Prophetstown State Park is a large natural area near Battle Ground, northeast of Lafayette, Indiana, where the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers meet. You can walk trails through prairie and woodland, visit a farm focused on 1920s life, or plan a longer stay around camping and other park activities. Columbian Park Zoo is another city attraction in Lafayette.
- Setting: Near the confluence of the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Vehicle gate fee: $8 for vehicles with Indiana plates and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates.
- Getting there: The Indiana DNR recommends Exit 178 and State Road 43 north of Lafayette.
What to expect at Prophetstown State Park
Prophetstown State Park brings together restored prairie, wetlands, fens and open woodlands in a landscape shaped by its two rivers. The Indiana DNR says Native American people hunted and lived along the rivers for thousands of years; the park was established in 2004.
For a change from hiking, The Farm at Prophetstown offers a chance to learn about 1920s farm life. The park also has camping and interpretive naturalist services. Its campground has 55 full-hookup sites and 55 electric sites.
If you’re planning to spend time in Lafayette as well, a one-day Lafayette itinerary can help you fit the park into a broader visit.
Choose a trail or outdoor activity
Prophetstown has trails for easy walks and more varied routes through prairie, forest and fen. Flood conditions can affect access to some trails.
Trail 1
This easy trail is 2.25 miles long and begins at the Meadow View family picnic parking lot.
Trail 2
This moderate 1.9-mile route passes through tallgrass prairie, forest and a fen.
Trail 3
The moderate 3.5-mile trail leads toward the confluence of the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers. It closes during flood events, and you can contact the park office for current trail status.
Trail 4
This easy trail is 2.1 to 3.2 miles long and closes during flood events.
For a paved option, a 3.5-mile bike and hiking trail begins near the gatehouse. Its trailhead parking lot accommodates 20 vehicles. The park also has accessible scenic viewpoints and a bicycle trail.
Parts of Trails 3 and 4 can flood. Don’t cross flooded areas or walk off trail to get around them; contact the park office for current conditions. Swimming and wading in the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers are prohibited within the park.
Check park access, hours and fees
Hours and conditions can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM–11 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The gate fee is charged per noncommercial vehicle and admits the driver and passengers. It is $8 for vehicles with Indiana plates and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates, including on holidays; park entry and Historic Prophetstown are included.
The aquatic center usually operates from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Monday. Admission is $5 per person, with children age 3 and younger admitted free.
Its hours may vary with weather, maintenance and lifeguard availability, so contact the park for exact hours. The center has a tube slide, body flume, lazy river float area, adventure channel, zero-entry pool with play features, and an aquatic activity area with basketball.
How do you get to Prophetstown State Park from Lafayette?
From Lafayette, follow the recommended approach via Exit 178 and State Road 43 north. Mapping services may give incorrect directions; don’t use State Road 225 to reach the park entrance.
Use 5545 Swisher Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906 as the park’s mapping address. The separate address at 4112 SR 225 E is for mail only.
The park is about a 17-minute drive from Economy Inn. You can browse rooms at Economy Inn - Lafayette.
FAQs
Where is Prophetstown State Park?
It is near Battle Ground, northeast of Lafayette, at the meeting point of the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers.
Can you swim in the rivers at Prophetstown?
No. Swimming and wading in the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers are prohibited within the park.
What is The Farm at Prophetstown?
It is a partner within the park where visitors can learn about 1920s farm life.