Fun Facts
- Founded in 1783, Clarksville is one of Southern Indiana’s oldest settlements. In fact, it is the oldest town in the former Northwest Territory.
- The Southern Indiana town is home to about 22,000 residents, as well as the Colgate Clock, one of the largest clocks in the world.
- Thousands visit Clarksville’s Falls of the Ohio State Park each year; it’s home to the world’s largest exposed Devonian-era fossil beds.
- Theater is a big deal in Clarksville with the Clarksville Little Theater (one of the oldest in the United States) and Derby Dinner Playhouse (the only dinner theater in the area and one of the oldest continually operating dinner theater companies in the United States).
- Famous bird and nature painter John James Audubon spent much time in the area working.
Parks & Recreation
One of the best ways you can experience Clarksville is through Parks and Recreation. No, not the modern TV classic, but the collection of recreational opportunities it offers.
Explore stories at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. The park’s Interpretive Center overlooks the series of rapids that is the only natural impediment along the Ohio River’s 981-mile journey.
You can find out what’s happening in all of Clarksville’s parks at the Clarksville Park and Recreation website.
Outdoor Recreation
Falls of the Ohio State Park – Evidence of fossils dates back 390 million years into history. Can you imagine the stories they tell? People come from all over the U.S. to the Falls of the Ohio to see evidence of sea life etched into rocks along the river.
A visit to the park’s Interpretive Center will help you understand the Falls of the Ohio’s importance. Its hands-on exhibits, observatories and other unique offerings give insight into the history of the Falls of the Ohio and Southern Indiana area from the Devonian Era to the Lewis and Clark expedition, all the way to today.
Pro tip: Sunsets overlooking the Ohio River are spectacular here!
Lewis and Clark Park – Though yet undeveloped, this part of the park is significant because of the role this area played in U.S. history. A marker on-site pays tribute to the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition. The famed leaders met up, shook hands, recruited and trained the so-called Corps of Discovery here in the Clarksville area. It was from here that they set off on their cross-country journey. Though yet undeveloped, this part of the park is significant because of its history. part of the U.S. It pays tribute to the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition.
Little known fact: Thomas Jefferson first asked William Clark’s older brother, Revolutionary War hero, George Rogers Clark, to help lead the expedition.
Ohio River Greenway - Fancy a bike ride through Southern Indiana? The Ohio River Greenway is a multi-use pathway that links the riverside towns of Clarksville, Jeffersonville and New Albany. Bike, walk, jog or roller skate from one great Southern Indiana town to the next.
Ashland Park - Enjoy a walk or picnic overlooking the Louisville skyline and the Ohio River. You can also grab an ice cream from the Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery, which is just across the street. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the Rosie the Riveter statue!
Origin Park - For spectacular views of the Ohio River and Indiana’s natural beauty, check out Clarksville’s newest park - Origin Park. The first amenities opened in 2023, including the Croghan Paddling Launch, a canoe launch and fishing access, and Mill Creek Trail, a natural surface trail winding through woods and wetlands.
Gateway Park - Features a playground, shelters, a covered stage, event lawn, splash pad (open during the summer months), and restrooms. Though it is not for pets and no sports are allowed on the event lawn, it is connected to the Clarksville Youth Baseball/Softball Complex. It also features play equipment for children with differing abilities.
Lapping Park – This 332-acre park is home to Wooded View Golf Course and a disc golf course. Its nearby softball facility has two fields, a concession stand, and restrooms. There is also a basketball court, two horseshoe pits, two shelters, an amphitheater and the Endris Lodge, which can be rented for events.
You can find out what’s happening in Clarksville’s public parks at the Clarksville Park and Recreation website.
Indoor Recreation
Goodbounce Pickleball Yard - Get in on one of America’s fastest growing sports! Located in front of the iconic Colgate Clock, Goodbounce is open to the public and courts can be reserved online in advance. They also offer memberships for pickleball enthusiasts. Pickleball is a perfect way for people of all ages and skills to get active!
Strike and Spare – Keep your kids entertained for a full day under one roof. At Clarksville Strike and Spare, you can play video games, bowl, play laser tag, roller skate and ride bumper cars. If you happen to get hungry, no worries, a full snack bar serves pizza, burgers and other favorites.
Xtremenasium Trampoline Park - You’ll sign a waiver upon entry, but the endless opportunity to bounce, jump and flip until your heart’s content can’t be beaten. You’ll find a rock-climbing wall, the Trampoline Park, Xtreme Dodgeball, Foam Pit, Ninja Challenge and more.
Kentuckiana Parkour - Another fun spot for extreme sports fans, Kentuckiana Parkour gives visitors the space and chance to learn the art of Parkour. You’ll see kids jumping from box to box, over walls and other obstacles without safety belts, but with plenty of safety rules and practices in place to give kids the freedom to experience Parkour under the instruction of certified Parkour teachers.
Theater
Locals know that if you want to see a theater production, Clarksville is the place you want to be. Two theaters, Derby Dinner Playhouse and Clarksville Little Theater, are the go-to spots for performances of all kinds, including comedies, mysteries, musicals and more!
Derby Dinner Playhouse, famous for its comfort food, opened in 1947 and has served more than 3 million people. Derby Dinner also presents twelve musical concerts a year and four Children’s Musical Theatre productions , casting local youth. Derby Dinner Playhouse’s Performing Arts Academy runs year-round and offers Musical Theatre and Acting Workshops for students ages 7 - 17.
Clarksville Little Theater has been part of the community since 1947, performing six shows each season, including their annual summer children’s show showcasing the talent of local youth.
Shopping
There are plenty of places to shop from a diverse selection of grocery stores to clothing and sporting goods.
Clarksville Peddlers Mall - Like vintage, retro or upcycling? Visit Clarksville Peddlers Mall to find items from any era at bargain prices.
Bass Pro Shop – One of the chain’s first stores, Bass Pro opened in Clarksville emphasizing the sporting life. Take the kids to see fish in its indoor stream and large fish tank. During the holidays, get photos taken with Santa.
Green Tree Mall - This classic mall has been around for more than 50 years and is home to major national retailers like Dillard’s, Bath & Body Works, Books-A-Million and more.
Dining
La Lupita – Try some traditional Mexican fare from the Oaxaca region of Mexico and others. There are tortas, sopes (an open-faced sandwich on a homemade thick corn tortilla), and the ever-popular tacos. The Tlayuda features a corn tortilla, topped with red sauce, black refried beans, chorizo, steak, and queso Oaxaca. If you are an adventurous eater, ask for the chapulines (crickets)!
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux - Get your hands on “a little Louisiana spice” at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. The name refers to founder Brandon Landry, a walk-on for the Louisiana State University basketball team. Retired NFL quarterback and Purdue Alum Drew Brees is a part owner of the franchise. Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere after ordering scratch-made fare like po-boys, fried alligator, and catfish Atchafalaya.
Fresco Tea Bar - Stop in for bubble and loose-leaf teas, wellness and refreshers drinks, or grab and go options for breakfast and lunch. Don’t forget to sign up for their new rewards program on your next visit to earn points, a $5 birthday coupon and more!
Williams Bakery - There is little that can be wrong with coffee and donuts. So, Williams is a great choice. A full-service bakery that’s a go-to for cakes, pies, cookies and more.
Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery - Overlooking the Ohio River, the Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery is the perfect spot for families and a romantic date night. The owners of the shop live in the big yellow house in front of the ice cream shop, and the home makes the perfect backdrop for this unique ice cream experience.
First Watch - Located in Clarksville’s busy shopping district, First Watch offers freshly prepared meals that are never under a heat lamp or deep-fried.
Core Life Eatery - If you’re on vacation but want to stay “in the zone,” visit Core Life Eatery. Here you’ll find fresh fare and delicious, healthy options.
Torchy’s Tacos - Torchy’s Tacos is a unique taco spot that serves street-style tacos with breakfast options as well.
Joella’s Hot Chicken - Joella’s Hot Chicken is a Louisville-based fast-casual restaurant serving hot chicken and a variety of made-from-scratch Southern sides.
Storming Crab - Soak up the beachy ambiance and enjoy bigger-than-your-head seafood plates.
Five Guys - Get a signature handcrafted burger with their Cajun fries. Pair it with one of their delectable milkshakes for the ultimate Five Guys experience.
Clarksville is also filled with chain eateries. Click here to see the list of these restaurants.
Stay
The I-65 corridor in Clarksville is dotted with several comfortable and well-known hotel chains, providing quick access to Southern Indiana and neighboring Louisville, Ky. For a full list of places to stay, click here.
