13 Fun Things To Do In New Albany, Indiana

New Albany doesn’t sell itself as a tourist town—and that’s exactly why it’s worth exploring. Founded in 1813 on the banks of the Ohio River, this Southern Indiana city was once the wealthiest in the state, built on shipbuilding, steamboats, and the bustling trade routes of the river economy. Its streets are lined with Victorian mansions from that boom era, but New Albany’s true significance runs deeper. The city was a critical stop on the Underground Railroad, with landmarks like Town Clock Church standing as silent witnesses to those who risked everything for freedom.

Today, New Albany balances its past with a no-nonsense revival. Restored historic districts now house thriving art centers, farm-to-table restaurants, and indie shops that haven’t been corporatized. Its riverfront is no longer an industrial dockyard but a sprawling greenway filled with walkers, cyclists, and amphitheater concerts. Across the city, museums, parks, and local businesses stay rooted in community, offering authentic experiences that feel lived-in, not manufactured.

This isn’t a city that’s been polished up for Instagram feeds. It’s a place that still works for a living—and proudly invites you to join in for a da

Let's explore the top things to do in New Albany this year.

1. Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site 

📍 Location: 914 E. Main St., New Albany, IN 47150

Culbertson Mansion isn’t just New Albany’s crown jewel—it’s a time capsule of 19th-century American wealth. Built in 1867 by William S. Culbertson, Indiana’s wealthiest man at the time, the 25-room, 20,000-square-foot Second Empire mansion reflects the era’s taste for grandeur. With hand-painted ceilings, marble fireplaces, carved rosewood staircases, and imported crystal chandeliers, the mansion showcases how steamboat-era fortunes were turned into architectural statements. But the story goes deeper than opulence.

Culbertson, a self-made dry goods merchant, was a prominent philanthropist whose legacy shaped New Albany’s schools, hospitals, and libraries. Today, guided tours lead visitors through meticulously restored rooms filled with period furnishings. The site also hosts special events like ghost tours and an annual haunted house, blending history with community tradition. For those interested in architecture, Gilded Age history, or simply seeing how old-money Indiana lived, Culbertson Mansion is a must-see.

2. New Albany-Floyd County Public Library 

📍 Location: 180 W. Spring St., New Albany, IN 47150

For those who enjoy a calm activity, the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library provides more than just books. It acts as a community centre, hosting a wide range of programs and events appealing to all ages. From author readings and children's workshops to cultural demonstrations, there’s always something happening at the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library.

In addition to its regular programming, the library provides spaces for study, free Wi-Fi, and digital resources, making it a great stop for visitors looking to relax or do some work. Be sure to check the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library events calendar before your visit, as there are often free, enriching activities for both locals and tourists. This is a great way to connect with the New Albany community and discover its local culture.

3. Carnegie Center for Art and History 

📍 Location: 201 E. Spring St., New Albany, IN 47150

Housed in New Albany’s original 1904 Carnegie Library, the Carnegie Center for Art and History merges past and present in a space that honors both. Inside, permanent exhibits highlight local figures like Lucy Higgs Nichols, an escaped slave who became a Union Army nurse, and a powerful exhibit on New Albany’s Underground Railroad ties.

Rotating art exhibitions spotlight regional artists working across mediums, from contemporary painting to sculpture. The building itself is a Beaux-Arts gem, with its historic architecture preserved alongside modern galleries. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural hub for the community. Beyond exhibitions, the Center also offers lectures, workshops, and events that foster a strong connection between New Albany’s history and its creative future. For visitors who appreciate art with historical depth, the Carnegie Center stands out as a thoughtful, community-driven space.

4. Ohio River Greenway 

📍 Location: Access points throughout New Albany, IN

The Ohio River Greenway is where New Albany’s industrial riverfront has been transformed into a scenic, multi-use trail that locals actually use. Stretching over 7 miles, it links New Albany to Clarksville and Jeffersonville, offering a front-row seat to the Ohio River’s working waters. The paved trail accommodates walkers, runners, cyclists, and even birdwatchers who flock to the riverfront’s wetlands and urban wildlife.

Landmarks along the way include the New Albany Amphitheater—home to outdoor concerts and festivals—and Loop Island Wetlands, a hidden pocket of nature just steps from downtown. Art installations, fishing spots, and river overlooks break up the route, making the Greenway more than a straight-shot trail. It’s not designed for tourists snapping photos (though you’ll take some); it’s built for locals who want a space to move, breathe, and reconnect with the river that built the city.

5. Falls of the Ohio State Park

Location: 201 W Riverside Dr, Clarksville, IN 47129 (short drive from New Albany)

Just across the river from New Albany, Falls of the Ohio State Park is a geological powerhouse. The park’s main attraction is its fossil beds—exposed Devonian limestone slabs filled with ancient marine fossils dating back 390 million years. This is one of the world’s largest naturally exposed fossil sites, making it a hotspot for amateur geologists and families alike.

The Interpretive Center adds context with exhibits on the river’s history, Lewis & Clark’s famous 1803 expedition, and the environmental challenges facing the Ohio River today. The river views from the park’s trails are sweeping, especially during sunset. For those interested in history, science, or just a good riverside hike, Falls of the Ohio is a natural extension of a New Albany day trip—close enough for convenience, unique enough to be a destination on its own.

6. Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Park 

📍 Location: 4400 Lewis Endres Pkwy, New Albany, IN 47150

Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Park is a community-focused green space that punches above its weight. Located on the eastern edge of New Albany, the park features walking trails, modern playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, and a state-of-the-art baseball complex. But what makes it stand out is its intentional design for families and accessibility.

The playground includes inclusive equipment designed for children of all abilities, and the park’s loop trails are flat, paved, and shaded, making them ideal for strollers and casual walkers. The large pavilions are frequently used for community events, reunions, and outdoor gatherings. While it doesn’t have the historical weight of Mansion Row or the geological pull of the Falls, Hammersmith Park is a reminder of how well-planned public spaces elevate local quality of life. For locals, it’s a daily hangout. For visitors, it’s a spot to catch your breath, stretch your legs, and see where New Albany’s future is investing.

7. River Run Family Water Park 

📍 Location: 224 W. Daisy Ln., New Albany, IN 47150

River Run Family Water Park is New Albany’s go-to summer escape for families. This compact but well-designed water park features a lazy river, splash playground, body slides, and a zero-depth entry pool that caters to both thrill-seekers and toddlers. It’s not a mega waterpark—and that’s exactly its strength.

The layout is tight enough for parents to keep an eye on multiple kids, and amenities like shaded seating, concessions, and family cabanas make it comfortable for extended visits. It’s a city-owned facility, so pricing is family-friendly, making it a favorite for locals and regional day-trippers who want a few hours of water fun without the chaos of larger commercial parks. Seasonal passes are a local best-seller. For visitors during the warmer months, River Run is a low-stress, high-fun stop that delivers cool relief and a slice of local life.

8. New Albany Farmers Market

📍 Location: 202 E. Market St., New Albany, IN 47150

The New Albany Farmers Market is a Saturday morning ritual, not just a shopping stop. Held downtown, this year-round market brings together over 40 local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and handmade crafts. But it’s more than stalls and stands. The market functions as a community hub where live music, cooking demos, and pop-up food trucks create a festive vibe. In summer, it spills into Bicentennial Park, tying into the city’s event calendar with concerts and festivals. The market is hyper-local, with many vendors from Floyd and Clark counties, making it the best place to get a true taste of Southern Indiana’s farm-to-table culture. For visitors, it’s a chance to meet growers, makers, and artists face-to-face while stocking up on goods you won’t find in chain stores.

9. Shirley’s Arboretum

Location: 3037 Grant Line Rd, New Albany, IN 47150

Shirley’s Arboretum is one of New Albany’s lesser-known treasures, a peaceful botanical haven tucked away from the urban pace. Located within Silver Hills, the arboretum offers a collection of native and exotic trees, manicured walking paths, and seasonal flowerbeds that serve as a living classroom for plant enthusiasts and a quiet retreat for casual walkers.

It’s not a large park, but its design is intentional—walking trails loop through tree canopies, interpretive signs provide context on species, and benches are strategically placed for views of the Ohio River valley below. Shirley’s Arboretum is often overlooked by tourists, which is exactly why locals love it. It’s where people come to walk, think, or simply escape into nature for an hour. For travelers seeking a quieter, contemplative stop, this arboretum is a perfect detour.

10. Town Clock Church History

📍 Location: 300 E. Main St., New Albany, IN 47150

Town Clock Church is more than an architectural landmark—it’s a symbol of New Albany’s role in the Underground Railroad. Built in 1852, its steeple was visible across the Ohio River, serving as a beacon for escaping slaves crossing into Indiana’s free territory. The church’s original name, Second Presbyterian Church, shifted as its abolitionist legacy grew, but the nickname “Town Clock” has endured. The building remains active, not as a tourist exhibit, but as a working congregation and community advocate.

Visitors can arrange historical tours, which detail how New Albany’s free Black community and local abolitionists used the church’s steeple as a literal guiding light. The restored clock tower, now a registered National Historic Landmark, stands as a quiet but powerful monument to the city’s civil rights history.

11. Bicentennial Park Events

📍 Location: 118 E. Spring St., New Albany, IN 47150

Bicentennial Park is New Albany’s outdoor stage, hosting a full calendar of concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year. From the city’s popular Summer Concert Series to seasonal events like Harvest Homecoming, the park’s amphitheater and green spaces become gathering points for locals and visitors alike.

Food trucks line the perimeter during peak events, offering regional eats while local bands and performers keep the crowd engaged. The park is designed for flexibility—one week it’s an open-air yoga venue, the next it’s filled with vendor tents and live music. Unlike generic “festival spaces,” Bicentennial Park feels woven into the city, with the surrounding historic buildings and Main Street just steps away. It’s a community plaza with a pulse.

12. The Exchange Pub + Kitchen

Location: 118 W Main St, New Albany, IN 47150

The Exchange Pub + Kitchen has carved out its reputation as New Albany’s flagship gastropub, blending elevated comfort food with a craft beer list that rivals any Louisville spot across the river. Housed in a restored 19th-century building, the space mixes exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and open kitchen views to keep things industrial but warm.

The menu shifts with the seasons—think bourbon-glazed pork belly, local mushroom risotto, and house-ground burgers topped with pimento cheese. On tap, expect a rotating selection heavy on Indiana and Kentucky breweries, with a few national craft staples. The Exchange isn’t a pretentious foodie temple. It’s a place where locals come for reliable meals, strong drinks, and an atmosphere that balances casual with polished. For visitors, it’s a sure bet when you want to experience New Albany’s modern dining scene with roots in its past.

13. Extol Sports Lounge New Albany

Location: 321 Pearl St, New Albany, IN 47150

Extol Sports Lounge is New Albany’s homegrown answer to the generic sports bar chain—except it actually feels like it belongs. Owned by Extol Media, the lounge combines wall-to-wall screens with a locally curated food and drink menu. Beyond the typical wings and burgers,

Extol offers craft cocktails, house-made appetizers, and a rotating draft list heavy on regional breweries. The vibe hits the sweet spot between casual hangout and lively game-day hub. On weekends, live music, trivia nights, and local watch parties turn it into a community spot that pulls in a regular crowd. It’s not trying to be a nightclub. It’s a neighborhood sports bar done right—sharp, comfortable, and without corporate blandness.

Conclusion

New Albany isn’t chasing trends. It doesn’t need to. This is a city where 19th-century mansion rows and steamboat-era landmarks stand just a few blocks from craft breweries, farmers markets, and a revitalized riverfront trail that locals use every day. Its Underground Railroad sites aren’t dressed up for tourists—they remain powerful, working parts of the community’s identity.

What makes New Albany stand out isn’t a single attraction—it’s how seamlessly the city’s history is woven into daily life. Whether you’re walking the Ohio River Greenway, touring Culbertson Mansion, or grabbing a local pint at The Exchange, you’re stepping into a place that’s never forgotten where it came from.

This isn’t a backdrop city. It’s active, working-class, and quietly proud. Spend a day here, and you’ll find history that isn’t frozen, a downtown that doesn’t feel staged, and a community that’s still shaping its own story.

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FAQ

1. How far is New Albany, Indiana from Louisville, Kentucky?

New Albany, Indiana is located just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. The distance between the two cities is approximately 5 miles, which makes it about a 10-15 minute drive by car, depending on traffic and the route taken.

2. What is Culbertson Mansion known for?

The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site is renowned for its beautiful Gilded Age architecture and rich history. Built in the 19th century, it was the home of William Culbertson, once Indiana’s wealthiest man. The mansion is known for its intricate design, stained glass windows, and opulent interiors, as well as its role in showcasing New Albany’s historic wealth and influence.

3. Is Falls of the Ohio State Park worth visiting?

Yes, Falls of the Ohio State Park is a highly recommended destination, especially for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. The park is famous for its extensive fossil beds, some of the largest in the world, and offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring ancient fossils. The park’s interpretive center also provides educational exhibits on the region’s geological history.

4. What is the best time to visit New Albany, Indiana?

The best time to visit New Albany is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities like hiking the Ohio River Greenway or visiting Falls of the Ohio State Park are particularly enjoyable. The summer months are also popular, especially for attractions like the River Run Family Water Park.

5. What kind of events does Bicentennial Park host in New Albany?

Bicentennial Park in New Albany hosts a variety of events, including free outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals, and community gatherings. The park is a central hub for entertainment and offers family-friendly activities, live music, and cultural events throughout the year. It's best to check the Bicentennial Park events calendar for up-to-date information on upcoming activities.

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