Lafayette Travel Guide

Lafayette is situated in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis. West Lafayette, across the Wabash River, houses Purdue University, which has a huge influence on both communities. The city features a couple of venues for arts and entertainment including museums, theaters, the Tippecanoe County Historical Association and the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Lafayette

Lafayette’s major points of interests are the Ninth Street Hill Historic District, Lafayette Farmer’s Market, Tippecanoe Battlefield and the Art Museum. Various community events include; A Taste of Tippecanoe (Mid June), Indiana Fiddlers’ Gathering (June), Colt World Series (August), The Feast of the Hunters’ Moon (September/October) and First Edition’s Haunted Feargrounds (October).

Nature aficionados visiting Lafayette will be pleased with several parks and gardens such as Jerry E Clegg Botanic Garden, Horticultural Gardens at Purdue University, Wolf Park, Prophetstown State Park and Columbian Park and Zoo. Music lovers will be provided with various cultural institutions such as the Bach Chorale Singers, Lafayette Citizens Band, Lafayette Music League, Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and the Opera de Lafayette.

Lafayette attractions

Long Center for the Performing Arts: houses the Mars Theater, built by local residents in 1920, an important sample of Neo-Classical design.

Ninth Street Hill Historic District: by 1849, this street ran straight through the town and is flanked by elegant mansions which are now restored and revitalized.

Lafayette Farmers’ Market: open from May to October, this market has existed for more than 165 years and is filled with fresh garden flowers, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and honey and jams.

Columbian Park Zoo: home to more than 120 animals of 49 different species, the zoo presents a range of education programs.

Vermilionville: explore this reconstruction of a Cajun community which also provides insight into the early Creoles.

Acadian Culture Center: explores the Cajuns through films and artifacts.

Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium: takes you on a journey through the city’s history, presenting interesting art and craft works.