8 Best Things to Do in Lafayette, Indiana

Let’s Take a Sneak Peek into the Liveliest Star City—Lafayette!

Lafayette, affectionately known as Star City, is located in northwest Indiana, directly across the Wabash River from West Lafayette. As the seat of Tippecanoe County's government and home to the esteemed Purdue University, Lafayette boasts a rich cultural and historical tapestry. The city flourished as a railroad hub and shipping center, with many of its beautiful historic buildings and diverse architectural styles still prominent in its celebrated downtown area. Beyond its historical allure, Lafayette offers a vibrant nightlife and a robust calendar of cultural events, which are particularly spirited on college football game days.

In this guide, tag along with us to explore the best things to do in Lafayette, promising an unforgettable experience

One of the newest add-ons to the Indiana State Park system is the Prophetstown State Park located less than 10 miles on the northeast side of the Lafayette. The farm at Prophetstown is one of the main family Lafayette attractions, located within the state park, featuring a lively history museum that focuses on the homesteading and native culture history of the area. Not only this but there is also Prophetstown Park Aquatic Center, one of the blockbuster places at the state park and a great place to visit in summer. Spanning 4,200 square feet is the leisure pool that is accompanied by a lazy river and water slides. And if you happen to be an adrenaline junkie, you can enjoy a network of biking and hiking trails meandering across the floodplains and the tall grass landscape of the Tippecanoe River.

Once known as a highlight of 1904's St. Louis World's Fair, the majestic Han Mission now proudly showcases the vibrant art scenes of Lafayette, Indiana. This sprawling 15,000-square-foot place is not only home to a remarkable local art collection and 19th-century American furniture, but also offers a self-guided tour for a nominal fee. For a group of 15 or more, guided tours reveal fascinating insights into the storied past of the mansion. Moreover, admission includes access to the tranquil Sculpture Garden as well as the Nature Trail, making it a perfect fusion of nature and culture.

Just 10 miles north of Lafayette in Battle Ground, Indiana, you'll find Wolf Park, a non-profit research facility dedicated to the study of wolves and their behaviors. This facility shares its findings with the public and offers educational programs. One of the highlights at Wolf Park is the half-mile guided walking tour, where knowledgeable staff lead visitors through areas housing not only wolves but also other animals such as bison, coyotes, and foxes, making it among the things to see in Lafayette. Make sure to reserve for the tour available throughout the week. A photography enthusiast? Join a specialty tour for a through-the-fence photo opportunity. You can also experience special events such as animal birthday parties, summer kids' camps, and howl nights.

For over a century, Colombian Park Zoo has stood as one of the beloved family destinations located near downtown. Constantly evolving with renovations and additions, this zoo offers rich experiences every day. Not only this, while here you can enjoy Meet-N-Greet programs where visitors of every age can interact with distinctive species. Then, you can also explore famous Lafayette attractions such as the Colombian Park Express Train and Fountain Plaza. Right adjacent to the zoo lies the playground and picnic areas of the Colombian Park. What sets it apart from others is its impressive wildlife ranging from American species to Australian natives including bald eagles, spider monkeys, wallabies, and porcupines. For those with extra time, the Butterfly Garden and Family Farm exhibit provides a fully immersive zoo adventure, making the Columbian Park Zoo a standout attraction in Lafayette.

Downtown Lafayette offers a vibrant cultural scene and community events, making it a hub of activity and artistic expression. The streets are adorned with city-commissioned murals, creating an open-air gallery experience as you explore. The area is home to eclectic eateries and local shops, providing a rich variety of shopping and dining options.

For those with a sweet tooth, McCord Candies is a must-visit. This century-old establishment is famous for its handmade candies and nostalgic lunch specials, offering a taste of local history. Art enthusiasts will find a creative haven at Artists Own, a cooperative workspace that also features a rotating art gallery showcasing local talent.

When it comes to dining, Bistro 501 offers a touch of French elegance, perfect for those seeking a refined culinary experience. Alternatively, La Scala delivers authentic Italian cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, ideal for diners looking to support local producers while enjoying delicious meals.

And make sure to not miss out on the lively things to do in Lafayette, the Farmers' Market of Lafayette, and the monthly Blue Monday Blues Jam Session for community spirit and music.

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, was established in 1869 and has been serving as a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide range of programs and degrees across its statewide satellite and flagship campus. Beyond its academic prowess, Purdue University fosters a vibrant culture and community, attracting an educated and young population. Not only this, there is also an area for business events and public spaces crafted to the dynamic atmosphere. You can experience the thrill of Boilermakers Sports at none other than Ross-Ade Stadium for football, Saturdays, and Mackey Arena for basketball. Make sure to not miss out on Spring Fest in April, which is a lively community event with arts, insects, and animals, or the exhilarating Purdue Grand that showcases student-design Go-Karts on a 160-lap track.

Clegg Botanic Gardens, managed by the Niche Land Trust, serves as a serene natural oasis on the northeast outskirts of Lafayette. With eight phenomenal trails, a viewing platform, and interpretative information, you can explore Prairies, riparian corridors, and woodlands. Moreover, this admissions-free preserve offers a lively combo of abundant wildlife and diverse landscapes, making it one of the fun things to do in Lafayette for birdwatchers, so keep your eyes peeled for that. Spring blooms add vibrant colors while enhancing the beauty of the tranquil area throughout the season.

Located on the northwest side of Lafayette, the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette stands as the only officially recognized art repository in Indiana. The museum houses an impressive permanent collection of 15,000 objects, showcasing a diverse range of sizes and mediums. These pieces are displayed on a constantly rotating basis to keep the exhibitions fresh and engaging. Additionally, the museum updates its new art four times a year, introducing new pieces to the public regularly. This dynamic approach allows visitors to experience a wide variety of artistic expressions and styles throughout the year, making each visit unique. Serving as one of the famous Lafayette things to do and a top family attraction, the Art Museum also serves as a great source for children with its offering of teen and kids’ classes. The best part? Friday Night Live might be the most famous, providing live music on every month's last Friday.