Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Lafayette, Indiana.
Lafayette, Indiana, is a vibrant and bustling city in the heart of Tippecanoe County. Lafayette’s proximity to Indianapolis and Chicago offers residents and visitors the perfect blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm.
Home to Purdue University, Lafayette is a bustling college town with plenty of cultural events and activities to enjoy throughout the year.
One of the main attractions in Lafayette is the Columbian Park Zoo, home to over 190 animals from around the world.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibits, including the Big Cat Habitat, the South American Rainforest, and the North American River Otter exhibit. The zoo also offers various educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Lafayette is home to several beautiful parks and nature preserves. For example, Prophetstown State Park in West Lafayette offers miles of hiking and biking trails and a picturesque aquatic center with a lazy river and water slides.
Happy Hollow Park is another popular destination, featuring picnic areas, playgrounds, and a large splash pad for kids to enjoy.
History buffs will also appreciate Lafayette’s rich cultural heritage. Fort Ouiatenon, a replica of the original French trading post built in the 1700s, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s early history.
The Loeb Fountain, located on the Purdue University campus, is a famous landmark and tribute to the city’s founder.
From the zoo and parks to sporting events and axe throwing, this vibrant and welcoming community has no shortage of entertainment and activities.
Columbian Park Zoo
Located in historic Columbian Park in Lafayette, Indiana, the Columbian Park Zoo offers visitors the chance to see several animals in a picturesque and educational setting.
This zoo has over 190 animals, including a llama, a mini horse, prairie dogs, ostriches, and baby goats. There are also educational resources that help teach visitors about animals and conservation.
The zoo is open from mid-April through mid-October. The zoo’s exhibits are well-kept and free for children. There are also many fun playgrounds, a butterfly garden, and a water park.
In addition to the zoo, Columbian Park has a walking trail, a playground, and picnic areas. There is a train ride, too. The Columbian Park Zoo Express Train Depot is across the zoo’s street.
Prophetstown State Park
Prophetstown State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Lafayette, Indiana. This expansive state park offers visitors diverse terrain, including lush forests, open fields, and winding rivers.
Hiking and biking trails crisscross the park, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty while exercising.
In addition to hiking and biking, visitors to Prophetstown State Park can enjoy a range of other outdoor activities, including birdwatching, camping, and fishing.
With various amenities, including picnic tables, public restrooms, and playground equipment, Prophetstown State Park is the perfect destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is also home to a working farm, where visitors can learn about sustainable agriculture and its role in modern food production.
The Farm at Prophetstown, a non-profit organization, rents 125 acres of land from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
This farm provides an educational experience about farming in the early 1900s. It features an old farmhouse, animals, and an antique tractor. They sell fresh eggs, pork, and vegetables. They also offer classes in natural plant care.
The Farm at Prophetstown has three playgrounds, a fishing pond, and a recreation center. The center has a lazy river, concessions, and a changing area. There is also a gift shop called Gretel’s, where you can purchase quirky gifts.
Happy Hollow Park
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Happy Hollow Park is an 81-acre public park that provides recreational and aesthetic opportunities. The park offers a dog park, playgrounds, and hiking trails, among other facilities. In addition, it is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts and families.
The park is also home to 105-acre wetlands known as the Celery Bog Nature Area. The site is a former vegetable farm and is a great spot to see various wildlife. In addition, the wetlands have several picnic areas and hiking trails.
Happy Hollow Park also has two playgrounds for children. In addition, there is an open turf area, restrooms, and a volleyball court. There are also five picnic shelters available. These are perfect for picnics and family reunions.
Happy Hollow Park also features a mile of paved trail. This trail is ideal for a relaxing walk or a bike ride.
Fort Ouiatenon
Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Fort Ouiatenon is a historic site that preserves the first European settlement in Indiana. Built in 1717, this French outpost was a fur trader’s hub along the Wabash River. It was a trading post for French trappers from Quebec who came to the area to take advantage of trade relations with the local Wea Indian tribe.
French traders from Quebec arrived at Fort Ouiatenon each year for beaver pelts. The fort provided a place for communication and a military officer to govern the settlers and native peoples in the area. The garrison also provided services that the local Native Americans requested.
A farmer discovered the site of Fort Ouiatenon in 1967. In the 1970s, archeologists located the actual location of the fort and began an archaeological excavation.
Loeb Fountain
Located in Lafayette, Indiana, the Loeb Fountain is a famous landmark. It is a water feature that was initially a reservoir. However, it has since been converted into a beautiful area that features a fountain.
The Loeb Fountain was built in 1959 as a tribute to Solomon Loeb, a local businessman. His son donated funds to build the fountain in his honor. The fountain is made of granite and is topped with a granite cap.
A low concrete wall originally surrounded the structure. Eventually, the fountain was rebuilt without the wall. Instead, a ring of short columns now surrounds it.
Another exciting thing about the Loeb Fountain is that it has a series of lights. The fountain is activated each April before the Grand Prix. Unfortunately, it is shut down each October during the week following Homecoming.