POSEY COUNTY, Ind. – Earlier today, the Indiana Department of Transportation joined public officials and contracting partners for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the newly constructed Black River Welcome Center on eastbound I-64 near mile marker 7 in Posey County.
The new welcome center is inspired by the boyhood home of President Abraham Lincoln. Interactive exhibits feature historical information about the 16th president. Also featured are former presidents from Indiana, Benjamin Harrison (23rd president) and William Henry Harrison (9th president). Visitors will be able to utilize additional interactive exhibits and design elements that highlight southern Indiana.
“The new Black River Welcome Center showcases the very best of Indiana, our history, our hospitality, and our commitment to serving travelers,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “Opening this facility as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary gives visitors a meaningful opportunity to connect with Indiana’s role in shaping America’s story.”
Other amenities at the welcome center include an adult recreation area, children's playground, and dog park. Increased semi-truck parking will also be available, with 75 spaces in total, an increase of 60 spaces from the previous welcome center. Through INDOT's long-term rest area and welcome center improvement plan, the agency will add more than 1,200 truck parking spaces, nearly doubling capacity statewide.
"INDOT is committed to providing safe, informative environments where travelers can rest and recharge through our Rest Area and Welcome Center Improvement Plan,” said INDOT Commissioner Lyndsay Quist. “Giving motorists a place to take a break is just another way INDOT is working to make our roadways safer.”
The statewide improvement plan includes more than $600 million in federal funding for improvements to 21 rest areas and welcome centers to be completed by the end of Fiscal Year 2034. Improvements include modernizing facilities, constructing new buildings, and improving parking. Learn more about the plan and construction timeline here.
Construction of the Black River welcome center began in 2023 and was led by prime contractor Garmong Construction Services of Terre Haute. The new welcome center opened to the public after the event.
