Location: Lafayette
Top Things to do in Lafayette
5 Nature & Parks in Lafayette That You Shouldn't Miss
Lafayette is part college town, part natural landscape and part lively urban center. Across the Wabash River in West Lafayette, Purdue University draws a diverse young student population to the city. A walking tour of downtown Lafayette reveals a historic core of Victorian architecture, unique shops and public art. Nature abounds in the city and area parks, including Columbian Park, the Celery Bog wetlands, the Jerry E. Clegg Botanical Garden along Wildcat Creek and Wolf Park in Battle Ground.
Restaurants in Lafayette
1. Columbian Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By gignbite - Naperville, United States
The butterfly garden was closed, so we almost didn't go, but this zoo was great. The petting zoo with the goats was fun. Seeing a live eagle close up was really cool. Didn't know they look like they're wearing fancy pants. The wallaby walk-about was super neat. I wish I'd have heard the singing dogs sing. My son did some research on them afterwards and they have an interesting story. Great visit.
2. Haan Museum Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The Haan Museum Sculpture Garden is a wheelchair accessible path that meanders past 24 sculptures by Indiana artists. The sculptures are all made by Indiana artists, and include bronze figures by Tuck Langland; figures carved from rocks by Peter Rujuwa; figures and and other forms created from metal; a variety of forms made from clay; and glass. Animals carved from verdite create a safari search for young visitors (still very visible until the native grasses are tall enough to help hide them). The .2 mile long wheelchair accessible loop trail passes through the Theater Garden, giving wheelchairs access to that feature. The sculpture garden and adjoining nature trail are open to the public for free from dawn to dusk.
Reviewed By rsmithcando - Lafayette, United States
For as little as 15 minutes of your time (though you'll likely want to linger and enjoy) visitors to the Haan Museum Sculpture Garden can enjoy a surprising number of eclectic art pieces. Many include stories behind the pieces, making them more charming. The grounds themselves are lovely and the trail is easy. Highly recommended for quick refreshment even on a busy day.
3. Clegg Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Clegg Garden resides on the hillside overlooking state scenic waterway Wildcat Creek. The slopes feature a rare gravel hill prairie ecosystem. From creek side to hilltop elevation changes 100 feet, making for excellent hiking opportunity along the mile of trail. The looping trail meanders through oak woodland, gravel hill prairie, riparian corridor and savanna. Different seasons afford varying highlights. Spring woodland blooms dapple the understory, summer prairie and savanna wildflowers show off vibrant colors, fall leaf change presents a panoply of color in the forest canopy. Year round visitors see the striking landscape views from the many overlooks.
4. Columbian Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
A recreational oasis centrally located in Lafayette, historic Columbian Park has been the place to enjoy quality leisure time with family and friends over a century. Whether you want to cool off at the award-winning Tropicanoe Cove or observe some wildlife at Columbian Park Zoo, you will find that Columbian Park offers a vast array of fun attractions for people of all ages!
5. Murdock Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
