Lafayette and West Lafayette sit along opposite sides of the Wabash River. The area has a Native American, pioneer and transportation history. West Lafayette is home to Purdue University with an enrollment of 38,000. The metropolitan area is home to more than 91,000.
Purdue University's top ranked sports teams draw visitors to the area. Tours of the 2,000-acre campus reveal sculptures, gardens, fountains and historic buildings. The university's performance arts groups put on music, dance and theater productions year round. Purdue Convocations hosts Broadway shows and national tour acts on campus.
A pedestrian bridge connects the two downtowns where shopping, dining, art galleries, antique stores, and entertainment venues border the Wabash River. Trolley tours of this area are available. Lafayette's Farmers' Market runs May through October. West Lafayette has a concentration of shopping at Wabash Landing, Sagmore Parkway West, Tippecanoe Mall and Market Square Shopping Center.
Historic sites include Fort Ouiatenon. The Feast of the Hunter's Moon, which recreates 18th century life, is held at this French fort each October. The Historic Prophestown's museum at Prophetstown State Park features Native American history. Tippecanoe Battlefield is the National Historic Landmark site of 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe.
For outdoor adventure, camping, and biking and hiking trails are available at Prophetstown State Park. The 13-mile Wabash Heritage Trail follows the Wabash River from Tippecanoe Battlefield through both towns and Tapawingo Park. Canoeing and fishing are popular on the Wabash and Tippecanoe rivers and along Wildcat Creek. Several area golf courses, including one on the Purdue campus, offer 18 holes and driving ranges.
Lafayette and West Lafayette are located 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis. They are accessible via Interstate Highway 65 and U.S. Highway52/231. Lodging options include national chain hotels and bed and breakfasts in both cities.
