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.
Springs Valley State Fish and Wildlife Area
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Park
S County Road 550 W, Paoli, IN 47454, Paoli, Indiana 47454
Springs Valley State Fish and Wildlife Area is a secluded, 1,228-acre property located just southeast of French Lick, Indiana. The trailhead for the 12 mile multiple-use trail has horse trailer parking, and there are picnic tables and hitching rails along the trail. The trail is for use by hikers, mountain bike riders, and horse back riders and offers scenic views of Springs Valley Lake and includes remnants of the historic Buffalo Trace.
Vincennes Historic Sites
1 Harrison St, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Vincennes Historic Sites offer visitors a chance to explore one of Indiana's oldest communities. From frontier settlements to military history, these sites tell the story of the people and events that helped shape the Midwest.
Vincennes State Historic Sites’ Old French House
509 N 1st St, Vincennes, IN 47591, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
The Old French House is an excellent example of French Creole architecture. Home of Michael Brouillet, built in 1809, and furnished much as it would have been in that period. The Old French House is operated by the Vincennes State Historic Sites.
William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland.
3 W Scott St, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Grouseland, the home of William Henry Harrison, offers visitors a look at frontier politics, diplomacy, and life in the Indiana Territory.
William Henry Harrison Bronze statue
1002 N 1st St, Vincennes, IN 47591, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Bronze statue of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, stands prominently on the campus of Vincennes University in Vincennes, Indiana. This historic monument commemorates Harrison’s legacy as a military leader, territorial governor, and statesman. Surrounded by landscaped grounds, the statue offers a striking subject for images related to American history, politics, education, and cultural heritage. Ideal for editorial use in books, newspapers, and educational materials
Springs Valley State Fish and Wildlife Area
Springs Valley State Fish and Wildlife Area is a secluded, 1,228-acre property located just southeast of French Lick, Indiana. The trailhead for the 12 mile multiple-use trail has horse trailer parking, and there are picnic tables and hitching rails along the trail. The trail is for use by hikers, mountain bike riders, and horse back riders and offers scenic views of Springs Valley Lake and includes remnants of the historic Buffalo Trace.
Vincennes Historic Sites
Vincennes Historic Sites offer visitors a chance to explore one of Indiana's oldest communities. From frontier settlements to military history, these sites tell the story of the people and events that helped shape the Midwest.
Vincennes State Historic Sites’ Old French House
The Old French House is an excellent example of French Creole architecture. Home of Michael Brouillet, built in 1809, and furnished much as it would have been in that period. The Old French House is operated by the Vincennes State Historic Sites.
William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland.
Grouseland, the home of William Henry Harrison, offers visitors a look at frontier politics, diplomacy, and life in the Indiana Territory.
William Henry Harrison Bronze statue
Bronze statue of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, stands prominently on the campus of Vincennes University in Vincennes, Indiana. This historic monument commemorates Harrison’s legacy as a military leader, territorial governor, and statesman. Surrounded by landscaped grounds, the statue offers a striking subject for images related to American history, politics, education, and cultural heritage. Ideal for editorial use in books, newspapers, and educational materials
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