Lafayette is a city in Tippecanoe County of Indiana in the USA. It was formed in 1825 and named after a famous French officer of the Revolutionary War.
Lafayette in Indiana has attracted tourists, families, and settlers to Indiana for 200 years. The city is best known to include rich cultural attractions and natural resources.
The city of Lafayette is known to host a diverse population from Cajun and Louisiana backgrounds.
Read on to learn more about the things to do in Lafayette, Indiana, for adults.
What is Lafayette Indiana known for?
Lafayette in Indiana is known for its rich cultural and natural attractions near the Greater Lafayette area situated on the other side of the Wabash River. Historical attractions like Prophetstown State Park, the Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial, and Fort Ouiatenon attract tourists all through the year.
The downtown district of this city hosts various restaurants, shops, and community events like the Farmer’s Market.
Natural attractions like Celery Bog Nature and Wabash Heritage Trail provide exploration options in Lafayette city in the Indiana region.
Purdue University, established in 1869, hosts a friendly community of students and shares historical roots.
After going through all such interesting points, are you planning to move to Indiana? Do you want to know how much does it cost to build a house in Indiana? So, building a home in Indiana is anywhere between $90 and $1150 per square foot.
Want to explore new things related to it? We have an entire article waiting for you on this topic. Read here.
Is there anything fun to do in Lafayette Indiana?
Of course. Lafayette is home to various cultural and natural attractions. Fun things to do in Lafayette, Indiana, in the winter include ice skating and enjoying the fresh and crisp winter air.
The Riverside Skating Center is a popular and inexpensive location that offers ice skating. This center faces the Wabash river and the John T Myers Pedestrian Bridge.
Sledding at Slayter Hill & Murdock park is a fun activity for the residents and visitors alike.
Acadian village offers an overview of local culture. ’Kart Rant’ is a privately owned enterprise offering high-speed entertainment to all people of different ages.
Want to know more about Lafayette, Indiana? Do read our moving to Indiana and waterfalls in Indiana guide to learn more.
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11 Fun Things to do in Lafayette, Indiana
There is a lot to do in Lafayette, Indiana. The Indiana region has unlimited access to natural and cultural resources. There are a lot of zoos, botanical gardens, and natural parks. Cultural centers like museums and parks add to the list as well.
In detail, let’s get to know the 11 popular things to do in Lafayette, Indiana, this weekend.
1. Columbian Park Zoo
Columbian Park Zoo is a seasonal zoo, home to over 190 animals and 90 species. The zoo operates during regular zoo hours and is closed during winter from mid-October to mid-April. ‘Boo at the Zoo’ is a limited edition show screened here.
Key attractions include the Columbian Park Express Train, fountain plaza, and picnic shelters. Family Farm and Butterfly Garden are the other key exhibits at the zoo. There is a baseball stadium on the zoo premises.
Columbian Park Zoo is located close to downtown Lafayette. The area is 1915 Scott Street, Lafayette, Indiana.
Various animal species are encountered during popular ‘Meet N Greet’ programs, thus enabling students to learn more about wildlife culture and socialize with children of the same age group.
This zoo has been in existence for 100 years and has faced numerous upgrades and renovations. It was founded in the year 1908.
How much does the Columbian Park Zoo cost?
The Columbian Park Zoo charges a fee of $2 for children above 3 years of age, and entry is free for children below 2 years.
What animals are at Columbian Park Zoo?
The species in the zoo range from American to Australian natives. Porcupines, wallabies, bald eagles, and spider monkeys are found in the Columbian Park Zoo.
Is the penguin exhibit open at Columbian Park?
The Penguin Cove exhibit at Columbian Park opened to the public on July 30, 2021, during the zoo’s ‘Penguin Day”. The penguins are of African origin.
2. Clegg Botanic Gardens
Overlooking Wildcat Creek, Clegg Botanic Gardens is located in the northeast region of Lafayette city and is known for its refreshing and green surroundings. Niches Land Trust maintains this park. Admission to this park is free.
Do you enjoy hiking and participating in marathon trails?
If yes, Clegg Botanic Gardens is the place for you. The park features eight different trails with multiple viewing platforms. Spring is the best season to visit Clegg Botanic gardens.
Natural scenic landscapes like woodlands and prairies are found abundantly in these gardens. Clegg Botanic Gardens is home to diverse species of wildlife. Hence, these gardens are famous for their spring or summer blooms, wildlife, and nature.
Clegg Botanic Gardens is situated near North 400 East, Lafayette, Indiana. Main activities in Botanic Gardens include walking, marathon trails, and hiking. A range of other botanical activities is organized by the authorities. The area is famous for hosting musical events too.
What hotels are recommended near Jerry E.Clegg Botanic Gardens?
Some of the best hotels near Jerry E.Clegg Botanic Gardens include Drury Inn & Suites, Residence Inn by Mariott Lafayette, and Home2 Suites by Hilton Lafayette. All these hotels and suites have a rating of 4 and above and are recommended for a stay nearby.
What’s the area like around Jerry E.Clegg Botanic Gardens?
The area around Clegg Botanic Gardens offers spectacular views of natural landscapes like woodlands and prairies. The area has a warm and welcoming atmosphere attached to it and attracts innumerable tourists throughout the year.
3. Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana Art
Indiana art is one of the most ancient and coveted art forms. The Haan Mansion Museum amasses the largest collection of Indiana artwork in the world by historical and contemporary Indian artists. This museum opened in 1904 at the St Louis World Fair but was moved to a 15,000 square feet mansion in Lafayette.
Self-guided tours are available at meager admission fees. Group tours of more than 15 people are organized regularly to share the history associated with the Haan Mansion Museum.
Admission fees to this museum include access to Sculpture Garden and Nature Trail.
The area is 920 East State Street, Lafayette, Indiana.
The Haan Mansion Museum opened in 1904 at the St Louis Fair.
When is the Haan Museum of Indiana Art Open?
The Haan Museum of Indiana Art is open from Wednesday to Saturday every week. Timings for self-guided tours are from 1 pm to 4 pm.
What hotels are near the Haan Museum of Indiana Art?
Many hotels with good ratings are located near the Haan Museum of Indiana Art. Some of them are Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, the Union Club Hotel, and Home2 Suites by Hilton.
4. Prophetstown State Park
The northeast region of Lafayette city hosts the Prophetstown State Park and showcases the region’s famous homesteading techniques and native cultures. It organizes several networking ways to connect with natural surroundings.
Another major attraction is the Prophetstown State Park Aquatic Center during summers. This park houses a 4200 square foot leisure pool connected with waterslides and a river.
Prophetstown Park is famous for camping and homesteading native cultures.
The area of Prophetstown State Park is 5545 Swisher Road, Lafayette, Indiana.
Families flock in large numbers to the Farm at Prophetstown. Many hiking and biking trails pass through the plains of the Tippecanoe River. Camping sites are in operation all year round.
The camping grounds are well maintained and provide a wide range of tent options.
Thus, camping is a well-known and renowned activity of Prophetstown State Park, and Prairies surround the region of this park.
An 1825 treaty established a village above 40 miles along the Rock River known as ‘Prophetstown’ in recent times.
How much does it cost to get into Prophetstown Town Park?
An entry fee is $6 for Indiana residents and $8 for other residents. Annual park passes are also issued, and the charge varies from $50 to $70 for in-house residents to visitors.
What is there to do in Prophetstown IL?
One can do a lot of things in Prophetstown, IL. Prime activities include fishing, boating, hiking, camping, horseshoe pitching, and hosting picnics.
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5. Purdue University
Purdue University in West Lafayette offers various flagship degrees and programs. The education imparted in this university is top-notch and hosts a friendly community and culture.
The university is home to a large and young population involved in multiple businesses, activities, and community programs.
Purdue University is famous for Saturday football games at the Ross-Ade Stadium and home basket games at Mackey Arena. It is also renowned for the Purdue Grand Prix, a famous spectacle to behold with custom-made go-karts on a 160 lap Grand Prix Track.
The area of Purdue University is 403 W Wood Street, West Lafayette, Indiana.
The annual spring fest hosted in April is a fun community event hosted by the university featuring varied arts, insects, and animals.
The assembly accepted $150,000 and 100 acres of land for the college site from John Purdue in 1869. Hence, the university was named after him.
Is Purdue a good university?
Purdue is a good university offering flagship degrees, diplomas, and statewide satellite programs. The education imparted is of a high standard, and many students enroll in their offerings annually.
What GPA do you need to get into Purdue?
Purdue University is highly competitive in terms of GPA. A minimum of 3.75 GPA is required to get into Purdue University.
6. Wabash Heritage Trail
The Wabash Heritage Trail is a 13-mile pedestrian path across the Wabash River. The path begins at Tippecanoe Battlefield Park and ends at Fort Ouiatenon.
There are other prominent stops along the trail like Davis Ferry Bridge, McAllister Park, and Happy Hollow Park. On a sunny day, one cannot find a lot of motors on this trail but can encounter many strollers, joggers, and cyclists.
The routes along the river path are scenic and are full of canopy trees with several benches or spots along the line. To explore many other scenic trails in this region, check out the best hikes in Indiana.
Wabash Heritage Trail begins at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park and goes through Burnett’s Creek to cross the Wabash River.
The Wabash Heritage Trail consists of sections named Wabash Corridor Section and Brunettes Creek Section.
Best known for activities like hiking, jogging, and trekking.
How long is the Wabash Heritage Trail?
The Wabash Heritage Trail is a 13.25-mile-long-trail, running parallel to the Wabash River. This trail divides two cities of West Lafayette and Lafayette in Indiana.
Can you bike the Wabash Heritage Trail?
Wabash Heritage Trail is a 3 km white paved trail located in the Indiana region. The biking trail can be used in both directions and has a height of 54 ft. It takes 44 mins to complete the climb.
7. Celery Bog Nature Area
Celery Bog Nature is located in West Lafayette and encompasses an area of 195 acres of wetlands, trails, and a nature center. There are trails of around 7 miles that lead into the edge of Celery Bog. People instantly immerse in the beauty of the surroundings, and diverse wildlife species are spotted in the area. Frogs, turtles, beavers, mallards, and herons are a common sight to behold in the nature area.
The water habitat is a crucial ecosystem for over 120 species of birds, making it a prime spot for children and adults interested in the wildlife world.
Celery Bog Nature is famous for its trails, wetlands, and Lily Nature Center.
Best known for celery bogs and Lily Nature Centre. Lily Nature Center is open from Wednesday to Saturday for free. The center is best known for organizing many educational programs and exhibits.
Celery bog Nature area is located in the northwest region of West Lafayette.
Prime activities include serving and drawing trees, hiking and bird-watching.
Does Celery grow in Bogs?
Celery Bog is a large vegetable farm that supplies fresh produce to more than 80 grocers in the region. Celery is one of the major crops cultivated in this region. Hence, Celery does grow in Bogs. However, agriculture failed in the latter years due to drainage issues.
Why is a Celery Bog called Celery Bog?
In the late 1800s, the marsh was drained, and the water level was lowered enough to expose rich and organic soils. Farmers grew all kinds of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and beets as the low bulk density of the organic soil helped in forming consistent and tuberous roots. They also grew celery in bulk. Hence, the name Celery Bog came into existence.
How deep is the Celery Bog?
Celery Bog has a depth of about 12-14’’ and is a wet marshland formed by natural sources.
8. Tippecanoe Battlefield Park
The Park commemorates the clash between local inhabitants and new settlers in 1811.
Tippecanoe has been constructed into a 96-acre park facility with an 85-foot high marble obelisk. The Park is the northern terminus of the Wabash Nature Trail and is a great place to head south to the city.
The area of Tippecanoe Battlefield Park is 200 Battleground Avenue, Battle Ground, Indiana.
Tippecanoe Battlefield Park is located near Prophetstown State Park in the northeast region of Lafayette, Indiana.
An 85-foot marble obelisk was constructed in 1908 to commemorate the battle of Tippecanoe of 1811.
The administration hosts hiking, walking tours, and picnic activities regularly.
What battle happened in Battle Ground, Indiana?
The battle of Tippecanoe was fought between American soldiers and native American warriors in 1812 along the banks of the Keith-tip-pe-can-nunk river.
Where is the National Historic Landmark commemorating the Battle of Tippecanoe located today?
The National Historic Landmark commemorating the Battle of Tippecanoe is located on Battleground Avenue to the west of Railroad Street. It is located at the Welcome Center of the Tippecanoe Battle Ground Memorial.
9. Downtown Lafayette
Downtown Lafayette is known for its culture and art and is the busiest place in the city. Many forms of art and paintings can be found in buildings, local shops, and restaurants.
McCord Candies is a popular store offering special lunch items and candies. Artists’ Own is a popular rotating art gallery and a cooperative workspace.
Some other community celebrations are DownTown Alive and the 2nd Saturday ArtWalks. The downtown area hosts local restaurants offering different cuisines like American and Italian. Famous Italian restaurants are Bistro 501 and La Scala.
Downtown Lafayette is famous for its farmer’s markets that are operational from June to September. Downtown Lafayette is an area between West Lafayette and 4th Street in Lafayette, Indiana. Shopping and restaurant hopping are the main activities.
Lafayette began in 1825 as a transportation center for West Central Indiana.
Is Lafayette Indiana a good place to live?
West Lafayette is one of the best places to live in Indiana. It offers a dense suburban feel to the residents. Downtown Lafayette in Wabash valley has a European charm attached to it and has sprawling commercial buildings. With a perfect balance of modern and rural setups. Lafayette in Indiana is an excellent place to live in.
How much snow does Lafayette Indiana get?
West Lafayette gets around 19 inches of snow every year. Hence, winters are cold, snowy, and windy.
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10. Wolf Park
Wolf park is situated to the north of Lafayette, in the town of Battle Ground. This research facility studies the behavior of wolves and their breeds. Other animals like foxes, coyotes, and bison can also be seen in Wolf Park.
Walking tours and virtual tours are organized by Wolf Park’s authorities. Photography is allowed during these tours, encompassing an area of 70 acres.
The park welcomes school trips, field trips, and birthday parties. They also organize seminars and workshops.
A popular tour, Howl Tour, is organized in the evening about wolf communication and how to live in the wild. Both the tours are self-guided and guided.
The area of Wolf Park is near 4004 East 800 North, Battle Ground, Indiana.
Wolf care center tours and other related events are the prime activities.
Wolf park is a non-profit organization and research facility established in 1972 by Erich Klinghammer.
Can you pet the wolves at Wolf Park?
One can pet the wolves at Wolf Park by feeding the wolves, learning about diet and hunting strategies, and taking a virtual tour of the Wolf Park property.
11. Fort Ouiatenon
Located in the southwest region of Lafayette city near the Wabash River, Fort Ouiatenon has historical parks and structures. The History Museum is open for guided tours.
This fort is operated by the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. Special events are organized throughout the year. The annual feast of the Hunter’s Moon features thousands of costumed characters enacting a fall gathering.
This fort has access to the adjacent Wabash River, offering forestlands and picnic spots.
The area of Fort Ouiatenon is near 3136 South River Road, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Guided tours and special events are the prime activities.
Fort Ouiatenon was built as the first fortified European settlement in 1717.
Who controlled Fort Ouiatenon?
The Tippecanoe County Historical Association controls Fort Ouiatenon.
Is Fort Ouiatenon open?
Fort Ouiatenon is open in the summers and is the location of the annual feast of Hunter’s moon. Rare artifacts are displayed during the feast by the Association.
Who built Fort Ouiatenon?
Fort Ouitanenon was built by the Government of France as a military outpost for protection against British invasion. The unsettled woodlands of the Wabash River Valley made it a key point for illegal fur trappers.
Things to do in Lafayette Indiana FAQs
What is there to do in Lafayette Indiana tonight?
The city of Lafayette hosts fun activities and events all year round. There are a host of entertainment activities, kid-friendly events, art or culture festivals, and music concerts.
Other things to do in Lafayette, Indiana, this weekend include visiting popular locations like Columbia Park Zoo, Wolf Park, Haan Museum of Indiana Art, and Fort Ouiatenon.
Is Lafayette Indiana rural or urban?
Lafayette city in Indiana is a perfect blend of urban and rural cultures. West Lafayette is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan region, whereas Lafayette is a more laid-back and rural town.
Make sure to have an insight into both of these regions and experience both these divisions’ historical and artistic infrastructures.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about Lafayette’s culture, art, and historical attractions in general, what are your views on this city? Would you visit Lafayette for future travels?
If yes, that’s great!!!
The city of Lafayette is a perfect blend of rural and urban cultures. There are a lot of fun activities to do that attract tourists on a large scale. We have mentioned most of the fun activities that one can experience in Lafayette, Indiana, making it the best place to stay in Indiana.
Make sure to research more about Lafayette’s history, and don’t forget to visit these locations.
Let us know what excites you to visit Indiana in the comment section.
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