Things to Do in Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana
Welcome to Lafayette and West Lafayette, IN, the home of Purdue University and so much more. These vibrant cities are jam-packed with charm, opportunities to explore, and a thriving arts scene. Get ready to uncover the best of what these cities offer, from opportunities to discover the local ecosystems and wildlife to historical attractions. If you time your trip right, you might even get the chance to experience some of the most popular festivals and events in the area. While you're here, you're bound to have a memorable time, especially if you check out these gems.
01 Purdue University
Purdue University is a stunning campus with beautiful brick buildings. This public university is among the top 10 in the country, and bright students seeking world-class education flock here. Beyond that, it's full of landmarks you won't want to miss. From the distinctive Engineering Fountain to the unfinished Block P carving designed to represent students who passed away before graduation, plenty of interesting sights await.
Of course, you won't want to miss the Jules Janick Horticulture Garden that surrounds the Horticulture Building. Over half an acre of gardens boast more than 1,000 plants in a myriad of colors ready to tantalize the senses. If you head over in the spring, the heady scent of flowers wafts on the breeze.
The Purdue University Galleries showcase the university's artists' work. There are two to visit—the Robert L. Ringel Gallery in Stweart Center and the Patti and Rusty Rueff Galleries in Pao Hall. Various exhibits rotate throughout the year among permanent pieces.
02 Columbian Park Zoo
Get ready for an urban safari at Columbian Park Zoo, where animals from the Americas and Australia roam. Get to know species such as the bald eagle, barn owl, and North American river otter as they frolic in their habitats. In the Australian area, laughing kookaburras, emus, and wallabies delight visitors. Other animals, including penguins and gibbons can be found throughout the zoo.
For a hands-on adventure, check out the IU Health Family Farm, where you'll meet a llama, goats, a pot-bellied pig, and a miniature horse. You can even feed the goats by buying them snacks from the zoo's gift shop.
Across the property, sculptures and an interactive fountain stand seemed to freeze the animals in time. From baby elephants to caiman and platypus, you'll find animals representing each continent.
Children, in particular, often enjoy the massive, 42-inch granite globe supported by water. The sphere rotates from even gentle touches.
03 Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum
The 96 acres of Tippecanoe Battlefield in Battle Ground, not far from Lafayette, was once the location of the intense Battle of Tippecanoe on November 7, 1811. The battle erupted between American forces of the Indiana Territory and the Shawnee Indigenous People.
Now, the area has been deemed a national historic landmark. The 85-foot obelisk, carved from marble, marks the battle site. Beyond that, hiking trails, a nature center, and picnic grounds offer plenty of exploration opportunities.
Within the museum, the story of the battle unfolds through exhibits, including a fiber-optic map of the events. It's not open on Wednesday.
04 Wolf Park
In Wolf Park, you'll get the opportunity to see wolves and other animals in a whole new light. While general admission is available daily to allow you to walk along the trails and view animal exhibits, the real fun is in the guided tours and educational programs.
The guided walking tours take you through the park with a knowledgeable docent as they tell you all about the animals and Wolf Park's research and conservation work. You'll discover gray wolves, red and gray foxes, and bison along with how to coexist with the wildlife that makes its presence known throughout Indiana.
Howl Night is particularly popular, bringing you into the park at night when wolves grow more active. You might even get the chance to hear their howls as the night goes on.
05 Prophetstown State Park
The great outdoors beckons at Prophetstown State Park. The park sits where the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers meet, and as you explore, you walk through land shaped by glaciers. The area was home to Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years, serving as a hunting ground.
Now, it features over 900 acres of restored prairie and also encompasses wet slopes and open woodlands for hiking, picnicking and camping. Amid the outdoor excursion opportunities, there's also an aquatic center onsite, where a 30-ft slide, lazy river, and pool areas wait to help cool you down after a day of hiking.
Visitors can also explore The Farm at Prophetstown, which highlights 1920s farm and Native American cultures. Two farmhouses act as museums, revealing how people lived. Explore a blacksmith shop, chicken coops and other interesting areas that showcase traditional life.
06 Wabash Heritage Trail
Walk or bike along 13 miles of wilderness on the Wabash Heritage Trail. Meander along shaded trails surrounded by mature forest. You'll pass Burnett Creek and the Wabash River.
The trail begins at Tippecanoe Battlefield before passing through Lafayette and West Lafayette, bringing you to Fort Ouiatenon at the end.
Bikes are prohibited in rural areas, but you're free to cycle through the 5.5 miles of paved trails in Lafayette and West Lafayette.
07 Clegg Memorial Garden
Nestled on a hill overlooking Wildcat Creek, Clegg Memorial Garden offers a new perspective on hiking as it takes you through a rare gravel hill prairie ecosystem. Each season brings different sights and sounds along the hiking trail, exploring through woodlands, prairies, savannas, and riparian corridors.
In the spring, flowers erupt in a bloom of colors. By fall, the leaves change colors, creating a rainbow of blazing colors. Bird watchers particularly love the area for the numerous avian species that call the park home. Children can also participate in the Junior Rangers program to learn more about the ecosystem and how to preserve it.
08 Downtown Lafayette
Downtown Lafayette is an experience of its own. This vibrant neighborhood is jam-packed with things to do. From exploring museums and art galleries to participating in regular festivals, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Between activities, amazing dining opportunities, and trendy coffee shops offer the perfect recharge station.
Downtown is divided into three districts with their own unique feel. In Chauncey Village, you'll experience numerous ethnic cuisines in a college atmosphere. Wabash Riverfront is known for hosting amazing events and has plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities alongside river views. Arts & Market features small, eclectic shops, dining, wine bars and breweries, and regular live music. It also houses the Lafayette Farmer's Market during warmer months.
09 Art Museum of Greater Lafayette
At the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, creativity abounds. Regular rotating exhibitions explore topics such as individual local artists and food as a form of art. In the permanent collection, Inuit art and sculptures explore shape.
If you want to get hands-on, the museum hosts several classes that delve into sculpting, jewelry making, crafting with glass, and painting. Even children can get in on the action in specialized kids' classes. While these classes come with a fee, scholarships are available, and visiting the museum is completely free.
10 Haan Museum of Indiana Art
The largest collection of Indiana art in the world is housed in the Haan Museum, a massive mansion converted into an exhibition hall. Exploring its halls reveals over 100 paintings by the Hoosier Group and Indiana Regionalism artists, offering a unique chance to explore their works. Beyond paintings, you'll also discover stunning ceramic work, decorative items, and antique furniture.
The Haan sits on 5 acres, including a gorgeous sculpture garden featuring an outdoor theater and picnic area situated right behind the mansion.
11 Lilly Nature Center
The Lilly Nature Center sits inside the Celery Bog Nature Area. It's a common field trip destination thanks to its extensive exhibits and insight into the surrounding natural areas. The center is open Wednesday through Sunday at no cost for those interested in discovering the area.
Venturing into the surrounding nature area reveals numerous trails and bird-watching opportunities.
12 Mosey Down Main Street
Mosey Down Main Street is one of the most beloved recurring festivals in Lafayette, offering a free, family-friendly celebration of artistry and camaraderie. Three stages blast music, showcasing local tunes. Street performers command attention as they show off their skills. Expect to find drum circles, balloon animals, sidewalk chalk artists and so much more.
13 Celery Bog Nature Area
The Celery Bog was once a large vegetable farm supplying fresh produce across the region. Celery was one of its biggest crops, lending itself to the name. While it's now no longer used for agriculture, the breathtaking beauty of the area is yours to explore. The area is one of the most popular for bird watching in the region, as over 120 species venture through the canopies. Other animals, including rabbits, coyotes, and turtles, often make their presence known if you know what to look for.
The Lilly Nature Center is located here, where you can learn more about the wildlife through exhibits and educational activities.
14 Wea Creek Orchard
Ever wondered what it'd be like to pick your own fruit? You'll find out at Wea Creek Orchard. The availability of produce is dependent on the season, but you can generally expect to find apples, peaches, and pumpkins that ripen in late summer to early fall.
Regular events, such as the Sunflower Festival in July or apple-tasting opportunities, arise, so be sure to check their calendar while you're in town. Even when the orchards aren't open for picking, you're still welcome to visit and check out their produce store.
15 Wabash Landing
Adventure through Lafayette like a local and visit Wabash Landing. From shopping at local brands to dining in style at local restaurants, there's plenty to do here. It's also home to the area's movie theater, where you can catch the latest shows.
Thanks to its close proximity to the Wabash River, you get stunning waterfront views and access to Wabash Heritage Trail and Tapawingo Park for outdoor adventures.
16 Wildcat Creek Winery
Locals and tourists can both agree that Wildcat Creek Winery offers some of the best selections of local wine in the area. Wines such as the Lafayette Red, featuring a jammy, juicy profile with a beautiful ruby color, make for delectable choices.
The winery regularly hosts tasting events on Fridays, which include local food trucks coming to serve food and live local entertainment.
17 Exploration Acres
The largest corn maze and pumpkin patch in Northwest Indiana can be found at Exploration Acres. This fun farm opens during the fall months, encouraging excitement and a love for the outdoors. Here, pumpkins can weigh up to 200 lbs, offering amazing canvasses for Halloween Jack-o-lanterns.
Four corn mazes sprawl across 20 acres with 10 miles of paths between them. From the sky, the mazes create amazing pictures.
18 Duncan Hall
The historic Thomas Duncan Hall is one of the best places to catch a cultural, educational, or celebratory event in Lafayette. In fact, its old-timey beauty attracts people from all over for weddings.
Regular architecture and history tours take you through its halls, offering a chance to explore one of the older buildings in the area.
Throughout the year, events offer chances to dance, catch a talent show, or celebrate the holidays.
19 Jerry E. Clegg Botanic Gardens
This is a duplicate. It's the same as #7.
Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park
At Indiana Beach Amusement & Water Park, you'll be welcomed into a world of excitement with dozens of attractions. From scream-worthy roller coasters to comfy, kid-friendly rides, you'll find fun for all ages.
The All-American Triple Loop launches you through three massive loop-de-loops at speeds of over 50 miles per hour. Younger children will find their groove on rides like the Beach Buggies, where they get to drive their own miniature go-kart.
You can't forget to check out the water area to beat the heat. From the Splash Pad for the littlest members of your crew to the gargantuan Big Flush water slide that plunges you through tunnels filled with water, it's the perfect way to cool down.
Regular events bring live music, fireworks, and more to the excitement.
20 Wrapping it up
Lafayette and West Lafayette bring a whole lot of fun into relatively small cities. As you explore the area, these destinations are sure to please and help you make the most out of your time in the area.
Have you already been to these areas? Let us know what you thought about them. Curious about what makes these areas so much fun or have some questions? Ask away.
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