Lafayette, founded in 1825 and named after an influential French officer of the Revolutionary War, has drawn settlers, families, and tourists to Indiana for nearly 200 years.
Things To Do In Lafayette In, the greater Lafayette area, which includes West Lafayette on the other side of the Wabash River and Purdue University, attracts visitors with a diverse range of cultural attractions and abundant natural resources (established in 1869). Lafayette is an inviting place to visit because of its esteemed collegiate connections, deep historical roots, and, perhaps most importantly, the friendly community.
To learn more about Lafayette’s history, visit places like Prophetstown State Park, the Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial, and Fort Ouiatenon. Purdue University has plenty of fun activities for both students and community members, and any Boilermakers athletic event always delivers on academic spirit.
The downtown district offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and community events such as the Lafayette Farmer’s Market for a taste of Lafayette indiana culture and homemade goods. Surrounding natural attractions, such as the Celery Bog Nature Area and the Wabash Heritage Trail, offer even more opportunities for outdoor exploration TO lafayette louisiana.
See our list of the top things to do in Lafayette, Indiana for more ideas on where to go.
List of 10 Things To Do In Lafayette In Today
1. State Park of Prophetstown
Prophetstown State Park, one of the newest additions to the Indiana State Park system, is located less than 10 miles northeast of Lafayette. The Farm at Prophetstown is one of the state park’s most popular family attractions. This living-history museum focuses on the history of homesteading and local native cultures to New Orlean.
The Prophetstown State Park Aquatic Center is another popular attraction at the prophetstown state park, especially during the summer. A waterslide and a lazy river complement the 4,200-square-foot leisure pool for Native American.
There are also several opportunities to interact with the natural environment at the state park. A network of hiking and biking trails wind through the tallgrass prairie and Tippercano River floodplain. Prophetstown has a year-round campground with campsites ranging from RV-accessible to primitive tent camping only on indiana art.
West Lafayette, Indiana 5545 Swisher Road
2. University of Purdue
Purdue University was founded in West Lafayette in 1869 and has been enriching the community ever since. This land grant university and flagship campus provides numerous educational opportunities through various degrees and programs, as well as additional options through statewide satellite programs.
While the education is excellent, the community and culture that this public institution fosters is a big draw. Purdue University is as much a part of the greater Lafayette community as City Hall, from the retention of a young and educated population to the wide variety of businesses, events, and public spaces that cater to the university crowd at lafayette la.
Purdue University sporting events provide a great way to experience the excitement of the university. Saturday football games at Ross-Ade Stadium, as well as home basketball games at Mackey Arena, are longstanding traditions in the area.
The annual Spring Fest in April, which features animals, arts, and insects, is a fun community event hosted by the university and a great reason to visit. The Purdue Grand Prix is also a fun spectacle to watch, with students practicing their design and driving skills on a 160-lap Grand Prix track with custom-made go-karts is another fun thing to do.
3. Wabash Heritage Pathway
The Wabash Heritage Trail is a great way to get outside and see some of the city’s top tourist attractions. The Wabash River pedestrian path is 13 miles long. The path begins at Tippecanoe Battlefield Park and travels south to connect with other public points of interest before terminating at Fort Ouiatenon.
Davis Ferry Bridge, McAllister Park, and Happy Hollow Park are also notable stops along the trail. The entire trail is motor-free, but on a sunny day, expect to see plenty of strollers, joggers, and bicyclists at cajun county.
The scenic natural space lining the entire route is part of the fun of this river path, which has plenty of tourist attractions worth stopping for. During the summer, much of the route is shaded by trees, and there are several picnic benches and sitting areas along the way in acadian village.
4. Nature Reserve of Celery Bog
This 195-acre public park on West Lafayette’s western outskirts includes wetlands, trails, and a nature center. With nearly seven miles of paved and natural trails to explore, many of which lead right to the edge of Celery Bog, you can be fully immersed in this nature area in less than five minutes.
Turtles, frogs, beavers, mallards, and herons are frequently seen near the water. The bog’s watery habitat is an important ecosystem for many birds, and over 120 species have been observed visiting it. As a result, the nature area serves as a constant source of inspiration for both children and adults who are interested in the natural world at acadiana center.
The Lilly Nature Center, located adjacent to the parking area of Celery Bog Nature Area, offers a variety of hands-on educational programs for children to learn about the environment. The Nature Center is open Wednesday through Saturday and admission is free.
West Lafayette, Indiana 1620 Lindberg Road
5. Tippecanoe Battlefield Park
The Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum, located northeast of the city, is a memorial to an 1811 clash between native inhabitants and new settlers. The first thing visitors see as they pull into this National Historic Landmark, now a 96-acre park, is an 85-foot marble obelisk built in 1908.
The on-site museum features exhibits and displays related to the battle that took place more than two centuries ago. Hiking trails, picnic areas, and additional interpretive information are available throughout the park. The Wabash Nature Trail’s northern terminus, Battlefield Park, breaux bridge is a great place to hop on and head south toward the city.
Battle Ground, Indiana, 200 Battleground Avenue
6. Lafayette’s Downtown
Downtown Lafayette is a pedestrian-friendly area with a lot of public events and fun things to do. It also has a lot of art and culture to explore. Spray-painted city-commissioned and family-friendly art can be found on the sides of buildings, and many colorful local shops and restaurants contribute to the palette.
McCord Candies, a century-old corner store with handmade candies and lunch specials, is a popular downtown storefront. Another popular venue is Artists’ Own, which has a rotating gallery of local artwork and a cooperative workspace.
The downtown area is also full of ethnic restaurants. The city’s two most popular downtown eateries cater to French and Italian palates. Bistro 501 is a chic French bistro ideal for a date night, while La Scala serves locally sourced Italian fare for the entire family.
The many events that take place throughout the year are one of the major draws to the downtown district. From June to September, the Lafayette Farmers Market is always fun to visit, and the monthly Blue Monday Blues Jam Session for community fundraising is a great place to let your hair down.
Other popular community events to attend include the 2nd Saturday ArtWalks and the various Downtown Alive! musical performances.
7. Columbian Park Zoo
The Columbian Park Zoo, located near downtown Lafayette, has been a popular family attraction for over a century. Throughout that time, the zoo has received numerous additions and renovations that contribute to the park’s current rich experience.
Special “Meet & Greet” programs introduce children and adults to a variety of species. A fountain plaza and the Columbian Park Express Train are two other exciting attractions. Columbian Park, which is adjacent to the zoo, is a fun public space with playground equipment and picnic shelters.
The zoo’s wildlife includes everything from Australian natives to American species. The zoo’s resident animals include porcupines, bald eagles, wallabies, and spider monkeys. A Family Farm and Butterfly Garden are among the other attractions.
Lafayette, Indiana, 1915 Scott Street
8. Wolf Park
This research facility, located ten miles north of Lafayette in the neighboring town of Battle Ground, studies wolves and their behavior. And this non-profit institute is delighted to share its findings with the general public.
Wolf Park is home to a variety of animals, including coyotes, foxes, and bison. A half-mile guided walking tour led by a staff member is the best way to see all of the animals.
Throughout the summer, other special programming and events include Howl Nights, animal birthday parties, and kids’ camps. Photography is permitted and encouraged on all tours, and the park provides a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Battle Ground, Indiana 4004 East 800 North
9. Fort Ouiatenon
Fort Ouiatenon, this historical park and structure, located southwest of the city center near the Wabash River, dates back to an early 1700s French fur-trading post. The on-site replica blockhouse, surrounded by scenic picnic areas and shelters, now serves as a living-history museum with guided tours.
The Tippecanoe County Historical Association operates the fort, which is pronounced “We-ah-ten-non.” Throughout the year, this organization hosts special events, such as the annual Feast of the Hunter’s Moon, which features thousands of costumed characters reenacting a fall gathering at haan museum.
The park’s concrete boat ramp provides access to the nearby Wabash River. The surrounding forestland is also enjoyable to explore, and picnic areas at the fort make for a nice afternoon lunch spot.
West Lafayette, Indiana 3136 South River Road
10. Clegg Botanic Gardens
Clegg Botanic Gardens, this refreshing natural space, maintained by the Niches Land Trust, can be found on the northeast outskirts of Lafayette, overlooking Wildcat Creek. The property has eight different trails with interpretive information and viewing platforms, making it ideal for hiking and walking.
This admission-free preserve and gardens offer a variety of landscapes to explore, including woodlands, prairies, and riparian corridors. Throughout the property, there is an abundance of wildlife, particularly birds. The natural space is filled with colorful blooms throughout the season, making spring a particularly enjoyable time to visit.
Lafayette, Indiana (North 400 East)
FAQs about Things To Do In Lafayette In
What makes Lafayette, Indiana famous?
The city of stars. According to the Fairfield Township’s history web page, Lafayette became a major 19th century corridor to the West and was dubbed “The Star of the West” by a local newspaper. Because of its geographical location, the “Star City” quickly became a market and shipping hub for the surrounding agricultural regions.
What makes West Lafayette famous?
West Lafayette, like its neighboring town of Lafayette, is “full of Hoosierr hospitality.” The town, which is home to the well-known Purdue University, offers a variety of activities for people of all ages, including a variety of sports on the university campus and historic architecture such as the Samara House.
Lafayette, Indiana, is it a small town?
“Lafayette is a moderately sized city, but the community functions as a small town, which I believe is critical for small businesses.” Lowe believes that relationships among business owners are important as a support network for one another.
Is Lafayette, Indiana, a pleasant place?
Lafayette has something to offer everyone. Good schools, parks, a zoo, libraries, outstanding fitness centers, caring community resources, food pantries, and so much more! Sporting events (minor league team with a brand new stadium) Excellent police force, decent housing, and, most importantly, PURDUE UNIVERSITY!
