Ford Center viewed from Main Street in Evansville

On a budget

Free things to do in Evansville

4 kinds of free outings in and around Evansville.

Good days out in Evansville don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.

Libraries

Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.

  • Evansville-Vanderburgh Public Library200 Se Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
  • Willard Library Of Evansville21 First Avenue
  • Stringtown Branch Library2100 Stringtown Road
See all 7 →

Historic places

91 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.

  • University of EvansvilleBuilt 1854
  • USS LST-325
  • Liberty Baptist ChurchBuilt 1887
See all 91 →

Hiking

Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.

  • Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area26 mi northeast
  • Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial31 mi east
  • Camp Cadiz Campground48 mi southwest
See all 26 →

Wildlife viewing

Birding and nature watching on public land.

  • Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area26 mi northeast
  • Ohio River - Cannelton Pool46 mi east
  • Patoka Lake55 mi northeast
See all 17 →

Get a feel for the city

Historic Churches of Evansville video thumbnail

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Historic Churches of Evansville

WNIN explores the history and architecture of historic places of worship in Evansville.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Questions

What are free things to do in Evansville?

Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.

Are there free events in Evansville this weekend?

Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.

Do I need a library card to use the library?

No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.

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