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.
Buffalo Trace Park
1540 US-150, Palmyra, IN 47164, Palmyra, Indiana 47164
A Harrison County park near Palmyra, named for an old buffalo route later used by frontier settlers. Enjoy the lake, open grounds, and relaxed outdoor recreation.
Carnegie Center for Art & History
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, History museum, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, Ohio River Scenic Byway
201 E Spring St, New Albany, Indiana 47150
The Carnegie Center for Art & History combines local history and contemporary art in New Albany’s historic downtown. Exhibitions and programs offer an engaging look at the region’s culture, people, and creative traditions.
Clark County Museum
725 Michigan Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
Educational museum focused on the history of Clark County, featuring exhibits on everything from Native AmeEducational museum focused on the history of Clark County, featuring exhibits on everything from Native American culture to the area's archaeological history.rican culture to the...
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
914 E Main St, New Albany, Indiana 47150
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest will find...
Edith Barrett Memorial History Center
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Museum
1104 Main St, Petersburg, IN 47567, Petersburg, Indiana 47567
The purpose of the History Center is to arouse public awareness and appreciation of the history of Pike County, Indiana. Available for research and learning are old courthouse records, family histories, photos, and exhibits just to name a few.
Floyd County Historical Society Museum (Padgett Museum)
509 W Market St, New Albany, Indiana 47150
The Floyd County Historical Society Museum preserves the history of New Albany through exhibits, archives, and local artifacts. Located beside the historic Culbertson Mansion, it offers an excellent introduction to the people, industries, and river heritage of Floyd County.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buffalo Trace Park
Carnegie Center for Art & History
Clark County Museum
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
Edith Barrett Memorial History Center
Floyd County Historical Society Museum (Padgett Museum)
Fort Knox II – Vincennes State Historic Sites
Freedomland Cemetery
French Lick West Baden Museum
George Rogers Clark Homesite
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