Our Community
Best of Both Worlds
Good Samaritan is located in Vincennes, county seat of Knox County. We
are a historic community, nestled on the banks of the Wabash River. A
city with an esteemed past and vibrant future, Vincennes is positioned
as a great place to raise a family and build a career. It offers many
of the amenities found in larger cities while maintaining the friendliness,
comfort and safety found in small towns. With easy access to Evansville,
Bloomington, Indianapolis, Louisville, St. Louis, Nashville and Chicago,
it’s easy to hop on a freeway and explore large city culture, then
return to the serenity of your small-town home.
Many choices await those who make their home in Knox County. Prestigious
custom-built homes in neighborhoods and well-built homes with land abound,
but if you prefer a home with charm and character, you can also find a
home built in the early 1900’s updated to meets the demands of today’s
lifestyle. From quaint downtown neighborhoods, to the well-manicured landscapes
of subdivisions, to quiet country living, Knox County has a variety of
areas to suit your individual needs.
Indiana’s First College Town
Vincennes University, Indiana’s oldest college has positioned itself at the forefront
of education and manufacturing technology, working to collaborate with
regional business owners and community leaders in helping to improve the
workforce and increase the local job pool. With just about 4,000 students
on campus, students here also benefit from smaller class sizes and one-on-one
teacher attention.
VU offers a variety of degrees in a multitude of fields. With more than
150 degree programs to choose from, including a growing number of baccalaureate
programs, local students and students from around the country can earn
a quality education right here in Vincennes.
Top-Tier Schools
Knox County is proud of its award-winning public and private school systems
as well as multiple early childhood programs. With fantastic preschool
to high school options, you can find a school where your child will thrive.
Elementary schools offer virtual field trips to faraway places, enriched
learning experiences, and honors classes to broaden the scope of learning.
Outstanding educational curriculums at the high schools encompass foreign
languages, the arts, AP classes, and all subjects required to fulfill
Indiana’s Academic Honors Diploma requirements. High schools also
partner with Vincennes University to offer seniors a chance to attend
classes on the university’s campus. These experiences not only provide
an enriching educational experience; they allow students to graduate with
a substantial number of college credits and get a jump on college!
Twin Rivers Vocational School also teams up with local high schools to allow interested
students to get a head start on their careers during their junior and
senior years.
Small-Town Charm
Founded in 1732, Vincennes values its heritage, and shows it by preserving
the past while carefully planning for the economic development needed
to build the future. As you stroll down Main Street, you are surrounded
by beautiful landscaping, specialty boutiques, trendy home décor
stores and cuisine that will satisfy even the pickiest palate.
Vincennes has earned recognition as a community whose locals have never
met a stranger. Downtown has once again become a vibrant area with beautiful
landscaping and architecture. Whether you’re looking to explore
the locally owned shops that line Main Street, score a timeless heirloom
in our antique district, or grab a craft cocktail at one of the local
breweries, wineries or restaurants, there’s something for everyone here.
Abundant Recreational Activities
All work and no play makes for a pretty dull lifestyle; but don’t
worry, you will find plenty to keep you and your family busy around Vincennes
and Knox County. Whether you’re a shopper, a historian, the outdoor
type, or just enjoy a good workout, the area boasts several events to
look forward to every year. The Vincennes Rendezvous, TRY Knox County,
the Red Skelton Festival, Fourth of July in Vincennes, Watermelon Festival
and Annual Parade of Lights & Christmas Stroll are all unique to Vincennes
and Knox County. Be sure to check out local art galleries, museums and
the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park. Immerse yourself in our
outdoor fun by biking, hiking and swimming at one of our many parks or
take a stroll down our picturesque Riverwalk overlooking the Wabash River.
Join one of many types of yoga classes, spend the day at the spa, or walk
the miles of beauty at one of the local parks. The opportunities to enjoy
your time off with family and friends are plentiful!
The Arts
Since the opening of the
Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, Vincennes has become a favorite stop for many performers, including musicians,
comedians and illusionists. Theater lovers will find much to appreciate
in the plays of the Old Town Players as well as productions by the university
and local schools. In addition, history comes alive at area historical
sites, including the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park and
Grouseland, the mansion of former President William Henry Harrison.
The Northwest Territory Art Guild hosts art shows for local artists, and
small exhibits and art classes are offered by Blue Moon Art Gallery. Youngsters
can participate in ARTventures Camp, where they can, explore and develop
their artistic talents in visual and performing arts, under the skillful
guidance of artisan-educators.
Several venues offer live entertainment on their schedule during the spring
and summer. Beginning in the spring, live music can be found at the ever-growing
Farmer’s Market every Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. Fresh,
locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as local honey, and grass-fed
beef, are just a few of the options. You can even enjoy the local health
food store offering authentic Asian cuisine on most Saturdays!
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Festivals:
- Red Skelton Festival
- First City Brewfest
- Wine and Brew Festival - Washington IN
- Watermelon Festival
- Germanfest
Sports
Indiana is known for its enthusiasm for sports and Vincennes is no exception.
High school and college teams boast titles in a variety of sports and
fans pour in to show their support. Vincennes has been honored to have
some of our talented area athletes advance their careers to both the collegiate
and professional levels.
Vincennes offers plenty of opportunities to turn you into an athlete, too.
Swimming, basketball, gymnastics, dance, and cheerleading are available
at the YMCA and through private studios, schools and city leagues. For
those seeking a healthier lifestyle, local fitness centers offer strength
training, exercise and dance classes, and personal training.
And don’t forget the little ones! Youth sports is growing every year
in several organizations. Your child can participate in any number of
recreational and competitive leagues ranging from wrestling, soccer, running,
etc. The future looks bright in Vincennes!
Parks
Knox County has an array of scenic parks for outdoor fun, whether you want
to picnic, camp, hike, swim or explore. Families enjoy Ouabache Trails
Park and its 254 acres of beautiful woods, with camping areas and marked
trails to hike or bike. Fox Ridge Nature Park will test your limits with
its walking trails, or take a break and cast a line in their stocked pond.
Gregg Park is the centerpiece of the Vincennes parks system, with tennis
courts, a volleyball pit, and playground equipment galore. You will also
find Rainbow Beach Aquatic Center, our public swimming facility with water
features for all ages, ready to cool you off on a hot day.
Other Outdoor Fun
Golf lovers can choose from two 18-hole golf courses to work on their swing
or join a league and make new friends. Waggoner Farms Premier Driving
Range is a great place to get started.
Rivers, lakes and even hills for skiing are all nearby. Lake Monroe, Patoka
Lake, Sullivan Lake, and Hoosier National Forest are just a short drive
away. Spend a day at Marengo Cave, Big Splash Adventure Park or Holiday
World & Splashing Safari; then return home to the peacefulness of
this family-friendly community.
We don’t want to spoil the fun and tell you everything: come check
it out for yourself! Our safe, family-friendly community will not disappoint.
Vincennes has a little something for everyone, come and see!