"As I wrap up my first year as Executive Director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau (THCVB), I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for all Terre Haute and Vigo County accomplished in 2024. It’s been a year of milestones, community engagement, and unforgettable moments that have solidified our community’s place as a vibrant destination for visitors, while also improving the quality of place for our residents.
From hosting world-class events to unveiling new attractions and enhancing our city’s cultural landscape, there is a sense of momentum and excitement about Terre Haute that is palpable.
Experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime Total Eclipse of the Haute with my husband, Brian, and thousands who joined us for festivities downtown.
A Year to Remember
The year began with the awe-inspiring celestial event of the eclipse. Thousands flocked to Terre Haute to witness the rare phenomenon, and the energy in the air was palpable. This once-in-a-lifetime experience set the tone for a year filled with remarkable gatherings.
Indiana State University also gave us much to cheer for this year with their thrilling basketball run in the NIT, bringing our community together and filling Hulman Center in support of the Sycamores. Additionally, Rose-Hulman, which celebrated its 150th year, hosted the USA Gymnastics Trampoline and Tumbling Regionals, further highlighting Terre Haute’s versatility in hosting diverse sporting events.
35,000 visitors enjoyed the return of the Terre Haute Air Show featuring the Blue Angels.
Larry Bird with his long-time friend, Greg Gibson, officially open Terre Haute’s newest attraction – the Larry Bird Museum.
In the summer, the Terre Haute Air Show took to the skies, dazzling audiences with breathtaking aerobatic performances. We also celebrated the long-anticipated opening of the Larry Bird Museum, a tribute to our hometown legend that has already drawn fans from far and wide. Complementing the museum’s debut were several stunning new murals, including the iconic recreation of Larry Bird’s Sports Illustrated cover and an updated version of the stories-high Coke bottle mural, further enriching our city’s artistic appeal.
THQMA hosted a national quarter midget tournament at the Hulman Mini Speedway this summer, drawing racers from all over the nation to this nationally recognized course.
The city also proudly welcomed the 55th Indiana Special Olympics Summer Games, an inspiring event that celebrated athleticism and inclusion. Motorsports fans were thrilled by the Nationals at the Hulman Mini Quarter Midget Car Course, an event that underscored Terre Haute’s rich racing heritage. The opening of the Riley Spur Trail was a welcome addition to the county’s trail system on the south side.
The LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course hosted the NCAA Division III National Championship this year for the first time in over a decade. The course saw 15,000 runners cross the finish line throughout the fall, drawing thousands of runners, coaches and families from all over the nation.
Fall brought with it a flurry of activity at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. Hosting the NCAA DIII Cross Country Championships was a highlight. The IHSAA State Finals, the Indiana State Middle School Meet and Nike Twilight Meets also drew thousands to our community, showcasing Terre Haute’s reputation as a premier destination for competitive running. The course hosted a total of 15,000 runners (not including their coaches, parents and families) throughout the season – a record high!
This year, we hosted our first Terre Haute Tourism Update, sharing insights and celebrating achievements with stakeholders. We celebrated Terre Haute being named as Indiana’s best college town by Midwestern Traveler Magazine along with several locations being highlighted in their Best of Indiana edition including the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Wetlands and Hulman Links Golf Course. College Values Online highlighted Terre Haute as one of the best college towns in the entire country – something that we have long known here!
The THCVB team participated with the City of Terre Haute Mayor’s Youth Council in SMWC’s Light Your Way Christmas Parade, embracing a “Paradise in Terredise” theme and handing out candy and lighted wands as 16,000 people looked on.
In December, we spread holiday cheer with our “Paradise in Terredise” themed entry in the Light Your Way Christmas Parade. Handing out 3,000 light-up wands to the crowd of 16,000 created a magical, Hallmark-movie moment in our historic downtown.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While 2024 was unforgettable, 2025 promises to be just as dynamic. Exciting developments on the horizon include the launch of a new See You In Terre Haute website in January and the return of the Indiana State Youth Bowling Championships beginning in February. Terre Haute has so much momentum, and I am excited to see the projects come to fruition to enhance the vitality of our community:
- Implementation of a DORA District (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), enhancing our downtown’s social and cultural appeal.
- Capital improvements at the LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course and renovations to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum.
- Groundbreaking for a new Courtyard Hotel downtown, slated to open in 2026.
- Additions to city and county parks, including:
- Renovations to Rae Park Golf Course’s historic clubhouse.
- Renovation of Herz-Rose Park and a new destination splash pad and community center, slated to open in 2026.
- Playground expansions and upgrades within multiple city parks including Washington Park.
- A new disc golf course at Prairie Creek Park, and planning for a championship-level course at Fowler Park.
- Cabins at Hawthorn Park and Prairie Creek Park, and a chance for visitors to experience sleeping in Fowler Park’s new covered wagon cabin.
- A new events building at Griffin Bike Park.
- Anticipated openings of a Chipotle Restaurant and a Quick Trip gas station on the east side.
- Art Spaces’ Turn to the River’s outdoor plaza installation at City Hall and another new mural downtown, bringing our outdoor mural collection to 25.
- Addition of new pickleball courts with lights at the Terre Haute Country Club, adding a new tournament venue for the community.
- Renovations to the historic Indiana Theater, a cornerstone of our city’s cultural heritage.
- Expansions and capital projects at Indiana State University, Ivy Tech Community College, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are also sure to add to the vitality of the community and increase visitor traffic.
David Patterson (pictured here with his wife Jami and me) being honored by the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board for his 30 years of service and investment in the community.
The THCVB staff had a very good year; pictured here are (l to r): Karen Dyer, Steve Price, Eric Whittenburg, Scott Whittenburg, Amy Dinkle, Hank Hancewicz, and Larry Jarrell.
A Shared Success
The accomplishments of 2024 and the promise of 2025 are a testament to the collaboration, creativity, and dedication of our community. From city leaders and local businesses to volunteers and residents, every achievement reflects our shared vision for a vibrant and welcoming Terre Haute.
I am truly grateful to the staff and board of the THCVB for their investment and support throughout this wonderful year as well as former Executive Director, David Patterson, who invested 30 years in building the community’s tourism machine. As we move into the new year, I’m excited to see this momentum, creating even more opportunities for our community to shine. Here’s to a bright future for Terre Haute!"
