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Clarksville, IN

Clarksville, Indiana, is a historic town on the Ohio River. As the oldest American town in the former Northwest Territory, it's known for the Falls of the Ohio State Park with its massive Devonian fossil beds and as a launch point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

About the Town

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The town's official name is Clarksville, Indiana. It is a town in Clark County, Indiana, United States, and is an integral part of the Louisville Metropolitan area . Indiana is known for its central location in the American Midwest and its blend of industrial and agricultural heritage.

Historic Names and Nicknames

Date of Founding and Age

Clarksville was founded in 1783, making it the oldest American town in the former Northwest Territory . It was established by George Rogers Clark, who set aside 1,000 acres of his land grant for its development. As of 2026, the town is 243 years old.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Clarksville is located in southern Indiana at coordinates 38°18′43″N 85°46′2″W . It is situated directly along the north bank of the Ohio River . The town lies within the Louisville, Kentucky, metropolitan area, just across the river from downtown Louisville. The elevation of the town is approximately 456 feet (139 meters) above sea level .

Town Type and Economic Specialization

Historically a river settlement, Clarksville has evolved into a major regional commercial hub . It is now primarily a retail and shopping destination for southern Indiana, with its commercial core centered around Lewis and Clark Parkway and Veterans Parkway . It also serves as a significant bedroom community for nearby Louisville.

Population and Demographics

As of July 2025, the estimated population of Clarksville is 23,680 . By population, it is a mid-sized town and is one of the larger communities in Clark County. The town is characterized by its high population density and significant diversity, ranking in the upper quartile for the Diversity Index in the state of Indiana .

"Visiting Card" of the Town

Clarksville is a historic riverside community that offers a unique blend of ancient natural wonders and modern suburban convenience. Visitors come to walk on 386-million-year-old fossil beds at the Falls of the Ohio, see one of the world's largest clocks, and explore the bustling retail hub of southern Indiana.

Geography

Water Features

The defining geographic feature of Clarksville is the Ohio River, which forms its southern border. The river has shaped the town's history, from its founding as a strategic point at the Falls of the Ohio to the devastating Great Flood of 1937 that submerged the entire town .

National and State Parks

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Clarksville has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm, muggy summers and very cold, wet winters . The weather is partly cloudy year-round.

Average Temperatures by Month

The hottest month in Clarksville is July, with an average high of 87°F (31°C) and an average low of 70°F (21°C) . The coldest month is January, with an average high of 43°F (6°C) and an average low of 28°F (-2°C) . The temperature typically varies from 28°F to 88°F throughout the year.

Precipitation and Humidity

Rainfall is significant and well-distributed throughout the year. The wettest month is May, with an average of 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain . The driest month is typically January, which still sees about 2.6 inches of rainfall. Light snowfall is common in the winter months, with February seeing the most snow, averaging 2.9 inches .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Clarksville for warm-weather activities are the entire month of June and from late July to late September .

Landmarks

Colgate Clock

One of Clarksville's most iconic landmarks is the Colgate Clock, located at the site of the former Colgate-Palmolive plant near the Ohio River. It is one of the largest clocks in the world, and locals often claim it is the second-largest, though it currently ranks as the seventh-largest globally . The town has committed to preserving this historic clock, which is highly visible from across the river in downtown Louisville .

Lewis and Clark Monument

A two-figure statue near the Falls of the Ohio commemorates the historic meeting of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark . It was at this site, at the home of the Clark family, where the Corps of Discovery effectively began its journey. Historian Stephen Ambrose wrote in Undaunted Courage, "When they shook hands [at Clarksville], the Lewis and Clark Expedition began" .

Transport

Nearest Airport

Clarksville does not have its own commercial airport. The primary airport for air service is Louisville International Airport (SDF) , which is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) away across the Ohio River in Kentucky . This airport provides a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Major Highways

The main access to Clarksville is via Interstate 65 (I-65) , which runs north-south through the town with multiple exits (Exits 0-5) . Note that the I-65 bridges connecting Indiana to Kentucky are tolled. The free Clark Memorial Bridge (US 31) also connects Clarksville to downtown Louisville . Key local thoroughfares include Lewis and Clark Parkway, Eastern Boulevard, and Veterans Parkway .

Public Transportation

Local public transportation is provided by the Transit Authority of River City (TARC) , which operates bus services along Clarksville's main roadways and shopping centers, connecting the town to Jeffersonville, New Albany, and Louisville .

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Clarksville for getting around town .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Johnny’s Big Burger

Perhaps Clarksville's most iconic spot is Johnny's Big Burger, a community staple located in Downtown Clarksville directly across from Austin Peay State University. Established in 1965, this small, unassuming white building offers a true hole-in-the-wall experience where diners can sit at the counter and chat with the cook while their food is prepared. First-timers must order a burger, made the good old-fashioned way and served with everything on top . For dessert, their signature Bun and Cream is a must-try: a grilled honey bun topped with ice cream, beloved by locals and visitors alike .

Blackhorse Pub & Brewery Beer Cheese Dip

Founded in 1992, the Blackhorse Pub & Brewery has been a downtown anchor for decades. While their menu offers everything from flatbreads to steaks, the one item guests must try is their Beer Cheese Dip. Made with their own Barnstormer Red Ale and served with tortilla chips, it is the number one seller on their menu . For an even more indulgent experience, you can upgrade to their savory soft pretzels for dipping. This dish perfectly complements their lineup of house-made beers, like the Vanilla Cream Ale and Blackhorse IPA .

Pbody’s Banana Pudding

Tucked inside the Clarksville Country Club, Pbody's is a beloved local eatery known for its hearty American classics and generous portions. With a menu brimming with options from BBQ and catfish to tacos and signature burgers like the "Best of Both Worlds," the dessert choice is easy: get the banana pudding . Pbody's offers a unique twist on this Southern classic, available in both traditional and fried versions . Before your meal, don't miss the complimentary, bottomless house-made potato chips, lightly seasoned with ranch powder .

The Catfish House

A regional favorite since the late 1970s, The Catfish House is the place to go for authentic Southern seafood. They serve hand-breaded catfish, hand-cut fries, and handmade desserts, alongside all the classic Southern sides like coleslaw (available mayonnaise or vinegar-based), fried okra, and white beans with relish . The standard order is a two- or three-piece fillet of lightly breaded catfish.

Smokin Chikin

For a taste of international flair, Smokin Chikin is a family-owned eatery that brings global flavors to Clarksville through its rotisserie chicken. Committed to using fresh, never frozen chicken marinated for 24 hours, the restaurant offers a variety of international marinades, including Caribbean BBQ, Jamaican Jerk, Peruvian La Brasa, Chimi Churi, Peri Peri, and Tandoori . The chicken is served with your choice of marinade, a salad, and one signature side like island fried rice or queso mac-n-cheese, making it a must-visit for chicken lovers .

The Mailroom

Located at 116 N. Second Street, The Mailroom offers a unique dining experience in a beautifully restored 1935 federal building that once served as Clarksville’s post office. The menu features made-from-scratch dishes cooked on a wood-fired grill, blending American classics with Korean and South American influences . Culinary highlights include the Skirt Steak Chimichurri, Butcher's Butter Steak, and creative appetizers like Cheeseburger Egg Rolls. The Mailroom also boasts an expansive indoor-outdoor bar with handcrafted draft cocktails .

Museums

Customs House Museum & Cultural Center

The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center is the premier museum in the region and Clarksville's largest general interest museum. Constructed in 1898 as the city's first U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is among the most iconic landmarks in the area . Today, it offers a blend of permanent historical installations, rotating fine art exhibits, and a bustling family art studio.

The museum is renowned for several key features:

The museum is a Blue Star Museum and participates in Museums for All, ensuring access for military families and those receiving food assistance .

Downtown Artist Co-Op Gallery

The Downtown Artist Co-Op Gallery showcases the contemporary creative pulse of Clarksville. Opened in 2014 by a collective of local artists, this gallery fosters local art and strengthens community ties through rotating exhibitions and community art shows . Run by a cooperative of over 30 local artists, the gallery is free to visit and features monthly art walks where the community can enjoy art, live music, and refreshments. It also offers workshops and art classes for all ages, making it a vibrant hub for both experiencing and creating art .

Sport and Sporting Legends

Austin Peay State University Governors (Austin Peay State University)

The most prominent sports teams in Clarksville are the Austin Peay State University Governors, competing in the NCAA Division I. The university's athletic program is a central part of the city's sports culture.

Recreational Activities

While Clarksville is not home to major professional sports franchises, it offers a wealth of recreational activities for sports enthusiasts. The city's parks provide excellent facilities for residents and visitors alike.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Austin Peay State University (APSU)

Austin Peay State University (APSU) is the cornerstone of higher education in Clarksville. Founded in 1927, it is a public university that has grown significantly and is now a key driver of the local economy and culture. APSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its various colleges, including the College of Business, College of Education, and College of STEM. It is particularly known for its strong programs in teacher education, business, and the health sciences. With an enrollment of over 9,000 students, APSU brings a vibrant energy to the city and its downtown area.

PJ's College of Cosmetology-Clarksville

For specialized vocational training, Clarksville is home to a campus of PJ's College of Cosmetology. Located at 1414 Blackiston Mill Rd, this private, for-profit institution offers focused programs in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology, providing students with career-focused education in the beauty industry .

Healthcare Institutions

Ascension Saint Thomas Clarksville (Future Hospital)

A significant development in Clarksville's healthcare landscape is the planned construction of a new, full-service hospital by Ascension Saint Thomas. Announced in May 2025, this project represents a $148.5 million investment in the community. The facility will be located on a 96-acre site at the intersection of Highway 76 and Interstate 24, serving Clarksville, Montgomery County, and the surrounding region .

The new hospital will initially include 44 inpatient beds with the capability to expand to 132 beds in the future. It is designed to transform access to care by reducing travel time for residents who currently must travel long distances for specialized services. The health campus will offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

Ascension Saint Thomas has served the Clarksville community since 2005 with the establishment of Saint Thomas Heart and has since grown to 14 care locations in the area. This new hospital will build on that foundation, bringing world-class, faith-based healthcare closer to home for Clarksville residents .

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Clarksville is also home to several skilled nursing facilities providing long-term and post-acute care.

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