Why You Should Be Excited About the Bicentennial Celebration

Posted on August 23, 2016

The countdown is on – the Indiana Bicentennial Celebration and Torch Relay is right around the corner! What does this mean for you? It means TONS of family fun, great food, and tasty brews (including the new Honest Abe Ale!) as we celebrate the state’s 200th birthday and 200 years since Abraham Lincoln and his pioneer family moved to Indiana in 1816. Here’s why you should be really, really excited for the bicentennial celebration:

History will come alive.

Yep, right before your eyes! Civil War Living History Days takes place on the Spencer County Courthouse lawn and includes a Civil War encampment, historic re-enactors sharing their stories, displays, pioneer life demonstrations, carriage rides, and more. You’ll feel as if you walked right into the 1800s, especially if you get a chance to chat with Abraham Lincoln!

Train rides.

Hop on board the train at the Tell City Depot and take a two-hour ride into Lincoln City while enjoying the breathtaking southern Indiana landscape. Enjoy the Indiana's Honest Abe Brew Fest at Lincoln Amphitheatre before riding back into Tell City. Or you can opt for a shorter train ride and take a scenic, forty-minute, family-friendly round-trip ride learning about and celebrating Indiana's birthday.

A traveling museum.

How cool?! A high-tech and interactive mobile museum, The Bicentennial Experience, will be making an appearance in the parking lot of Lincoln Amphitheatre on its journey following the torch throughout Indiana. Learn about the story of Indiana's natural wonders, legendary figures, and far-reaching impacts.

Food, food, and more food.

Need I say more? Your belly will be more than happy as it enjoys yummy festival food from local vendors, including homemade ice cream and old-fashioned root beer floats in Bicentennial Commemorative mugs. Dessert and a souvenir!

Music, lots of music.

You can't help but smile as you dance along with friends and family in the Civil War Living History Days Street Hootenanny. Or, get out your fancy pioneer attire (everyone owns a 19th-century suit or ball gown, right?) and reserve your spot at the 8th Annual Civil War Ball. More of a concert-goer? Watch Eddie Money rock out on stage at Lincoln Amphitheatre. You’ll enjoy live music and entertainment almost everywhere you go during this celebration. Click here to see when you can expect to hear what throughout the weekend.

Art.

Between the chalk art contest, the art show, the Bicentennial quilts on display, and the Indiana Wheelman pre-1900 bikes and trikes display, the whole family can tune into their artistic sides. You don’t want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience – after all, Indiana is only going to turn 200 once! For a complete list of events, check out our official Bicentennial Event Guide.