If you’re looking for your next Midwest road trip destination, let me introduce you to Southern Indiana, or SoIN. An underrated Midwest destination, this area consists of Clark and Floyd Counties, and includes the cities of Jeffersonville, New Albany and Clarksville. You’ll find this region booming with activities and great restaurants.
I spent a couple of days in the area with fellow travel writers and explored the beauty that SoIN has to offer. We had so much fun eating at the local restaurants, browsing boutiques, and enjoying the outdoor attractions.
Below you’ll find all the details you need to plan the perfect weekend in Southern Indiana, including where to stay, what to do, and the best spots to eat and drink.
While my trip to Southern Indiana was hosted by SoIN, this post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own, as always.
When you make purchases through the links in my post, I may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As always, I only provide links to products and services I recommend.Read my full disclosure here.
About Southern Indiana:
Southern Indiana is made up of Clark and Floyd Counties which include the cities of Jeffersonville, New Albany and Clarksville.
Jeffersonville is located in Clark County, which is the state’s second oldest county. The city is located directly across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky and has been revived into a beautiful and bustling city.
New Albany is located in Floyd County, which is Indiana’s second smallest county. The city has a population of just under 50,000. Floyd County is also the county seat.
You’ll find the fascinating Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, a town of 22,000 people. Clarksville is also home to one of the largest clocks in the world.
Where to Stay:
A great hotel option in Jeffersonville is TownePlace Suites by Marriott Louisville North. I loved the location of the hotel, across from Big Four Station Park and the Big Four Bridge and within walking distance to a bustling restaurant and nightlife scene.
The hotel features spacious rooms with kitchens, modern amenities, a free daily continental breakfast, and indoor pool and fitness center. The hotel is also dog-friendly so your four-legged bestie can join in on the adventure!
What to Do During Your Weekend in Southern Indiana
Falls of the Ohio State Park
201 W Riverside Dr, Clarksville, IN 47129
Geology and fossil lovers will be amazed by Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana. The park has over 270 recorded species of birds and more than 600 species of fossils. It’s also part of a 1,400-acre National Wildlife Conservation Area.
The park is well-known for its “dry snorkel” hike, which surprisingly doesn’t involve any water. Instead, you search the land for remnants of the past across the fossil beds. There is also a half-mile woodland loop trail.
If you want to learn more about the park and its fossils, consider the daily ranger-led Fossil Bed Hike at 1pm (seasonally).
My group participated in this hike and we enjoyed learning about the formation of the area and having the ranger point out incredible fossils in the rocks. We never would have spotted them without the guidance of the ranger!
While fossil collecting from the beds is strictly prohibited, the park does have collecting piles near the visitor center where you can search for and select fossils to take home. You are also welcome to bring your leashed pup to the park.
And after you search for fossils, make sure you head inside to the 3,000-square-foot Interpretive Center.
The exhibits detail the history of the ancient sea, the background of the indigenous Native Americans, and the falls today. There are also viewing rooms where you can watch the river and observe wildlife.
There is a $2 parking fee at the park, and a separate fee to view the exhibits in the Interpretive Center ($9 for those 12 and older and $7 for those 11 and younger).
Big Four Station Park & Pedestrian Bridge
Completed in 2014, the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge is a highlight of any visit to SoIN. Once a rail line, the bridge now connects Jeffersonville, IN and Louisville, KY, via the Ohio River and spans just around one mile (2 miles roundtrip).
This was a highlight of my visit to Jeffersonville, as the views from the bridge are fantastic and it’s so cool to be able to walk from one state to another without having to worry about cars.
While the bridge walk is paved and handicap accessible, there is a relatively steep incline (ramp incline) on both ends of the bridge before you access the flat portion of the bridge. There are plenty of benches to sit and rest while taking in the views, but I do recommend bringing water with you on your walk.
At the base of the bridge in Jeffersonville is Big Four Station Park. The park features 10 acres of greenspace, including a playground, benches, picnic areas, and bathrooms. There is also parking surrounding the park.
Ohio River Greenway
29 E 18th St, New Albany, IN 47150 (Parking)
A great way to explore all of SoIN is via two wheels on the Ohio River Greenway. Follow the 7.5 mile paved trail along the banks of the Ohio River as you explore Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and New Albany.
The Ohio River Greenway is a multi-use path so on any given day you’ll find walkers, bikers, and jogger utilizing this path and taking in the beautiful views of the Ohio River and Louisville skyline.
The Jeffersonville end of the trail connects to the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge where you can connect to additional trail networks in Louisville.
E-bike rentals are available from Bicycle Station from March 1st through November 1st for those of you who’d live to explore SoIN on wheels.
NoCo Arts and Cultural District
628 Michigan Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
SoIN, especially Jeffersonville, does a wonderful job of showcasing its community members through art. The NoCo Arts and Cultural District is 22 acres of a redeveloped portion of Jeffersonville located North of Court Avenue (hence the name).
The district is made up of a community of artists, makers, historians, and inventors and is now known and Jefferson’s creative hub.
We met with a few of the artists while in the area and each had a unique story behind their art style and masterpieces. The community has really come together to develop this district of art.
When visiting the area, make sure to check out Picasso Pointe, the water tower, and the former auto body shop-turned community arts center.
Where to Eat in Southern Indiana
Coffee Crossing
Multiple locations in Southern Indiana
For your daily coffee and delicious baked goods, head to Coffee Crossing. This coffee company has many shops throughout Southern Indiana serving coffee and breakfast items in the throughout the day, and cocktails in the evening.
I grabbed a delicious strabwerry smoothie and blueberry scone from the location at 228 Spring Street (Jeffersonville).
It’s a great spot to grab your morning fuel and breakfast to go, or enjoy in-shop while starting your work day. The space is clean, organized, and very welcoming.
Upland Brewing
Multiple locations across Indiana
Upland Brewing has been brewing craft beers for over 25 years, and today the brewery has 10 locations across Indiana where you can enjoy everything from their specialty sours and ales to IPAs and seasonal specials.
For the non-beer lovers like me, order a mimosa for brunch, or enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail during your dinner. You’ll definitely want to order something tasty from their menu to go along with your drink.
I enjoyed brunch at their Jeffersonville location which is situated on the Ohio River. It’s hard to beat such a beautiful setting and the space offers beautiful, dog-friendly patio seating for you to enjoy the views.
If outdoor dining isn’t your thing, opt to sit indoors where you can still take in the views from a table next to the large windows overlooking the water.
The Exchange
118 W Main St, New Albany, IN 47150
The Exchange is a must-visit restaurant for lunch or dinner when you are in Southern Indiana for so many reasons – it’s in a historic building, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is fun. The building was once home to places like Shaders Stable and Livery and Hendricks Poultry Company.
La Catrina Mexican Kitchen
202 E Elm St, New Albany, IN 47150
If you love Mexican food, do not pass up La Catrina Mexican Kitchen. The tacos here are to die for and the margaritas are certainly worth ordering too!
I shared a margarita flight with a fellow travel writer and we both agreed the margaritas were beautiful and flavorful. As a picky eater, I love that you can get naked street tacos (just the tortilla and meat) and then they have a station where you can add all the toppings you want like cheese, onions, cilantro, salsa, etc.
This was PERFECT for me, because usually I end up ordering an expensive taco dish, only to order the tacos with just chicken, cheese and lettuce.
Conclusion
Southern Indiana might be an underrated destination, but you’ll quickly find out why it’s a great road trip destination once you visit.
