For one day in Lafayette, Indiana, you can pair a visit to The Haan Museum with Columbian Park Zoo when it is open, then spend the afternoon at Prophetstown State Park or Purdue University. Columbian Park Zoo is about a 7-minute drive from Economy Inn - Lafayette.
- Morning: The Haan Museum is open Wednesday–Saturday, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
- Midday: Columbian Park Zoo operates daily from mid-April to mid-October.
- Afternoon: Prophetstown State Park is northeast of Lafayette, near Battle Ground.
Start with a Lafayette morning
The Haan Museum gives you a defined indoor stop, while downtown Lafayette works as a flexible starting point for the day. The Haan is at 920 State Street, and its Wednesday–Saturday hours are 1:00–4:00 p.m., so it fits better after lunch than early in the morning.
General admission is $12 for adults and $6 for youth ages 5–17; allow about an hour for a visit. If you want to orient yourself first, the Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette visitors center is at 301 Frontage Road. Its weekday hours are 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and its map-and-brochure vestibule is open 24 hours.
For a closer look at the area’s streets and local landmarks, use this guide to what downtown Lafayette is like for visitors to shape your morning before the museum opens.
Choose a midday stop that fits your interests
Columbian Park Zoo is the seasonal midday choice, while The Haan Museum offers a short indoor visit on its open days. The zoo sits in historic Columbian Park and was founded in 1908; its grounds cover approximately 6 acres.
The zoo opens daily from mid-April to mid-October each year, including holidays, and closes for winter from mid-October through mid-April. Its exhibits close 15 minutes before the zoo closes.
To reach the entrance, park along Park Avenue or Wallace Avenue, or use the lot on Scott Street: the entrance is in the middle of the park and has no car access. The city’s suggested GPS destination is 2404 Wallace Avenue, Lafayette, Indiana.
If you want to decide whether the zoo suits your day, this visitor guide to Columbian Park Zoo covers its setting and practical arrival details.
Add an afternoon outdoors or on campus
Prophetstown State Park offers an outdoor afternoon northeast of Lafayette, while Purdue University is another local stop. Prophetstown is near Battle Ground, where the Tippecanoe River meets the Wabash River. The park’s visitor center is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
For an afternoon on campus, Purdue University is another option if you want to keep the day in Lafayette.
If you choose the state park, check its visitor information before setting out and use this guide to Prophetstown trails and access to plan your visit.
Check hours and travel time before you go
Opening patterns affect the order of your day, especially if you are combining the zoo with The Haan Museum. The zoo’s operating season runs from mid-April to mid-October, while The Haan’s stated hours are Wednesday–Saturday afternoons; check the official site before you go.
For a simple sequence, start with downtown or the visitors center, have lunch, then visit The Haan on an open day or head to the zoo during its operating season.
Finish at Prophetstown State Park or Purdue, allowing for the drive between stops. The park visitor center’s weekday hours can help you decide whether to make it an early or later afternoon visit.
FAQs
When is Columbian Park Zoo open?
The zoo is open daily from mid-April to mid-October each year, including holidays. It closes for winter from mid-October through mid-April.
How long should you allow for The Haan Museum?
The museum suggests allowing about an hour. Its listed hours are Wednesday–Saturday, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Where is Prophetstown State Park?
It is northeast of Lafayette, near Battle Ground, where the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers meet.
Can you drive to the Columbian Park Zoo entrance?
No. The entrance is inside Columbian Park and has no car access. Drivers are directed to park along Park Avenue or Wallace Avenue, or in the Scott Street lot.