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Lafayette is a city of about 70,000 people on the Wabash River in west-central Indiana, across the river from West Lafayette and Purdue University. Founded in 1825 and named after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, it grew as a river and canal port on the Wabash and Erie Canal.
The Tippecanoe County Courthouse, completed in 1884, is one of the grandest in Indiana, with a tall dome and statues on its exterior. The surrounding downtown has restored brick buildings, restaurants and the Long Center for the Performing Arts, and Riehle Plaza and the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge connect downtown with West Lafayette across the river.
Purdue University, known for engineering and as the alma mater of many astronauts, is a short walk over the bridge. Columbian Park has a zoo and water park, the Wabash Heritage Trail follows the river, and Tippecanoe Battlefield, where the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe was fought, is just north of the city.
An ornate 1880s courthouse in the center of downtown Lafayette, built of limestone with a tall dome, columns and dozens of carved statues and details. It is still a working courthouse, and visitors can see the rotunda on weekdays. The square around it is the heart of downtown and easy to walk.
The Gothic Revival cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana, completed in the 1860s, with a tall spire, stained glass windows and a richly decorated interior. Visitors are welcome outside service times. It sits a short walk from downtown and the courthouse square.
A riverfront plaza beside the Wabash River in downtown Lafayette, home to the restored Big Four railroad depot and the train station used by Amtrak. It is the start of the pedestrian bridge to West Lafayette and hosts summer concerts. It is a good place to begin a riverside walk.
A former railroad bridge over the Wabash River converted into a pedestrian and bike crossing between downtown Lafayette and West Lafayette. It offers wide views of the river and both downtowns, and it is especially nice at sunset. Access is from Riehle Plaza on the Lafayette side.
A walkable historic downtown around the courthouse square and Main Street, with restored brick buildings, independent restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques. Summer brings a farmers market and street events. Parking garages and meters are close by, and evenings are livelier on weekends.
A restored 1920s theater on Sixth Street in downtown Lafayette with an ornate interior, now hosting concerts, comedy, touring shows and local productions. It is one of the main performance venues in the area. Check the event calendar and buy tickets ahead for popular shows, which can sell out.
A regional art museum in a residential area near Columbian Park, focusing on American and Indiana art, with rotating exhibitions, a permanent collection and classes. Admission is usually free or by donation. Allow about an hour, and check the website for current exhibits and opening days.
An 1850s Gothic Revival mansion in Lafayette, now home of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association, with period rooms and exhibits on local history. The house is known for its decorative woodwork and ceilings. Tours are offered on limited days, so check the schedule before you visit.
A large historic city park in Lafayette with the free Columbian Park Zoo, a playground, a lagoon, the Tropicanoe Cove water park, sports fields and a memorial stadium used for baseball. It is the city's favorite family outing. Summer days are busy, and the zoo and pool keep seasonal hours.
A trail of about 13 miles following the Wabash River and Burnett Creek from Riehle Plaza north toward the Tippecanoe Battlefield. It passes woods, riverbanks and bridges and suits walking, running and biking on some sections. Parts can flood after heavy rain; start downtown for an easy shorter walk.
A historic park in Battle Ground, north of Lafayette, marking the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe between U.S. forces under William Henry Harrison and a confederation led by Tenskwatawa. It has a tall monument, a museum, trails along Burnett Creek and a nature center. Allow about two hours.
A long-running brewpub in a historic building on Main Street in downtown Lafayette, serving its own beers alongside burgers, sandwiches and pub dishes. Live music is often held upstairs. It is a relaxed place to eat after walking the courthouse square; weekend evenings are busy.
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Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
