to freedom
Many American cities growth came from their location along a major river and that’s certainly the case for Louisville, KY. But did you know that New Albany across the Ohio River was Indiana’s largest city at one time? Today, it’s sometimes referred to as Louisville’s Brooklyn as it’s only a bridge away from its neighbor in the Bluegrass State.
Riverboats brought the first big boom to New Albany and eventually the railroads and the industrial revolution transformed this once sleepy outpost along the Ohio River into a bustling city. Walking through downtown transports you to a time when life moved at a slower pace. No skyscrapers here, but the skyline is impressive with its wide collection of 19th and early 20th century buildings. Rising above is a tall church steeple with a clock in it that was built in the 1850s. This landmark served a beacon of hope for many during one of America’s darkest times.
The Town Clock Church (Second Baptist) is a focal point in the town of New Albany, Indiana. It is a building rich in history as it served as an important stop on the Underground Railroad.
Built as the Second Presbyterian Church, the current Second Baptist Church is best known as the Town Clock Church. Its tower could be seen from Kentucky, a slave state on the other side of the Ohio River. For many years, the church was an outpost on the Underground Railroad and today it is part of the National Network to Freedom Trail. Outside of the church, a special collection of sculptures and artwork help to tell the story of sacrifices made to help slaves move into lives as freed men and women.
New Albany, Indiana's ties to the Underground Railroad are on display at the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center.
Another place to learn the history of the Underground Railroad is the Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center. One of the main exhibits in this free museum is “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage: Men and Women of the Underground Railroad.” Walk through the story of this network bringing slaves to freedom and the role New Albany played in it. You can also check out an exhibit of former slave, Lucy Higgs Nichols, who became a Civil War nurse.
You just never know what you'll see when you walk around the neighborhoods across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY. The NoCo Arts District in Jeffersonville is a thriving center for creativity, evident at almost every turn.
Artsy vibes near the riverside
Just a few blocks from the Ohio River in Jeffersonville the NoCo Arts District brings the creativity of Southern Indiana and Louisville to life. Once a blighted area, artists have transformed this neighborhood into a magical wonderland of color and inspiration. At the center of it all is a water tank covered in whimsical artistry that is a draw for people of all ages. The district is also home to Maker 13, a place offering artists of all types, space and tools to create almost anything they want.
Whether you're looking to watch an outdoor concert, cross a mile long bridge across the Ohio River or grab a beer and some food, the view from Jeffersonville, IN always looks good.
Brews and Big Bridges
Driving through this part of Southern Indiana it’s difficult not to notice all the big bridges linking the Hoosier State to the Bluegrass State. One of them is open to pedestrians only. The Big 4 Bridge was built in the 1890s and abandoned in 1969. Reopened as a walking bridge in 2013, the 1 mile walk across the bridge and the ramps to it give you great views of downtown Louisville, Jeffersonville and the Ohio River. At night you’ll see it lit up and might even catch concerts on either side of the river.
Looking for some great brews after a walk across the Big 4? Two suggestions would be Upland Brewing where the views are truly stellar and the beer selection superb. And if beer isn’t your thing, then you can grab a cup of joe a few blocks away at the Coffee Crossing.
There’s much more to explore in Southern Indiana. I hope this gives you a few ideas to get started. For more ideas please visit GoSoIn.com .