Exploring the Buffalo Trace Route
The historic Buffalo Trace spans roughly 130 miles across southern Indiana, cutting diagonally from the Falls of the Ohio (near Clarksville and Louisville) to Vincennes on the Wabash River. Created by migrating bison and later used by pioneers, its path is closely followed by modern U.S. Highway 150 and State Road 56.
The large heavy beasts had created a pathway. Used for hundreds of years by Native Americans, the path was very likely familiar to the French, who had founded a trading post at Vincennes in the early 1700’s, and who probably visited the mineral licks along the trace. Known as the Buffalo or Vincennes Trace, the travel way was as durable as any road built today. Modern roads have been built along portions of its route and early pioneers used the Trace to cross the state.
In places like Springs Valley State Fish and Wildlife Area you can still walk in the paths that they once took. The route that we have laid out is one that we drove.
Vincennes State Historic Sites’ Old French House
509 N 1st St, Vincennes, IN 47591, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Built in 1809 for Michael Brouillet, the Old French House is a beautifully preserved example of French Creole architecture, furnished to reflect early-19th-century life in Vincennes.
Edith Barrett Memorial History Center
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Museum
1104 Main St, Petersburg, IN 47567, Petersburg, Indiana 47567
Explore Pike County history through courthouse records, family histories, photographs, and exhibits at Petersburg’s Edith Barrett Memorial History Center.
Indiana Landmarks Tours – West Baden Springs Hotel
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Historical landmark, Historical place, Hotel, Inn, Tourist attraction
8538 W Baden Ave, West Baden Springs, IN 47469, West Baden Springs, Indiana 47469
Explore the grand domed atrium and resort history of West Baden Springs Hotel on an Indiana Landmarks tour in southern Indiana.
Vincennes Historic Sites
1 Harrison St, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Vincennes Historic Sites bring together the French, Revolutionary War, territorial, and military stories of one of Indiana’s oldest communities. Explore George Rogers Clark’s 1779 campaign, William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland, the Old French House, and other historic places around the Wabash River.
New Albany National Cemetery
1943 Ekin Ave, New Albany, Indiana 47150
Established during the Civil War, New Albany National Cemetery honors Union soldiers, veterans, and service members from later conflicts. Its quiet grounds provide a thoughtful place to reflect on New Albany’s military history.
Indiana Military Museum
Listed in Army museum, Buffalo Trace Route
715 S 6th St, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
The Indiana Military Museum in Vincennes preserves and displays artifacts that illuminate American military history and the experiences of those who served. It is a thoughtful stop for visitors interested in the nation’s conflicts, service members, and military heritage.
George Rogers Clark Homesite
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, George Rogers Clark Sites, Historical place, Ohio River Scenic Byway, Pioneer History, Revolutionary War
1021 Harrison Ave, Clarksville, Indiana 47129
A Clarksville landmark marking the later home of Revolutionary War leader George Rogers Clark, with a chance to reflect on the town’s early frontier history near the Falls of the Ohio.
Freedomland Cemetery
Listed in African American history, Buffalo Trace Route, Historical landmark, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, Ohio River Scenic Byway
2909 indiana, New Albany, Indiana 47150
A historic African American cemetery in New Albany, Indiana, offering a quiet place to reflect on local heritage, family, and freedom.
Fort Knox II – Vincennes State Historic Sites
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, George Rogers Clark Sites, Historical landmark, Pioneer History, Revolutionary War
Fort Knox Dr, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Fort Knox II marks the Wabash River site of an important early U.S. military post near Vincennes. Though no reconstructed fort remains, the historic setting and interpretation help explain Indiana’s frontier defenses and William Henry Harrison’s 1811 campaign.
French Lick West Baden Museum
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, History museum
469 S Maple St Suite #103, French Lick, Indiana 47432
Explore the history of French Lick and West Baden Springs through exhibits on mineral springs, resort hotels, railroads, tourism, and notable visitors.
Vincennes State Historic Sites’ Old French House
Edith Barrett Memorial History Center
Indiana Landmarks Tours – West Baden Springs Hotel
Vincennes Historic Sites
New Albany National Cemetery
Indiana Military Museum
George Rogers Clark Homesite
Freedomland Cemetery
Fort Knox II – Vincennes State Historic Sites
French Lick West Baden Museum
Follow On the Trail travels
We share our travels of the towns, restaurants, motels, and history that we learn on our trips.
Join our email list to follow future articles in the On the Trail area and receive updates as new articles, historic locations, and travel guides are added.
