recreation destinations great places to play Boonville City Lake Park Boonville, Ind. www.cityofboonvilleindiana.com/parks.htm
Boonville, just 18 miles east of Evansville, is home to Boonville City Lake Park, highlighted by a 15-acre lake that’s open for fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. A lighted, paved walking path circles the lake. In addition to playground equipment, a basketball court and picnic facilities, the park features a spray park, open June–August for children 11 and under. Admission is free.
Restaurant choices include Rí Rá’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, the trendy nightclub Blush Ultralounge, Corky’s Ribs and BBQ, Temptations Buffet, Cavanaugh’s for steak and seafood, and Max & Erma’s all-American fare. There are two hotels — Le Merigot, a luxury waterfront boutique hotel offering a sophisticated getaway, and the 250-room Casino Aztar Hotel. Stoney’s Rockin’ Country Night Club is a country-themed club with dance floor, full-service bars, pool tables, beer pong, a cowboy arcade, a fullservice restaurant and even a mechanical bull.
Burdette Park and Aquatic Center 5301 Nurrenbern Road, Evansville 435-5602 • www.vanderburghgov.org
Courtesy of Ellis Park and Steinhaus Fotographie
Set amidst scenic rolling hills, this 170-acre park offers BMX racing, hiking trails, miniature golf, batting cages, fishing, tennis courts and athletic fields. Shelters, cabins, chalets and camping sites for primitive or RV hook-up are available. The centerpiece, Burdette Park Aquatic Center, is one of the Midwest’s largest and features waterslides and a children’s spray park. The park grounds are open year-round, while the Aquatic Center and miniature golf course are open seasonally.
Casino Aztar/ Downtown Waterfront Entertainment District Northwest Riverside Drive, Evansville 800-342-5386 • www.casinoaztar.com
Located at Riverfront Park on the Ohio River, Casino Aztar offers exciting casino action in a 2,700-passenger riverboat and live entertainment seven nights a week. Three levels of Las Vegas-style play include 1,000 slot machines and table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, poker and more. The Riverfront Pavilion houses pre-boarding facilities, retail shops, restaurants and a lounge area. The casino is the centerpiece of the Downtown Waterfront Entertainment District, a multi-venue entertainment facility surrounding Riverfront Park.
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The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana
Ellis Park Racing 3300 U.S. Highway 41 North, Henderson, Ky. 425-1456 • www.ellisparkracing.com
With a tradition dating to the 1920s, Ellis Park welcomes everyone from novices to expert horse players. Live Thoroughbred races are held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from early July through Labor Day, with simulcasting available year-round, Wednesday through Sunday.