We often went to Southern Indiana to visit the casinos before we moved to Nevada. We enjoy playing at different casinos and often take road trips to find them. Three of the four casinos in Southern Indiana are owned by companies with casinos in Las Vegas, so with our player’s cards we got offers for Las Vegas. Of course, we also find other interesting things and places while we are driving to the different casinos. And we’re often surprised at how many things there are to do.
This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, we will receive a small percentage of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Hollywood Casino- Lawrenceburg, IN
The first casino we went to was Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, IN. Pulling up to the hotel, it looked like an old-fashioned hotel. It gives a small town feel to the area. The lobby is beautiful, and the hotel is your typical hotel. The casino itself has over 1300 slot machines and table games. It also has restaurants and entertainment. It is connected to the Lawrenceburg event center & you can get ticket offers with your players card. Hollywood casinos are owned by Penn Entertainment. The casino is connected to the hotel by an enclosed walkway which is really nice especially in winter. We always enjoyed visiting here because it has a great atmosphere and we usually at least broke even. The only drawback is the limited choice of restaurants. There is The Eatery, which is a food court, Hollywood and Grind which serves sandwiches and treats, Sportsbook Restaurant which is a sports bar with food, and Final Cut Steakhouse. We usually ate at Sportsbook, they have good food at decent prices. If you’re staying a few days though you might want to check out other choice in town. Acapulco’s is one of our favorites, great Mexican food and great service.
The town itself is a surprise. It is located on the Ohio River and has a really nice park/riverwalk. There is a ski resort. A shopping district downtown and some really great restaurants. Lawrenceburg is known for its whiskey history since Seagram’s had a factory there for many years. Its nickname is Whiskey City.
Rising Star Casino-Rising Sun, IN
Rising Star casino is in Rising Sun, IN and about 10 miles from Lawrenceburg. Most of the drive here is along the Ohio River and is very pretty. The actual casino here is on an old riverboat and is three levels. There are over 1100 slot machines and a couple restaurants and bars. When you first go into the property you are still on the riverbank where there are restaurants and shops, then you continue on to the riverboat. There is also a hotel here and room for RV parking. There is a golf course for those of you who love to golf! During the Christmas season, they set up with reindeer and a meet Santa workshop outside and then decorate the front section of the casino with lots of Christmas decorations. They also have extra shops selling all seasonal items. The uniqueness of this casino is worth visiting. If you like Christmas, then I recommend coming here then. It will definitely put you in the holiday spirit. If you are staying here a day or two, be sure to check out the Red Wolf Sanctuary in Rising Sun, IN.
Belterra Casino & Resort- Florence, IN
Start heading down the highway to Kentucky and you come to Belterra Casino and Resort in Florence, IN. If you are coming from Lawrenceburg, I advise to not follow your GPS. It takes you through a lot of country roads to get there. We found going the highway, is not only faster, but less confusing. As you head down the highway you do go through Kentucky to get back to Indiana, but you will also pass the Kentucky speedway for any of those Nascar enthusiasts. The exit for Belterra is the same for the speedway. Belterra is owned by Boyd gaming, so make sure to use your player’s card. There are nearly 1300 slot machines along with many table games. Besides the hotel and casino, Belterra also has a golf course, 7 dining options, shopping and a spa. Every time we’ve gone here, they seem to be doing upgrades and it has become a really nice casino and resort.
Driving South
Heading towards Louisville, KY you will see a lot of signs for whiskey distilleries and vineyards. If you have time, stop and check some of these out. Louisville has so much to offer, it would be a post of its own, but it is an option for a stop on your trip in Indiana. As thrifters, we also had to check out the Goodwill bins in Clarksville, In. We were impressed with them and stopped every time we went to Indiana.
Caesars Southern Indiana- Elizabeth, IN
The last casino on our trip is Caesar’s Southern Indiana in Elizabeth, IN. Short history lesson, when gaming was first approved in Indiana, the casinos had to be on the river. So, when Caesar’s first bought this property, the casino was on a riverboat in the river, but since then it has become a true resort with a hotel and casino. The hotel has a fitness center, spa, indoor pool and hot tub. The casino has 1100 slot machines and table games. There is also a golf course here. There is also an enclosed walkway from the hotel to the casino. It really does make a difference weather wise. It was raining the last time we went, so it really did make us happy to not have to get wet. The one disadvantage to this casino is lack of food choices. There is Aroma Cafe & Bar which has a full menu from appetizers to desserts, The Piazza which serves Asian cuisine, homestyle and classic comfort food and pizza. The biggest draw is Gordon Ramsey Steak. Although there is a good variety, if you’re staying a few days, it may not satisfy your expectations. Overall though, we always enjoyed our stay there.
Conclusion
I am always amazed when we travel of what all there is to see and do in every state. We would have never even thought to go to Indiana, but we were looking for casinos not too far from us for a weekend getaway and we found so much more. We love going to new places and looking for casinos, thrift stores and interesting things a place has to offer. If you are looking for somewhere new to go, I hope this gave you some ideas. Find your adventure and have fun!! For more of our adventures, click here: Indiana