Something for Everyone: Terre Haute's 10 Must-Visit Museums

Swope Art Museum - Terre Haute, IN

From renowned art collections to immersive historical exhibits, Terre Haute boasts a treasure trove of culture in its multiple museums. Whether you're a history buff, an art aficionado, or simply curious about the tales woven into this Midwestern city, these museums provide a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored. 

1. Swope Art Museum: Known for its extraordinary collection of nearly 2,500 works of American art including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from the 19th century to the present. Changing exhibitions from the permanent collection include selections from American Scene Painting of the 1930s and 1940s, 19th century American art, early 20th century modernism, Indiana art, and Post-World War II figurative and abstract art. 
2. Terre Haute Children’s Museum: Three stories of fun, laughter and exploration located in the heart of Terre Haute. This museum is dedicated to exposing children and families to innovative ideas and experiences offering hands-on learning opportunities in a safe, caring environment. In addition to its multiple interactive exhibits, THCM features a ropes course with 22 elements to conquer while suspended two or three stories off the ground.  
3. Vigo County Historical Museum: Experience Vigo County’s rich history throughout three floors and 34,000 square feet. The History Center connects and immerses visitors to the people, stories and artifacts of Vigo County’s past, present and future. 
4. CANDLES Holocaust Museum: Through the lens of the Holocaust, visitors of all ages can learn about the consequences of choices, the importance of never giving up, the dangers of prejudice, and the need for genocide prevention today. The museum features a permanent exhibit, "Choices: The Holocaust Through Eva's Story," which details the story of Eva Kor, Holocaust survivor and Mengele Twin, from before the war and through the rise of Nazism, to surviving the Auschwitz concentration camp and her journey of forgiveness. 
5. Eugene V. Debs Museum: Located in the longtime home of Eugene V. and Katherine Metzel Debs. Eugene was one of the United States’ most prominent socialist politicians, a candidate for the American presidency on five separate occasions, a founding member of the Industrial Workers of the World, and a powerful labor organizer. His life’s work embodied the promotion of economic justice, social justice, and humanitarian ideals. A trained museum guide is available to provide guests with a guided tour. 
6. Native American Museum: Located in Dobbs Park, explore the culture of people who originally inhabited the Wabash Valley through exhibits, educational materials, and programs. The museum offers rotating seasonal exhibits and a permanent exhibit on local tribe history and culture, and weekend programming for children and adults. 
7. Veterans Memorial Museum: Commemorative space filled with a variety of military memorabilia from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The museum’s mission is to honor American veterans and to preserve the proud military heritage of the men and women who answer the call to service. 
8. Indiana Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame Museum: Honoring the achievements of the state's all-star athletes, the museum houses photos of each hall of fame inductee, as well as a kiosk to look at the accomplishments for the athletes and videos of many of the performances. Additionally, the museum covers the history of track and field, not just in Indiana, but the sport’s progression over time. 
9. Wabash Valley Railroad Museum: Get a feeling for railroading in the 1880s as you visit the vintage TH&I freight depot or look at modern mainline operations from an elevated train watching platform. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to roll up their sleeves and see what it was like to work on the railroad for themselves. Exhibits also include original documents, rare photographs, and authentic railroad hardware. 
10. Vigo County Educational Heritage Association Museum: The museum houses the largest collection of Vigo County school memorabilia, documents, artifacts and yearbooks with more than 5,000 assets. Located in the old McLean School building, the museum is open on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month for tours and research. 

With so much to see and explore, the museums of Terre Haute invite you to embark on a captivating adventure through the realms of history, art, and innovation. Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of these Midwestern treasures and uncover the hidden gems that highlight Terre Haute's rich heritage and artistic flair.