Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in Indiana? Head to West Lafayette! Explore top-tier museums, lively college town energy, scenic parks, and vibrant dining scenes. Whether you’re chasing outdoor adventures, Big Ten sports, or charming cafes, West Lafayette offers small-town warmth with big-time experiences.
West Lafayette, IN Highlights:
- Purdue University: Tour a top-ranked campus packed with art, history, gardens, and sporting events.
- Celery Bog Nature Area: Stroll scenic trails, birdwatch, and immerse yourself in wetland beauty.
- Samara House: Step inside this meticulously preserved Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian home.
- Wabash Heritage Trail: Hike or bike along the Wabash River on this scenic, historic trail.
- Columbian Park Zoo: Visit family-friendly exhibits, splash pads, and gardens just across the river in Lafayette.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit West Lafayette is during spring and fall (April–May and September–October). Expect pleasant weather for campus tours, outdoor recreation, and attending lively Purdue University events and football games.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: West Lafayette sits along I-65, about 1 hour from Indianapolis and 2 hours from Chicago.
- By Bus: Greyhound and shuttle services connect West Lafayette to major cities like Chicago and Indianapolis.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Cardinal line stops in nearby Lafayette, with easy taxi or rideshare access to West Lafayette.
Where I like to stay
- Union Club Hotel – Chic, boutique hotel right on Purdue’s campus blending history with modern luxury.
- Hilton Garden Inn West Lafayette Wabash Landing – Convenient downtown stay near dining, shopping, and Purdue University.
- Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette – Full-service hotel with indoor/outdoor pools, minutes from campus and parks.
Best Things to Do
1. See a performance at Purdue University
Purdue University in the town of West Lafayette is the Purdue University system’s flagship campus and a college for public research.
Established in 1868, the university was named after John Purdue, who donated money and land to create a college of agriculture, technology, and science. Purdue is now part of the nation's Big Ten Conference and has eighteen intercollegiate teams. The university is also associated with thirteen Nobel Prizes and has alumni that include twenty-five American astronauts.
Along with touring the grounds, visitors and locals alike can attend one of the many sporting events or arts performances on campus.
610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, Phone: 765-494-4600
2. Visit the Samara House
Known also as the John E. Christian House, the Samara House was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is an excellent example in West Lafayette of the Usonian homes he designed.
The home was built between 1954 and 1956 and John E. Christian, the original owner, lived here until he passed away in 2015.
The Samara House is named for the samara Wright found on the property, and was designed primarily to entertain students and faculty of Purdue University, featuring a living room built for fifty people and enough room on the stairs for people to sit.
1301 Woodland Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906, Phone: 765-409-5522
3. Watch a game at the Ross-Ade Stadium
The Ross-Ade Stadium is a unique and quaint stadium that has served as the home stadium of the Purdue Boilermakers since the middle of the 1920’s.
The football stadium is named in tribute to David Ross and George Ade, two alumni of Purdue University who helped financially in the building of the new stadium. The actual field, however, is named RohrmanField. Both local residents of West Lafayette and visitors alike who love a good football game can attend one of the Boilermakers games during the football season and get a taste of the college football festivities and excitement.
850 Steven Beering Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906
4. Spend an evening at the Mackey Arena
Another sports facility on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, the Mackey Arena is home to the basketball teams of the university, as well as occasionally hosts wrestling and volleyball home matches.
The Mackey Arena Complex project was the most significant and comprehensive facility undertaking in the athletics history of Purdue University, bringing the campus landmark of more than forty years into the twenty-first century, while also still preserving its rich tradition and history. The concourse of Mackey Arena was almost tripled in size and more premium and accessible seating was added, along with three club spaces.
900 John R. Wooden Dr, West Lafayette, IN 47906
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Have a burger at Triple XXX Family Restaurant
Triple XXX Family Restaurant, founded back in 1929, is the oldest drive-in in the state of Indiana and has been featured on the popular television show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.
It has also been awarded having the “best burger in Indiana” by USA Today. The Triple XXX Family Restaurant offers one hundred-percent sirloin burgers made fresh every day, hand-cut grilled pork tenderloins, and pulled pork barbecue. Breakfast is also served all day and the real ice cream shakes and original Triple XXX caffeine-free, gluten-free, premium root beer with pure cane sugar is still around today for customers to enjoy.
2 N Salisbury St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, Phone: 765-743-5373
6. Pick up a snack at the West Lafayette Farmers Market
The West Lafayette Farmers Market can be found in Cumberland Park on Wednesdays from 3:30pm until 7:00pm between the month of May and the month of October.
The farmers market in West Lafayette, Indiana consists of a wide array of vendors offering baked goods, crafts, fresh produce, and many other items. The selection of products available at the market changes every week. Guests can enjoy live music and wines for local wineries as they explore the variety of items available for purchase, which include herb plants, vegetables, honey, flowers, popcorn, breads, and even dog treats among much more.
3065 N Salisbury St, West Lafayette, IN 47906, Phone: 765-775-5110
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
7. See a performance at the Elliott Hall of Music
The Elliott Hall of Music in West Lafayette lies on the campus of Purdue University and serves as the university’s live performance theater.
The theater’s main claim to fame is that it happens to be one of the world’s largest proscenium theaters, larger than the famous Radio City Music Hall. The music hall’s stage is also one of the country’s largest, roughly equaling the size of Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. The Elliott Hall of Music is used for Hall of Music productions and is also the home of the Purdue Orchestras and Bands and the Purdue All-American Marching Band.
712 3rd St, West Lafayette, IN 47907, Phone: 765-494-3920
8. Have a meal at Nine Irish Brothers
The Nine Irish Brothers is a traditional, award-winning Irish pub with locations in Indianapolis and West Lafayette, Indiana.
This local family owned and managed eatery offers a wide selection of spirits with its full bar and premium Irish fare. Menu options at Nine Irish Brothers range from steaks to fresh salads to several Irish classics, such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Guinness Stew.
The pub has been named as the “Best Irish Pub in Indiana” by Buzzfeed and Yelp, along with being named the "Irish Pub Worth Traveling For in Indianapolis” by TripAdvisor.
119 Howard Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906, Phone: 765-746-4782
9. See a show at the Slayter Center of Performing Arts
Located on the campus of Purdue University, the Slayter Center of Performing Arts is a striking outdoor amphitheater, nestled within an arboretum.
The center is surrounded by gently sloping lawns which perfectly lend themselves to relaxed outdoor seating (you can bring your own chairs or throw down a picnic blanket). The popular event venue can accommodate up to 20,000 concert-goers. The center has been carefully designed to make the best use of the surrounding landscape and boasts excellent acoustics. It was modeled on the famous stone circle of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. During spring, summer and autumn the center hosts many concerts, dances and outdoor movies.
Slayter Center of Performing Arts, 1200 W. Stadium Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906, 765 494 3933
10. Enjoy a romantic date at McGraw's Steak Chop and Fish House
McGraw's Steak Chop and Fish House, located within a 200-year-old historic building in West Lafayette, provides riverside views combined with candles and ambient lighting for a warm and intimate dining atmosphere and a timber-themed interior.
Popular dishes at the locally owned and operated restaurant include the seared scallops, filet mignon, French onion soup, the shrimp martini, the crispy shoestring onions, and for those with a sweet tooth, the creme brulee. The food McGraw's Steak Chop and Fish House is complemented by an extensive wine list, as well as award-winning service and a fine dining, yet simple dining environment.
2707 S River Rd, West Lafayette, IN 47906, Phone: 765-743-3932
My favorite local events:
- Feast of the Hunters’ Moon (October) – Historical reenactments and festivities celebrating 18th-century life at Fort Ouiatenon.
- Purdue Spring Fest (April) – Family-friendly science exhibits, games, and campus fun at Purdue University.
- Stars & Stripes Celebration (July) – Independence Day fireworks, food vendors, and live music at Riehle Plaza.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of West Lafayette, Indiana:
- Prophetstown State Park (10–15 min) – Hike prairie trails, visit the historic farmstead, or splash at the aquatic center.
- Wolf Park (20–25 min) – Tour a unique conservation facility and observe wolves, foxes, and bison up close.
- Downtown Lafayette (5–10 min) – Explore art galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, and murals just across the river.
- Tippecanoe Battlefield Park (20–25 min) – Discover early American history at the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe.
- Wea Creek Orchard (20–25 min) – Pick apples, pumpkins, or enjoy fresh cider at this scenic, family-owned orchard.
- Fort Ouiatenon Historic Park (10–15 min) – Explore the reconstructed 18th-century trading post by the Wabash River.
Plan Your Trip