Vevay

Small Town Breakdown

Vevay is a charming small town in Switzerland County known for its warm Hoosier hospitality and the birthplace of commercial wineries.

Fast Facts

📍LOCATION: Southeast Indiana

• Vevay is located in southern Switzerland County along the Ohio River.

• Indiana State Road 56 runs east-west through Vevay following the Ohio River corridor. It leads east to Florence and west to Brooksburg.

• Indiana State Road 129 runs northwest out of Vevay to Pleasant.

• 2 hours south of Indianapolis

• 1 hour and 15 minutes southwest of Cincinnati

• 1 hour and 15 minutes northeast of Louisville

👥 POPULATION & RANKING

• 1,762 residents (as of 2024)

• Ranks as Indiana’s 248th-largest city

• Largest of two incorporated towns/cities in Switzerland County ahead of Patriot (208)

📏 LAND AREA

• 1.548 square miles

📅 FOUNDED

• Switzerland County was formally organized by Swiss immigrants in 1814.

• Vevay was established in 1802 by the Dufour family, who named it after the Swiss city of Vevey.

• The immigrants brought grapevines from Switzerland, and John James Dufour established the first commercial vineyard and winery near the settlement of Vevay. It was in operation from 1799 to 1809.

• Vevay was officially platted in 1813.

• Many of the town’s original buildings still exist today, and it’s listed on the Indiana State Historic Register.

• The historic Switzerland County Courthouse, constructed between 1862-64, is considered one of Indiana's most beautiful courthouses. 

🏥 MAIN INDUSTRIES: Tourism

• Due to its historic significance, buildings, winemaking heritage, and scenic location, Vevay is an attractive visit throughout the year.

West Hollywood to Vevay

The historic Schenk Mansion in Vevay is owned by well-known tattoo artist Kat Von D, who purchased it in 2020 and moved her family there in 2021. She even closed up doors on her famous West Hollywood shop High Voltage Tattoo that was featured on the reality TV show “LA Ink,” so you know she wasn’t kidding around with the move to the Midwest.

So, why’d she make the move? She liked the historic mansion’s beauty, the town of Vevay, and the nature that surrounds it. When in season, there’s also a black tulip field on the property that is open to visitors.

Swiss Wine Festival

Vevay honors its Swiss and wine heritage through the annual Swiss Wine Festival every August. It features live music, food vendors, a wine and spirits tasting pavilion, parade and grape stomping competitions.

Switzerland County High School

Vevay is served by the Switzerland County School Corporation (SCSC) that serves over 1,400 students across four public schools — two elementary, one middle school, and one high school — Switzerland County.

The county high school opened its doors in the late 1960s following the consolidation of the Patriot Trojans and Vevay Warriors. Switzerland County’s mascot is the Pacers, and they compete in the Ohio River Valley Conference. Boys and girls have been the most successful programs for the school, winning eight and six sectional titles, respectively.

Vevay Bites

You can’t go wrong with breakfast at AJ’s Diner. They’re serving up everything from pancakes and French toast to crispy bacon, eggs cooked your way, sandwiches and salads. Visitors give them 4.5 stars on Google and rave about its budget-friendly menu. 

Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant brings the flavors of Mexico to downtown Vevay. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, and the margaritas are legendary among locals. The portions are big, and you’ll find all your favorites here – enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, etc. 

For a quick bite, cold beer, or classic cocktail, Cuzz’s Tavern is worth the visit. As the second-oldest bar in the state, Cuzz’s has a friendly, fun atmosphere with great food. The menu features classic pub fare – burgers, fries, and wings – alongside live music night, plenty of TVs to catch the game, and pool and cornhole.

Craving Italian food? Make Roxano’s Italian Restaurant your dinner destination. Located one block from the Ohio River, this family-owned favorite is voted the #1 restaurant in Vevay on TripAdvisor with a 4.5 rating. The menu is filled with Italian comfort classics like freshly baked pizzas, signature hoagies, and homemade pasta dishes. And don’t skip the breadsticks — they’re soft, buttery, and have earned a reputation as some of the best in southern Indiana.

If Roxano’s doesn’t do it for you, maybe Roxy’s will. Roxy’s Bar & Lounge blends handcrafted cocktails with a creative food menu, offering a perfect mix for date night or a classy evening out. The staff are known for making everyone feel like a regular, and its house-made syrups and seasonal drinks make each visit a little different.

Belterra Casino Resort

Feeling lucky? Belterra Casino Resort is only 7 miles upstream from Vevay in Florence and offers hotel accommodations, dining venues, and a Tom Fazio-designed 18‑hole championship golf course among its amenities.

Viva, Vevay!

• Don’t miss the Switzerland County Historical Museum or Life on the Ohio River History Museum. They highlight the county’s Swiss heritage, early pioneers, and river history. For art lovers, the Community Art Center of Switzerland County features local artists’ work and occasional workshops.

• Strikers Bowling Center is a local staple with a friendly, family-oriented vibe. With its bowling lanes, arcade, bar, and event space, it's the perfect place to host a birthday party or social event. 

• For outdoor activities, visit Markland Dam Park or Paul Ogle Riverfront Park. Both feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces perfect for a sunny afternoon.

• Explore the Ohio River Scenic Byway, Indiana’s first National Scenic Byway. It has breathtaking views and tons of outdoor attractions along the way like caving, canoeing, and ziplining.

The next time you find yourself on the banks of the Ohio River, visit Vevay and explore one of Indiana’s most historic small towns.

Check out Nate’s breakdown of Vevay ⬇️