Lafayette

Lafayette and West Lafayette offer small-town charm

By Arriel Vinson

The Wabash River passes through both Lafayette and West Lafayette, two historic Indiana cities. Lafayette was founded in 1825, with West Lafayette being founded about 35 years later. West Lafayette has about 42,000 residents on top of Lafayette’s 71,000 residents. Home to Purdue University, these cities are bustling with popular attractions, students and plenty of things to do. 

Lodging

Union Club Hotel

101 North Grant St.

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-494-8900

union.purdue.edu/hotel

Located at Purdue’s Memorial Union, the Union Club Hotel offers 200 rooms, which includes eight luxury suites and 60 deluxe rooms. The Union Club Hotel also offers family rates, along with a hotel restaurant and shuttle. The hotel even offers entertainment at Union Rack & Roll, featuring bowling and billiards fun. Explore the historic campus while enjoying a well-serviced stay.  

Prophetstown State Park

5545 Swisher Road (Main Gate Entrance)

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-567-4919

in.gov/dnr/parklake/2971.htm

If you want to camp out, the Prophetstown State Park offers hiking, fishing, wildlife observation and birding. Established in 2004, the park is home to native wildflowers and wetlands. In the warmer seasons, campers can enjoy the Aquatic Park. The location of Prophetstown State Park allows guests to explore nature then visit some nearby attractions, less than 10 miles out. 

Hilton Garden Inn West Lafayette Wabash Landing

356 East State St. 

West Lafayette, Indiana, 47906

765-743-2100

hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com 

The Hilton Garden Inn promises comfort. With more than 100 rooms and suites, guests are able to enjoy everything from evening room service to an indoor heated pool. The Hilton Garden Inn offers bed and breakfast, family fun or romance packages. It is within five miles of West Lafayette’s most popular attractions and is four blocks away from Purdue University. 

Dining

Harry’s Chocolate Shop

329 West State St.

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-743-1467

harryschocolateshop.com

Founded in 1919, Harry’s Chocolate Shop is a family business. The restaurant and bar boasts as the number one gathering place for Purdue students and alumni. Their menu items range from burgers to 10-inch pizzas, and they offer a variety of beers and liquors. 

Lafayette Brewing Co. 

622 Main St.

Lafayette, Indiana 47901

765-742-2591

lafbrew.com

Lafayette Brewing Co. is located in the heart of downtown Lafayette. Founded in 1993, they produce all of their house beers on a custom-built, 7-barrel brew house. LBC has a family-friendly environment, with a menu offering kids’ meals as well as starters, sandwiches and burgers for adults. 

Triple XXX Family Restaurant 

2 N. Salisbury

West Lafayette, Indiana 47906

765-743-5373

triplexxxfamilyrestaurant.com

This family restaurant is Indiana’s first and oldest drive-in, founded in 1929. Triple XXX Family Restaurant offers shakes, burgers, desserts and an all-day breakfast menu. It sits on Chauncey Hill, a short distance from Purdue University.

La Scala

312 Main St.

Lafayette, Indiana 47901

765-420-8171

www.lascalaitalianrestaurant.com

Family-owned La Scala has been in business for more than 15 years in downtown Lafayette, serving Italian dishes. La Scala uses local producers to offer fresh, savory Italian classics, cooking orders by scratch. The restaurant has a full bar but is also family-friendly.

Attractions:

Purdue University

610 Purdue Mall

West Lafayette, Indiana 47907

765-494-4600

purdue.edu

Known for engineering, Purdue University is one of West Lafayette’s most prized treasures. Visitors can explore the historic campus by attending public events, such as exhibitions or plays. College sports fans can catch a game of men’s or women’s basketball in the Mackey Arena. Some of Purdue’s well-known landmarks include the 160-foot Purdue Bell Tower and the Purdue Mall Fountain, which runs from April to October. 

Art Museum of Greater Lafayette

102 South 10th St.

Lafayette, Indiana 47905

765-742-1148

www.artlafayette.org

Founded in 1909, the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette’s mission is to “celebrate the power of art to inspire, instruct, challenge and build community through collections, exhibitions, events, educational and cultural programs.” Artists featured at the museum are both local and worldwide, offering both temporary and permanent exhibits. The museum also hosts monthly music events, as well as art courses. 

Tippecanoe Battlefield Park

200 Battle Ground Ave.

Battle Ground, Indiana 47920

765-567-2147

tippecanoehistory.org

The Tippecanoe Battlefield monument marks the November 7, 1811, Battle of Tippecanoe. The attraction is a national historic landmark, with its park spanning 96 acres. Visitors can explore the site’s museum, complete with maps and exhibits, or go hiking and enjoy a picnic at the park. 

Imagination Station

600 N. 4th Street

Lafayette, Indiana 47901 

765-420-7780

www.imagination-station.org

The Imagination Station is a volunteer-run education center for children to get familiar with science, technology and engineering. At the Imagination Station, children can be hands-on with activities and interactive exhibits. Events are hosted each month as well as recurring monthly programs for children and families.  I