Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Lafayette, Indiana

A vibrant college town in Northwest Indiana, Lafayette sees its population surge during the academic semester, primarily due to the presence of Purdue University.

This city was established in 1825 and quickly flourished as a river community, with a multitude of boats docking daily, consequently fostering a thriving commercial district along the riverfront.

Much of the original architecture from that era remains intact, providing Lafayette’s three downtown areas with distinctive charm, enhanced by their unique shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere.

Visitors can uncover a variety of local narratives that date back 300 years to the French fur trappers, a history commemorated by the beloved Feast of the Hunters’ Moon held every October.

1. Downtown Lafayette

At the core of the Lafayette-West Lafayette metropolitan area lies a cross-river downtown, interconnected by a pedestrian bridge and comprising three distinct yet equally captivating areas.

From west to east, these areas include Chauncey Village adjacent to the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, the Wabash Riverfront, and Arts & Market further along Main Street.

All areas pulse with the energy provided by the nearby Purdue campus and are rich in a variety of independent shops, vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and dining options catering to diverse preferences.

As you stroll through, you can admire numerous brick and stone edifices from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

One landmark worth visiting is the Long Center for the Performing Arts, originally a vaudeville stage from 1921 and now an impressive center for symphony and theater performances.

If you seek to learn more about the city’s architectural heritage, an informative architecture tour can be downloaded from the Lafayette-West Lafayette tourism website.

2. Haan Museum of Indiana Art

The Haan Museum houses the largest collection of Indiana art globally, displayed within a stunning Colonial Revival mansion constructed in 1904.

This property was originally the Connecticut building for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and was relocated to Lafayette following the event’s conclusion.

The museum’s collections are particularly distinguished in its representation of Hoosier Group Impressionist art, showcasing works by prominent artists such as William Forsyth, Richard Gruelle, J. Ottis Adams, Otto Stark, and TC Steele.

The permanent exhibit features a rotating display of over 60 paintings by leading Indiana artists, alongside impressive pieces by significant contemporary and historical ceramic artisans.

Visitors can also appreciate Indiana craftsmanship through a grand exhibition of furniture, glassworks, architectural details, sculptures, and more.

The outdoor grounds are equally inviting, featuring over 20 sculptures in the garden, along with a one-mile trail showcasing 30 species of trees native to Indiana, all meticulously labeled.

3. Purdue University

Directly across the Wabash River in West Lafayette lies Purdue University, established in 1869 and noted for notable alumni such as Neil Armstrong.

The campus is a worthwhile destination in itself, where you can visit the university’s Welcome Center located within the Stewart Center, or the Admissions office to obtain a self-guided tour booklet.

During non-class hours, campus buildings are open to the public, with ten essential stops to explore, including the Art Deco Elliott Hall of Music (1940) and the statue of the university’s original benefactor, industrialist John Purdue (1802-1876).

Art enthusiasts can visit two on-campus galleries: the Robert L. Ringel Gallery in the Stewart Center and the Patti and Rusty Rueff Gallery located in the Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts.

Purdue University is also a founding member of the Big Ten Conference, allowing visitors to watch the Boilermakers in action at venues including the Mackey Arena, which accommodates 14,804, and the Ross–Ade Stadium, with a capacity of 57,236.

4. Columbian Park Zoo

For families visiting Lafayette during the summer months, the mid-sized Columbian Park Zoo is an excellent choice, operating from mid-April to mid-October.

Established in 1908, this facility is home to nearly 200 animals representing around 100 species and continuously adds new structures and exhibits.

Recent arrivals include Wallaby Walkabout, the Galapagos Tortoise Exhibit, and the North American River Otter Exhibit.

Among the historic buildings, the Animal House has been part of the zoo since 1928, located adjacent to The Butterfly Garden, which features a walk-through section with numerous North American butterfly species.

Families will also appreciate the Family Farm, which offers encounters with llamas, chickens, a pot-bellied pig, a miniature horse, and rabbits, alongside goats that visitors can feed for a small fee.

5. Prophetstown State Park

Located just north of Lafayette, Prophetstown State Park is one of Indiana’s newest state parks, situated at the confluence of the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers.

Spanning over 2,000 acres, Prophetstown is established on the grounds of a large multi-tribal Native American village founded in the early 19th century by the notable Shawnee brothers Tecumseh (1768-1813) and Tenskwatawa (1775-1836).

Visitors can view replicas of Shawnee structures at the Woodland Indian Settlement and explore a historic farmstead that illustrates rural life during the 1920s.

An outdoor aquatic center opened in the park in 2013, featuring a beach entry wading area, tube slide, lazy river, and splash zones.

The park offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, a campground with 110 camping sites, and a visitor center equipped with live animal exhibits and interactive displays regarding the park’s ecosystems.

6. SAMARA (John E. Christian House)

Located on the northern edge of the Purdue campus in West Lafayette is a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Embodiment of Wright’s Usonian philosophy, SAMARA was constructed in the mid-1950s for Purdue professor Dr. John Christian and his wife Catherine, serving as both a family residence and a venue for entertaining colleagues and students. The living room is particularly expansive, accommodating up to 50 guests comfortably.

The name SAMARA is derived from the winged seed that Wright observed on the property during his initial visit, a motif that is recurrent throughout the design.

The Christian family preserves the house following the architect’s precise specifications, which, as with all of Wright’s works, extend to furniture, landscaping, and even textiles. Detailed guided tours of SAMARA are available from April through November, lasting approximately 90 minutes.

7. Wolf Park

Located just north of Prophetstown State Park, Wolf Park is a research and conservation facility established in 1972 to study wolf behavior and that of other canids, while assisting wildlife researchers.

From May to November, the park welcomes visitors by appointment, and during guided tours, guests can learn about these often-misunderstood animals.

There is a range of tours available, with the basic Follow the Pack tour featuring a 45-minute walk led by a trained educator, providing insights into the facility’s research and offering views of grey wolves, grey foxes, red foxes, and bison.

An engaging Howl Night experience occurs after sunset, when the wolves are typically more active, allowing participants to howl along with the resident wolves. Check the website for seasonal activities such as a Turkey Toss during Thanksgiving and a Holiday Party before Christmas.

8. Art Museum of Greater Lafayette

Situated southeast of downtown Lafayette is another significant art museum, boasting a history that dates back to 1909. Over the past 110 years, the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette has curated a collection of over 1,500 works.

Some of the museum’s earliest acquisitions, often obtained directly from the artists, feature pieces by Henry Ossawa Tanner, Clifton Wheeler, and F. Luis Mora.

The museum relocated to its current building in 1960, expanding with new wings in 1980 and 1988. Typically, the museum hosts around ten exhibitions annually, showcasing engaging solo and group exhibits highlighting prominent local and regional artists, alongside selections from the permanent collection.

The museum also conducts numerous educational programs, ranging from classes to yoga sessions and live model open studios.

9. Fort Ouiatenon

The inaugural fortified settlement in what is presently Indiana was established in 1717, located a short distance west along the Wabash River from contemporary Lafayette.

Originally a French trading post, Fort Ouiatenon was constructed as a log blockhouse surrounded by a wooden palisade, intended to counteract British expansion along the Ohio and Wabash valleys.

At its economic zenith in the mid-18th century, this location served as home to approximately 3,000 individuals, transitioning into British control in 1761 and Native American possession in 1763, before being destroyed by American forces in 1791.

A replica blockhouse was built roughly a mile downstream from the original site in 1930. This replica is accessible on weekends from May through August, and in the fall, it hosts the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon festival, which will be discussed later in this article.

10. Clegg Memorial Garden

Fall is a delightful season to visit the Lafayette area, and one of the prime locations for foliage viewing nearby is the Clegg Memorial Garden, situated on the steep hillside overlooking Wildcat Creek, just northeast of Lafayette.

The garden originated as a country retreat established by Harold and Ruth Clegg in the late 1930s, and now features restored native habitats.

With dramatic elevation changes and several overlooks, the area comprises gravel hill prairie, oak woodlands, savannah, and riparian habitats.

The trail spans more than a mile, showcasing vibrant wildflowers in summer and spectacular autumn colors. The historic Clegg Cottage currently houses the administrative offices for the Niche Land Trust, which manages the property.

11. Exploration Acres

From mid-September through October, a short trip southeast of Lafayette leads to Northwest Indiana’s largest corn maze and pumpkin patch.

Spanning over 550 acres, this farm has a history that extends back more than a century, transitioning from livestock to arable agriculture in the 1990s.

Exploration Acres emerged in the mid-2000s with the goal of preserving and restoring historical farm buildings while opening to the public in the fall and renting out the barn for events and weddings during the summer.

During September and October, visitors can enjoy a 22-acre corn maze, 38 varieties in the pumpkin patch, hayrides, a tractor train, and various attractions and activities for children.

Food is always a component of the experience, offering kettle corn, shaved ice, and seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin roll slices available at the country store.

12. Wea Creek Orchard

Located just minutes from Lafayette is another historic farm that welcomes visitors during the summer and fall months.

Wea Creek Orchards, a registered archaeological site, is owned by three families descended from the pioneers who acquired the land in 1855.

From late July until early November, guests can explore the rich history of this farm and purchase fresh produce as it comes into season.

The orchards cultivate nectarines, peaches, apples, and pumpkins from a variety of types and offer honey and homemade fruit products like jellies and pumpkin, peach, and apple butter for sale in their store.

Visitors are also encouraged to roam the property, meandering through the orchard, along Wea Creek, and visiting a beaver dam.

13. Wildcat Creek Winery

Situated alongside its namesake watercourse, Lafayette’s oldest and only winery was established by Rock and Kathy Black in 2008.

The winery sources high-quality grapes from regional growers to produce an extensive selection of award-winning wines.

Notable varieties include Chambourcin, Traminette, Riesling, Cayuga, Steuben, Niagara, Catawba, and Concord, along with fruit wines made from blueberry, cherry, and cranberry.

The idyllic garden setting enhances the experience, allowing visitors to bring their own chairs and blankets to pair with a picnic featuring locally sourced ingredients such as pickles, cheeses, and jams.

14. Lafayette Farmers’ Market

Recognized as one of the oldest outdoor markets in Indiana, the Lafayette Farmers’ Market has operated in some form for over 180 years.

This popular Saturday morning event occupies two blocks on 5th Street, stretching from Columbia Street north to Ferry Street, and runs from May through October.

It provides an excellent opportunity to support local producers and artisans, featuring more than 30 regular vendors.

During a typical week, attendees can find seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, coffee, tea, plants, breads, pastries, cheeses, honey, syrups, international specialty ingredients, pet treats, soaps, and beauty products.

The market also offers prepared foods such as pizza, BBQ, jerk chicken, quiche, and sandwiches, accompanied by live music from talented local artists.

15. Feast of the Hunters’ Moon

For more than 50 years, the Tippecanoe County Historical Association, which oversees Fort Ouiatenon, has organized a historical reenactment and festival annually at the site over a weekend in October.

This well-attended event, known as the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon, commemorates a historic gathering of Native Americans and French troops that occurred here in the mid-18th century.

Over 8,000 attendees participate in period attire, representing settlers, soldiers, and Native Americans. Visitors can enjoy numerous living history presentations highlighting customs, culture, and military life of that era.

Alongside reenactments, the festival features various musical performances, with vendors offering traditional foods such as venison sausage, voyageur stew, and rabbit stew.