10 Unique Spots: Unveil SoIN's Stranger Things in One Weekend

Even though Hawkins, Indiana is a fictitious location, the Hoosier state offers up its fair share of strange locations. What are some of Southern Indiana’s strangest attractions? Keep reading to find out!  

The FREE Stranger Things of SoIN digital passport is your key to all things weird in SoIN (Clark & Floyd counties). Simply sign up and pick from any of the 15 selected sites to begin to uncover the peculiar side of SoIN. Plus, after you’ve checked in at 10 sites, you’ll earn a poster designed by artist and SoIN native, Matthew Clinard.  

Here's how to hit 10 spots in one weekend! 

Day 1 

Start your quest off strong on Friday afternoon in New Albany with lunch at Lady Tron’s (1), a quirky soup and sandwich shop with a retro outer space vibe. Next up is the New Albany Sugar Shoppe (2), a candy store with a haunting history. Stop in to grab some freshly baked treats or to make a custom candy tub. Finish your afternoon with a little shopping at The Odd Shop (3) and J & B Magic Shop (4).  

End the day with dinner and a haunted walking tour. Check out local restaurants such as La Catrina, Dog Haus Biergarten or Aladdin’s Mediterranean Cuisine. The New Albany Wicked Walk (5), guided by former history teacher Tim Romig, explores the eerie and unsettling events that have shaped the rich history of downtown New Albany, Indiana! The tour takes you through ghostly hauntings, murders, tragic accidents, crimes, Civil War haunts, serial killers and other supernatural happenings. Click here to view upcoming tours and to purchase tickets.  

Day 2

Saturday features three stops. Fuel up for your journey at Geraldine’s Kitchen, a family-owned diner featuring omelets, French toast, pancakes, egg platters and more. After brunch, you’ll head to the Clark County Museum (6), home to local historical oddities. The museum was established in 2008 by a group of individuals who were enthusiastic collectors of Clark County artifacts and memorabilia. They recognized the significance of the county in both Indiana and U.S. history. See if you can find Walter the pigeon! Have an afternoon pick-me-up at Coffee Crossing in downtown Jeffersonville before you head to your next stop.  

Next up is Bad Cat Boutique (7). This shop on Spring Street is a local art gallery and boutique that offers handcrafted jewelry, unique apparel, cat-themed candles and dioramas and lots of local art. If you’re looking to get some extra steps in, take a walk across the Big Four Bridge, which connects Jeffersonville to Louisville’s Waterfront Park. 

Saturday evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Union Restaurant & Gameyard, Kabuki or Harry’s Taphouse before your last stop of the day. Finally, head to SoIN’s only escape room, Big 4 Escape (8), where you can test the wits of you and your crew. This interactive attraction offers a variety of unique escape rooms created by the owners - so you won't find them anywhere else! For a spooky and suspenseful treat, see how you fare in the “The Witch’s Cabin” or in the "Zombie Fog Park." 

Day 3 

Your quest concludes on Sunday with two more stops, and there's no need to rush—these next two are available 24/7. Begin your Sunday journey with lunch at Red Yeti, where fresh, farm-to-table ingredients come together to create delicious dishes. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the Red Yeti himself out front! 

Off the beaten path you’ll find a 21-foot metal statue that stands gracefully looking over Dutch Lane in Jeffersonville. Known as “The Lady,” (9) this mysterious sculpture is definitely worth the visit. This whimsical statue was erected in the early 80s by Floyds Knobs artist Carl Elwanger. Click here to learn more about her story. 

Your final stop, the Colgate Palmolive Clock (10), awaits you in south Clarksville. This clock is one of the largest in the world! Standing tall since 1924, this iconic timepiece is just one piece of Southern Indiana's strange history. Prior to its life as a factory, the site also served as a state prison, which you can learn more about at another Stranger Things of SoIN stop - the Clark County Museum. Pro tip: visit the clock at night to see its enchanting red glow!  

Claim Your Prize 

Congrats! You’ve completed 10 stops on the Stranger Things of SoIN digital passport! Now it's time to claim your well-deserved poster. Simply go the “Rewards” section on your passport and tap “Claim Now” under the “Stranger Things of SoIN Poster Prize". This quirky poster serves as a lasting reminder of your unforgettable journey. 

Keep in mind that each check-in earns entries for the grand prize drawing, which is a Clue Party for 20 people at the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site! The first grand prize winner for the Stranger Things of SoIN passport will be drawn in April 2025. 

Bonus Stops 

Rose Island: Rose Island, an abandoned theme park, is a chilling and mysterious location situated in Charlestown, Indiana. Once a bustling attraction in the early 20th century, this now derelict park serves as an eerie reminder of a bygone era. Visitors can explore the decaying remains of what was once a lively resort and amusement park, complete with rides, attractions, and even a swimming pool. 

Culbertson Mansion: See the grandeur of this Victorian mansion, built in opulent French Second Empire style. It once belonged to local entrepreneur and philanthropist, William Culbertson and hosts an annual haunted house during the Halloween season. 

NoCo Cultural Arts District: NoCo is Jeffersonville’s art hub! With 22 acres to explore NOrth of COurt Avenue, the arts district has many intriguing outdoor masterpieces, which are free to view 24/7.  

Earth’s Art: Touted as the go-to spot for gifts from Mother Nature, the shop sells fine mineral specimens, deco pieces, fossils, jewelry and more. 

Raven’s Roost: This shop is your source for magical supplies. They hand-select every one of their products and offer quality pieces. They carry items such as intention oils (a blend of stones, herbs and essential oils), handmade incense, tarot cards, books, jewelry, and more. They also offer free educational resources to help those on their magical journey. 

Sign Up Today! 

Don't miss this opportunity to experience mysterious, quirky, bizarre SoIN! Start your quest today with the Stranger Things of SoIN Digital Passport and share your amazing experiences with us using the hashtags: #StrangerThingsofSoIN and #GoSoIN. Stay weird!