Best Things to Do in Lafayette, Indiana

14/05/2023

27/02/2023

Wildcat Creek Winery

After all the sightseeing and outdoor activities, what better way to relax than with a refreshing glass of wine in hand. At the award-winning Wildcat Creek Winery, guests can sample sumptuous wines either in their tasting room or out on the terrace overlooking its gorgeous green gardens.

Founded by Rick and Kathy Black in 2008, the family-run winery occupies an antique old Hoosier farmhouse, just up the road from the Clegg Botanic Gardens. Named after the lovely little creek that winds its way nearby, it now has over a dozen handcrafted wines for you to try at its peaceful site.

As you try their tasty whites, reds and roses, a knowledgeable staff member will teach you about the wine-making process and what each one is best paired with. Afterwards, you can buy a bottle or two to take home from the gift shop which also sells locally-produced chocolates, cheeses and jams.

27/02/2023

Columbian Park Zoo

A firm favorite with families, Columbian Park Zoo is home to nearly two hundred mammals, birds and reptiles from every corner of the globe. Situated just a short walk or drive to the southeast of downtown, it also has a small petting zoo and exciting animal encounters for you to enjoy.

Established in 1908, its spacious enclosures and exhibits now house over 190 creatures both big and small of more than ninety different species. While ambling around, you can therefore see everything from playful otters and prairie dogs to cute owls, waddling penguins and giant Galapagos tortoises.

After seeing all the animals and exploring its magical butterfly garden, visitors can always make use of the adjacent park’s playgrounds, picnic areas and walking trails.

25/02/2023

Clegg Botanic Gardens

Yet another picture-perfect spot for you to hit up is the beautiful Clegg Botanic Gardens right on the northeastern limits of Lafayette. Overlooking Wildcat Creek, it has eight attractive little nature trails for visitors to hike along amidst its verdant woods, savannahs and prairies.

Originally the private country retreat of the Clegg family, the serene hillside gardens were opened to the public in 1965 in memory of their only son Jerry who had sadly died a few years earlier. Despite its smallish size, the park includes a number of landscapes with steep ravines and the swirling creek lying next to enormous old oaks and wildflower-filled meadows.

As such, the gorgeous gardens are a very pleasant place to spend some time in quiet reflection with stunning scenery and views on show wherever you look.

23/02/2023

Art Museum of Greater Lafayette

Home to lots of fantastic paintings, photos and sculptures, the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette lies just a stone’s throw from downtown. As well as displaying arresting artworks by local and national artists, it puts on loads of lectures, classes and concerts over the course of the year.

Established in 1909 to encourage an interest and appreciation for art in the area, its more than 1,500 artifacts and installations now occupy a purpose-built museum just southeast of the center. While it mostly focuses on 19th, 20th and 21st century American art from Indiana and the surrounding states, amazing Inuit carvings and intriguing works by Mexican artists also feature.

After strolling about its light and airy galleries and taking in all its striking landscapes and portraits, you can pass by the gift shop and pick up some delightful handmade souvenirs.