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
This park’s name comes from the path that herds of buffalo once migrated across the area. Later, the earliest settlers used this path as a wagon trail into the frontier.
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 area's archaeological history.
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 this site a worthwhile stop.
Cultural Arts Center
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 Cultural Arts Center showcases local creativity while often preserving connections to community history and heritage. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, programs, and events that celebrate the region's cultural identity.
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 Padgett Museum
509 W Market St, New Albany, Indiana 47150
The Floyd County Historical Society Padgett Museum preserves artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Floyd County's people, industries, and communities.
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 at Vincennes State Historic Sites preserves the story of one of Indiana's most important frontier military posts. Visitors can explore the fort's role in protecting settlements and shaping early Midwestern history.
Freedomland Cemetery
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Historical landmark, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, Ohio River Scenic Byway
2909 indiana, New Albany, Indiana 47150
Freedomland Cemetery preserves the history and legacy of an important African American community. Visitors can learn about the lives, contributions, and stories of those buried here while exploring a meaningful piece of local heritage.
French Lick West Baden Museum
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, History museum
469 S Maple St Suite #103, French Lick, Indiana 47432
Discover the fascinating history of two of Indiana's most famous resort communities at the French Lick West Baden Museum. Exhibits explore the area's legendary hotels, mineral springs, notable visitors, and regional development.
George Rogers Clark Homesite
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, George Rogers Clark Sites, Historical place, Ohio River Scenic Byway, Pioneer History
1021 Harrison Ave, Clarksville, Indiana 47129
George Rogers Clark Homesite preserves the legacy of the Revolutionary War hero whose campaigns helped secure the Northwest Territory. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the frontier history that shaped the future Midwest.
Buffalo Trace Park
This park’s name comes from the path that herds of buffalo once migrated across the area. Later, the earliest settlers used this path as a wagon trail into the frontier.
Clark County Museum
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 area's archaeological history.
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
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 this site a worthwhile stop.
Cultural Arts Center
The Cultural Arts Center showcases local creativity while often preserving connections to community history and heritage. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, programs, and events that celebrate the region's cultural identity.
Edith Barrett Memorial History Center
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 Padgett Museum
The Floyd County Historical Society Padgett Museum preserves artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Floyd County's people, industries, and communities.
Fort Knox II – Vincennes State Historic Sites
Fort Knox II at Vincennes State Historic Sites preserves the story of one of Indiana's most important frontier military posts. Visitors can explore the fort's role in protecting settlements and shaping early Midwestern history.
Freedomland Cemetery
Freedomland Cemetery preserves the history and legacy of an important African American community. Visitors can learn about the lives, contributions, and stories of those buried here while exploring a meaningful piece of local heritage.
French Lick West Baden Museum
Discover the fascinating history of two of Indiana's most famous resort communities at the French Lick West Baden Museum. Exhibits explore the area's legendary hotels, mineral springs, notable visitors, and regional development.
George Rogers Clark Homesite
George Rogers Clark Homesite preserves the legacy of the Revolutionary War hero whose campaigns helped secure the Northwest Territory. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the frontier history that shaped the future Midwest.
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