What to do and see in Terre Haute, Indiana (IN): The Best Museums

October 30, 2021 Matilde Konrad

Just off the I-70 at the gateway to Illinois, Terre Haute is a refreshing hub of arts and activity in the midst of the heartland. The historic U.S. Highway 40 forms the National Road, taking travelers on a scenic route past historic bakeries, sculptures and the oldest billboard in the state. Take a tour of the downtown area and discover museums, galleries and quaint cafes. Visit Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College across the Wabash River to honor its founder, recently sainted Mother Theodore Guerin.
Restaurants in Terre Haute

1. Candles Holocaust Museum

1532 S 3rd St, Terre Haute, IN 47802-1012 +1 812-234-7881 http://candlesholocaustmuseum.org
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 142 reviews

Candles Holocaust Museum

Reviewed By IllinoisMrsZ

This was my second visit. Such a wonderful display of reading material about a survivor's story. Very somber to read about the accounts the Jews and others endured. Very educational! The talking hologram of Eva's interviews that allowed one to ask a question for her to answer was very innovative. The new computer kiosk that allowed you to hear interviews with other Mengela twins and their personal experiences was haunting! I hope all students in the area get the opportunity to visit this museum on a field trip!

2. Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute

1129 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3211 +1 812-208-1396 http://veteransmuseumofterrehaute.com
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 61 reviews

Veterans Memorial Museum of Terre Haute

Reviewed By stephenfK3952NS

This museum is a great asset to Terre Haute. From World War 1 to the present time there are displays from local veterans. The uniform and equipment displays are well thought out and labeled. All branches of the service are represented. I just can't say enough nice nice things about Brian and what he has accomplished.

3. Vigo County Historical Society & Museum

929 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3229 +1 812-235-9717 [email protected] http://www.vchsmuseum.org/
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

Vigo County Historical Society & Museum

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.

Reviewed By Porthos7 - West Chester, United States

Wow! What a place! Start with the GIANT wall-billboard outside, and then head into one of the most diverse, eclectic and interesting museums I've ever experienced! SO much to see, and plenty of beautiful, historical and one of a kind items in the collection! Handicap accessible-including an elevator, and you'll need about 2 hours (yes, there's that much to see!). Race to this place...it's incredible!

4. Terre Haute Childrens Museum

727 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3203 +1 812-235-5548 [email protected] http://thchildrensmuseum.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 156 reviews

Terre Haute Childrens Museum

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.

Reviewed By Brigade1234 - Terre Haute, United States

What a great place for learning in the heart of Terre Haute! They have a cute little gift shop, and multiple floors of hands-on activities.

5. Clabber Girl Museum

900 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3208 +1 812-232-9446 http://www.clabbergirl.com/
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 216 reviews

Clabber Girl Museum

Reviewed By 723leishac - Dunkirk, United States

My husband and I enjoyed lunch in the cafe and it was yummy. Also purchased a couple Valentine cookies, they were fresh and delicious. We toured through the attached museum and enjoyed it all. Who knew that there was a baking powder war? Not this gal.....lol. The museum is free. Its worth a stop if you are near Terre Haute. You can walk across the parking lot and get a picture of the Larry Bird statue when you go to leave.

6. Native American Museum

5170 E Poplar Dr, Terre Haute, IN 47803-9313 +1 812-877-6007
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Native American Museum

7. Swope Art Museum

25 S 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3692 +1 812-238-1676 http://Www.swope.org
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Swope Art Museum

Reviewed By Porthos7 - West Chester, United States

A great little hidden gem of a museum. Not very big, and if you aren't studying the art work, then you'll only need about an hour. Staff linger, but don't be put off by it. Some items including A. Warhol is priceless, so accept it and move on. Plenty to see for a nice artful afternoon! Worth a stop!

8. Eugene V. Debs Museum

451 N 8th St, Terre Haute, IN 47807-3006 +1 812-232-2163 [email protected] https://debsfoundation.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14 reviews

Eugene V. Debs Museum

The Eugene V. Debs Museum is the former house of Eugene V. Debs and Katherine Metzel Debs. After changing hands for many years, it was purchased in 1962 by a small group of Terre Hautians who had a strong admiration for Debs. It is now owned and operated by the Debs Foundation as a free museum. The interior of the museum features many of Debs’ possessions and other artifacts from his lifetime. The rooms are open for guests to wander, though we count on our guests respectful treatment of the collections. 75-minute guided tours are available on a walk-in basis. The museum is open to the public and admission is free. A $5 donation is appreciated

Reviewed By lastcamp2 - Terre Haute, United States

The Debs House was rescued from destruction by a dedicated local group a half-century ago. It has been carefully restored to give you the feeling you are still living in the Debs age, and might expect him to appear at any moment. The murals on the top floor, done by local artist John Laska, are incredible, and honor both Debs and many other Americans who worked with dedication to bring social, economic, and political justice to all Americans. Stop in for a showing guided by an on-site docent. It's a don't miss in Terre Haute.

9. Wabash Valley Railroader's Museum

1316 Plum St, Terre Haute, IN 47804-4130 +1 812-238-9958 http://www.wvrrm.org
Excellent
67%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
17%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 6 reviews

Wabash Valley Railroader's Museum

Founded as an extension of the Haley Tower Historical & Technical Society, the Wabash Valley Railroaders Museum is an ongoing tribute to the men and women of the railroad industry ... past, present, and future. The WVRM is a place where railroad history comes alive. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to roll up their sleeves and see what it was like to work on the railroad for themselves. Learn how to line up a train in one of the towers. Sit at the operator's desk and fill out a train order. If you're feeling bold, you can even brush up on your Morse code! At the WVRM, we understand that trying things for yourself is half the fun! Hours Of Operation The WVRM is open on weekends from May through October, 12pm to 4pm Suggested free will admission for ages 5 and up is $3.00 The WVRM depends on the generosity of its members and visitors to continue operations. When you visit, your voluntary donation helps us keep reaching our goals

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