With a population of about 120,000 people, visitors to Evansville find it difficult to determine whether they are in a big town or a small city. Regardless the decision on this score, Evansville has a rich history and has much to offer the visitor.

This city was founded in 1812 as a ferry boat landing across the Ohio River. It became the terminus of the failed Wabash and Erie Canal (an attempt to link Lake Erie to the Ohio River) in 1853. The early 1900s saw an influx of German immigrants who helped to change the city from furniture and cigar manufacturing to a railroad (and eventually refrigerator and plastic) industry mainstay. Now, the riverfront is a major tourist area. There are two universities in town. Tourism is soaring because of the festivals and convention opportunities found in the city.

My wife and I spent a long weekend in Evansville on a business trip and found ourselves enmeshed into the culture of the community. The restaurants are varied and reflect the history of the area. Some of them have existed more than 100 years. Others reflect historical aspects of the community. The city has developed a wonderful complex for convention opportunities. And the riverfront still exists as an attraction for all tourists. ${QuickSuggestions} When traveling to Evansville, plan to spend some time (and money) at Casino Aztar, the first gaming casino in Indiana. Near that area, there is a New Orleans style piano bar. There are eateries and clubs of all types along Main Street. A wonderful German restaurant can be found in the western area of the town. People can view major college basketball games as they watch the Purple Aces of the University of Evansville. Festivals of some form can be found year-round in the area.

It does not matter the type of activity that you might desire, you can find your favorite attraction in town or nearby. ${BestWay} Visitors can find their way to Evansville by traveling along Interstate 64 or along U.S. Highway 41. Inside the city a local bus sytem helps travelers to go from one location to another. In the downtown area, travel by taxi can take the traveler from location to location. Travelers even come to Evansville by river, as the Ohio River still serves as a major route of travel for some.

I believe that it is best to drive into the city. You can walk along Main Street and along the riverfront area, but most activities seem to be a good distance from each other.

From journal Low Down on "River City"