Staycations offer a wonderful opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate without the hassle of traveling far from home. Whether you choose to explore your local area, indulge in some self-care, or enjoy a meal delivery while relaxing at home, the key is to savor each moment and make the most of your time off. Don't forget to document your adventures with photos to preserve the memories for years to come. Embrace the joy of a staycation and create lasting moments that will bring a smile to your face every time you look back on them.  

Canicross USA proudly announces the debut of its inaugural National Championship Canicross event, set to take place from December 13 to 15, 2024, in Terre Haute, IN, at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course.

This groundbreaking event will cater to participants of all levels and abilities, welcoming passionate "Dog Loving Runners" from across the nation to converge in Terre Haute for a memorable competition.

The action-packed schedule kicks off on Friday, December 13, with participant check-in and a course preview day, offering runners and their canine companions a chance to familiarize themselves with the challenging yet exhilarating terrain. 

Saturday's races will feature 6K races, with specific race schedules to be determined. On Sunday, participants will tackle 5K races, with race schedules to be announced. The event will include a diverse range of races, including the Elite National Championship, Open-Master-Super Master National Championship, Age Group National Championship, Juniors National Championship, and Open Citizen Run, ensuring there's a race for everyone to enjoy. 

For further updates and detailed information, please visit the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course website. Get ready to leash up your furry companions and embark on an unforgettable Canicross adventure in Terre Haute!

Additional information is available at www.CanicrossUSA.org.

Current sponsors: Kenosha Running Company, Inc. and Musher found at www.KenoshaRunningCompany.com

One of the best things about love is that it is as unique as we are. ❤️ There is no one right way to be romantic or show the person you love that they are special… Actually, by taking the time to plan a romantic date night or weekend getaway that is customized to the specific interests of you and your partner, you can really level up your game.  So, whether you're a country-loving couple, history buffs, art enthusiasts, sports fanatics, or just looking for a traditional night out, Terre Haute has something to make your hearts flutter. Let's dive into the love adventure!
A Redneck Rendezvous: Love in the Great Outdoors
Calling all nature-loving, outdoorsy couples! For a ruggedly romantic weekend, Terre Haute offers just the right mix of adventure and charm.

• Straight Shooter Archery & Range or Top Guns: Kick off your weekend with some target practice. Who needs Cupid's arrow when you can shoot on your own, right?
• Water Tower Estates: Head over to this picturesque winery where you can enjoy a wine tasting amidst a cozy country atmosphere.
• Stay at The Goat-el at Old 40 Farm: Get cozy in a charming cabin at the Old 40 Farm, where you'll be greeted by friendly goats and a peaceful countryside setting.

A Tale As Old As Time: History-Lovers' Paradise
If you believe there is just something a little more romantic about the past, Terre Haute has plenty of chapters waiting for you to explore.

• Historical Museum: Dive into Terre Haute's rich history and discover stories that will transport you back in time.
• Drive-In Movie: Keep the nostalgia alive with a classic drive-in movie experience.
• Bar Bosco: Enjoy a quiet dinner in a historic setting, perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête. The 1920’s atmosphere will transport you to a different time, while the phenomenal food will transport you the mountains of Northern Italy.

Young & Fun: Let the Good Times Roll
Are you looking for a carefree, fun-filled evening without any strings attached? Terre Haute's got you covered!

• Sandbox Social: Start the night with some old-school arcade games at the Bank of Pinball.
• Roller Skating: Glide hand in hand at the roller rink and relive your youth.
• Bowling: Strike up some fun at one of the local bowling alleys.
• Scouts Pizzeria: Cap off the night with a casual dinner and some uniquely delicious pizza and then cozy up with a drink in the Lounge.

An Artsy Affair: Creative Hearts Unite
For couples who find beauty in art, Terre Haute offers a canvas of romantic possibilities.

• Swope Art Museum: Dive into the world of art at the renowned Swope Art Museum. From Classic pieces to art created by local artists, there is so much to love about the Swope.
• Pottery Class at Deming Park: Get your hands dirty together with a pottery class and create lasting memories.
• Mural Tour: Terre Haute has beautiful murals across the city. From 12 Points to Downtown, you can explore the city's largest art. End the tour at The Terminal and glimpse one of our newest murals as it is being created.
• MuseArt: Before you leave, make sure to swing by MuseArt to check out their selection of quality art supplies.

A Sports-tacular Time: Active Adventures & Sports Lovers
For couples who bond over their love for sports and physical activities, Terre Haute offers a wide range of options.

• Bogey’s Batting Cages: Swing away at the batting cages for some playful competition.
• Mark’s Par 3: Challenge each other to a round of golf on this beautiful par 3 course.
• Catch a college sporting event: Experience the energy of college sports—Right now is the perfect time to catch one of the games of what will undoubtedly be a legendary Indiana State University basketball season.
• Eat at The Wing House: Refuel after your active day with mouthwatering wings, because nothing goes better with sports than wings.

A Traditional Night Out: Elegance & Fine Dining
For those who appreciate the classics, Terre Haute offers a night of timeless elegance.

• Performing Arts: Enjoy a captivating performance at one of Terre Haute's theaters, including Terre Haute Symphony, Hatfield Hall, Indiana State University's Performing Arts Series, or the Terre Haute Community Theater.
• Fine Dining: Savor a romantic dinner at one of Terre Haute's top-notch restaurants, such as Stables Steak House, J Ford’s Black Angus, or Umi Grill
• There you have it, lovebirds! Terre Haute, Indiana, is the perfect destination for your romantic weekend getaway. No matter your interests or preferences, our city has something special to offer. So, pack your bags, hold hands, and let the romance begin. Terre Haute is waiting to make your love story even more magical!

Discover the hidden gem of Terre Haute and Vigo County in West Central Indiana, where diverse and picturesque parks await. This winter, the region beckons visitors with seven compelling reasons to explore its outdoor wonders, offering an escape into nature's embrace – and why this destination should be on your must-visit list:

1. Scenic Landscapes and Tranquil Nature: Embark on a journey through a landscape that seamlessly transitions from woodlands to wetlands, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity. Winter enhances the tranquility of these spaces, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
2. Well-Maintained and Championship-level Trails for All Levels: Whether you're a seasoned hiker or prefer a leisurely stroll, Terre Haute's parks boast well-maintained trails suitable for all levels. Dive into the heart of nature, with options that cater to every explorer's preference.
3. Winter Wonderland Experience: Transforming into a snow-covered haven during January and February, West Central Indiana's parks offer a winter wonderland experience like no other. Immerse yourself in the magical ambiance created by snow-laden trees, frozen water features, and the crisp winter air.
4. Abundance of Wildlife: Winter unveils a different side of nature, with the region's parks becoming home to a diverse array of winter-adapted animals and birds. Keep an eye out for majestic eagles along at the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area adjacent to the Wabash River, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching and appreciating nature's resilience in the colder months.
5. Historical and Educational Opportunities: Explore more than just nature at parks like the National Road Heritage Trail, Dobbs Park, and Fowler Park, where you can discover the rich history and heritage of the region, adding a layer of depth to your outdoor adventure.
6. Year-Round Outdoor Recreation: The region's parks aren't limited to winter activities. With facilities ranging from bike trails to sports fields and picnic areas, they provide year-round outdoor recreation opportunities for individuals, families, and groups. Griffin Bike Park beckons riders and hikers of all levels to experience its variety of trails through its beautifully wooded park open year-round. The newly installed championship disc course at Prairie Creek Park offers a challenge for those looking for winter fun.
7. Photo Opps: Calling all photo enthusiasts! The ever-changing landscapes and seasonal transformations in West Central Indiana's parks provide the perfect canvas for capturing breathtaking shots. Freeze the beauty of nature, wildlife, and winter scenes to create lasting memories and share the stunning visuals of the area.

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In Terre Haute and Vigo County, each park tells a unique story, inviting you to become a part of its narrative. So, pack your winter gear and set out for an unforgettable adventure in West Central Indiana's captivating outdoor haven.

Terre Haute stands as a paragon for athletes seeking a destination that blends sports fervor with unparalleled experiences. Here are six compelling facts that should put Terre Haute on every athlete's map:

1. Championship Caliber Facilities: Terre Haute prides itself on offering state-of-the-art sports facilities that rival those of larger metropolitan areas. From top-notch athletic fields and courts to well-equipped gyms and stadiums, the city is committed to providing athletes with the infrastructure they need to hone their skills and excel in their respective sports. The city’s See You in Terre Haute Community Plan has laid out a project for a new multi-million-dollar sports complex that will rival any throughout the Midwest once completed in the next few years.
2. Acclaimed Cross Country Hub: Terre Haute has earned its reputation as the "Cross Country Town USA," hosting the NCAA Cross Country Championships annually. The iconic LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course attracts elite runners from around the nation, offering a challenging terrain and a breathtaking backdrop that adds an extra layer of excitement to every race. Today, the city is becoming known more widely for its “Sports Town” appeal.
3. Diverse Sporting Events: Whether you're a fan of traditional sports or niche competitions, Terre Haute has something for everyone. The city hosts a spectrum of sporting events, ranging from soccer tournaments, cross-country and basketball championships, and swimming competitions. The Terre Haute Quarter Midget Hulman Speedway and the Griffin Bike Park draw racers and riders from regional and national circuits. The diversity of events ensures that athletes of all disciplines can find their niche in Terre Haute's thriving sports scene.
4. Outdoor Recreation Mecca: Beyond organized sports, Terre Haute's natural landscape provides an abundance of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With scenic trails for running and biking, water activities on the Wabash River, and expansive parks for various recreational pursuits, athletes can seamlessly integrate their training with the beauty of the great outdoors.
5. Supportive Community Spirit: Terre Haute embraces its athletes with open arms, fostering a sense of community pride and support. Local businesses, sports clubs, and the vibrant community come together to cheer on their athletes, while local hotels cater to sports teams and families, offering a variety of extra amenities to make the experience top notch.
6. Collegiate Sports Hub: Home to reputable institutions like Indiana State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Terre Haute boasts a rich collegiate sports culture. Attendees can immerse themselves in the spirited atmosphere of college games and witness the legacy left by historic legends like Larry Bird, Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown, Tommy John, and John Wooden, whose influence continues to shape the city's sports landscape.

Terre Haute stands as an all-encompassing destination for athletes and their families, offering a winning combination of world-class facilities, diverse sporting events, a supportive community, and a rich historical tapestry.

 Gather around for the most enchanting, eerie and utterly spooktacular time of the year! Terre Haute has activities for families of all ages including haunted houses, tours and much more to get your fix in during “spooky season.”

The most startling place to start your Halloween festivities is at the Shattered Nightmares Haunted House on Lafayette Avenue. This award-winning site has haunted tours every weekend in October and the first weekend of November. For over ten years, a local family has taken their love for haunted houses and created a fun activity for all ages that is sure to send chills up your spine.

Wanting to learn about some local lore? Vigo County Historical Museum is a low-cost Terre Haute site that is known for having paranormal activity. The stairwell is a hotspot for orbs, and it has been reported that the upstairs is closed off because spectators have seen a person rocking the crib while visiting. Rumor has it, that if the figure looks directly at you, you are being hunted down by the murderer, Edward Flanders, of the family who lived in the house. The visitors were given metallic crosses to prevent the haunts. The museum also has an exhibit dedicated to local haunted legends like the faceless nun from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and many more spooky tales.

Highland Lawn Cemetery is the home of a bulldog named Stiffy Green and his owner, John Heinl, who passed away in 1921. Stiffy was devastated when his owner died, refusing to leave his side. Stiffy continuously ran to Highland Lawn Cemetery to sit inside Heinl’s mausoleum and growl at anyone who may be a threat until he died on the steps outside the mausoleum, where he was also buried. Many come to the cemetery each Halloween to see the Heinl and Stiffy ghosts. You can even visit a replica of Heinl’s mausoleum and Stiffy Green at the Vigo County Historical Museum.

But that’s not the only tale from Highland Lawn Cemetary. A long-distance call made from inside a mausoleum is a tall tale in Terre Haute. The story dates to the 1800s. A man placed a telephone, rocking chair and whiskey in his future mausoleum at the cemetery. Many years later after his death, his wife was found dead in their home beside a telephone that was off the hook. Reports state that a startling call had caused her to have a heart attack. When the wife was placed next to her husband, the phone inside beside him was off the hook. Was the heart attack produced by a call from her deceased husband? As you walk around the Highland Lawn Cemetery, listen carefully for a telephone off the hook.

You hear about Bigfoot sightings often, but did you know Bigfoot walks throughout Terre Haute? There have been 35 reported sightings of a giant ape-like creature with gigantic footprints as early as the 1970s. In 1980, there were 34 claimed sightings. Watch out, you never know what you could run into during October as we creep closer to winter in the Wabash Valley!

Be careful as you attend these spooktacular spots and be sure to stick with a family member or friend. For more information on the best spooky spots in Terre Haute, visit  terrehaute.com

It’s the most wonderful time of year! But, before we get ahead of ourselves, we want to clarify that Fall is the most wonderful season of the year right here in Terre Haute.

Happy Fall to all who celebrate - pumpkin spice connoisseurs, moviegoers and everyone in between. In Terre Haute, there is a spooky season something for everyone – residents and visitors of all ages. So, follow along and fall into the autumn season with us!

‘Tis the season for one of the best fall musts, visiting the pumpkin patch at Jolly Pines Tree Farm. Despite popular belief, this local, small business isn’t just a Christmas tree farm. Jolly Pines encourages families to come to pick out their pumpkins and attend special, seasonal events together. Jolly Pines is a small local business that is dedicated to giving back to the community, and we highly encourage you to get out there this season.

Similarly, you can also visit the Terre Haute Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. through September 30 and from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. beginning again on October 7 – October 21. Vendors are selling the perfect autumn ingredients including, but not limited to, squash and pumpkins.

Terre Haute is perfect this time of year because of the beautiful landscape. It practically feels like a Hallmark movie wherever you go. Throughout October, Fowler Park, located at 3000 E Oregon Church Rd, and Hawthorn Park, located at 6067 E Old Maple Ave, are hosting hayrides through the magical Terre Haute fall-scape. To learn more about parks and recreation in Terre Haute, click here.

Okay, okay, enough with the outdoors, it’s time to get to the good stuff – sitting by the fire with your comfiest sweater and warm chai tea latte, or your preferred fall beverage. Come inside and take a break from the crisp, fall air at: Little Bear Coffee Co., Maggie & Moe’s, Loose Goose Coffee Company, Java Haute and Federal. Many of these stops have special autumn-themed drinks that are perfect to warm you up on a cold day.

To see all the coffee shops nearby, visit the See You In Terre Haute restaurants map. You can filter the results down to only seeing coffee and sweets.

Now, we know what you may be thinking – “I want to come do all of the fall musts in Terre Haute, but where should my family and I stay?”

Look no further, we recently wrote a blog about the perfect fall getaway that feels like an earthy oasis Read our blog, “Local Lodging in Terre Haute,” for more information.

We cannot wait to see you dream up your fall-scape adventure with us this year!

​On your marks. Get set. GO! ... to Lavern Gibson Champion Cross Country Course ...
 
As summertime comes to a close, Terre Haute has entered one of the most exciting times of year in the Wabash Valley: cross-country season!
 
Terre Haute, accurately nicknamed Cross Country Town USA, expects to welcome over 60,000 visitors this fall alone for the cross-country season.
 
The renowned LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course will be the site of many exciting events throughout the 2023-24 season.
 
September is a jam-packed month on the course, starting the first weekend with the DIII Invitational and the Hometown Savings Bank State Preview. If you’re more of a night owl, plan to be at the starting line at 8 p.m. on September 29 for the Twilight College Division night race along with the Nike XC Town Twilight race on September 30 at 6 p.m.
 
Enjoy the autumn season in Terre Haute while watching the IHSAA Sectional and State Finals Championships in October, and don’t miss the Nike Cross Regional Midwest Championships on November 12.
 
Known as one of the best courses in the nation, LaVern Gibson has been the home of a number of significant cross-country events since its creation in the summer of 1995. The NCAA Championship took place at the course eight consecutive years from 2004 to 2011, and again in 2013, 2014 and 2016. In fact, Indiana State University has hosted the NCAA Women’s Cross-Country Championships more times than any other school.
 
Cross country is more than just a sport here in the Wabash Valley - it’s a way of life. This exciting sport showcases the athletes’ hard work and dedication while also bringing the community together.
 
“You know, when you see someone pour their heart and soul into anything, you respect it. Through the years, I've really come to love that about cross country,” said Patterson. “And it doesn't matter if they're the first-place finisher or the last place, they're still giving it everything they have."
 
We can’t wait to see you in Terre Haute cheering on your favorite teams this season, not only at LaVern but at all the sports and recreation spots that Terre Haute has to offer.
 
To see a compiled list of all sports and recreation offerings in Terre Haute, visit www.terrehaute.com/sports.html and for more information on cross county events, visit www.laverngibson.com.

​From the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau: Welcome to the brand new students and their loved ones. Thanks for choosing to explore the City of Terre Haute for the next four years. And to our returning students, welcome back! This fall 2023 semester will be the best one yet.

Terre Haute proudly houses four higher education institutions: Indiana State University (ISU), Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), Ivy Tech Community College, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. These educational institutions make up the highly astounding College Town USA.

• ISU, in the heart of downtown Terre Haute, has over 100 undergraduate majors and 70+ online programs, focusing on educational, personal and professional success. In June 2023, the ISU baseball team made it to the NCAA Regionals!
• SMWC, a Catholic Liberal Arts College founded in 1840, is exceptional for education and sports but has also become a well-known venue for Terre Haute. SMWC is known for its beautiful campus as well as its business and family events.
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, a private university is a nationally recognized, top-ranked school in the U.S. consistently, especially for its undergraduate engineering program.
• Ivy Tech Community College focuses on serving surrounding communities, but the Terre Haute campus provides unique offerings in College Town USA, like equipping you with home-grown skills and strong connections.

Terre Haute is a hub for independent, young adults in college. Local restaurants and unique events make up College Town USA. Students often explore the city and study off campus at Java Haute and Federal Coffee + Fine Foods. If your tired of microwaving ramen every night, Scout’s Pizzeria is a local hot spot as well. The Terminal Public House is a local restaurant, perfect for loved ones looking for dinner spots when visiting!

Not so much of a foodie? That is a-okay because we have countless activities throughout the city. Each university offers a calendar online, highlighting big city-wide events each year. When heading off-campus, visit one of Terre Haute’s local nature spots, like Deming Park, to catch some fresh air or even a peaceful study spot. Deming Park also offers a frisbee golf course, where you could start an intramural team!

Got a green thumb? Visit The Pickery. If you’re seeking an adventurous change of pace, visit Griffin Bike Park. More of a cinematic mastermind? The best spot in town to watch a good movie is The Moon Lite Drive-In. It shows new movies all the time.

Don’t take our word for it, hear from a current ISU student, Julia Pomfret:


With move in coming up and family weekend occurring this fall, just know, this is just hitting the surface on your epic guide to College Town USA. Check out See You In Terre Haute for lodging, playing and planning.

​That being said, welcome back to College Town USA students, family and friends!