CITY SPOTLIGHT:

YOUR GUIDE TO Lafayette, Indiana

tree in bloom in Lafayette

Know Before You Go: About Lafayette

This city's well-preserved past catches up with modern life in its gorgeous downtown. Find out what else you need to know before you go.

Would you like to spend some time in a vibrant place that has plenty of cultural activities and some killer pizza? Then head to a college town. Lafayette, Indiana, has Purdue University to thank for some of its energy and attractions, but this historical gem isn't overrun by students. You can look forward to enjoying some good old-fashioned Hoosier hospitality in Lafayette.

Lmild and Wet in Lafayette

When it comes to weather, Lafayette has few extremes. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter, but blizzards and blazing heat waves aren't common. You can expect temperatures between about 20 and 40 degrees in winter; between the 30s and 60s in spring; summer tops out in the mid-80s; and fall temperatures typically hit the 50s and 60s. Snow flurries are common in winter, but it's rare for Lafayette to get a huge snowstorm. Summer is the rainiest time of year.

Tippecanoe and Family Fun, Too

You can step back in time in Lafayette by visiting SAMARA, a home designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright; and by visiting the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum, where future President William Henry Harrison led U.S. troops in a battle against a confederacy of Native American tribes in 1811. Lafayette's Columbian Park Zoo offers plenty of programs for little ones, and Purdue University has several interesting places to explore, including its art galleries and a self-guided walking tour of the horticulture on campus—the Purdue Arboretum offers trail maps. The Lafayette area is also home to many antique shops, golf courses, wineries and breweries.

Boilermakers Make Big Bucks

Purdue University is the area's largest employer, by far. You can expect to see people walking around decked out in the school colors of black and gold, as the university has more than 15,000 employees. Subaru is the next-largest employer in Lafayette—its plant employs about 3,700 workers. Two major industrial manufacturers, Wabash National and Caterpillar, operate plants in the area as well.

La-Fly-Ette: Getting Into Town

Lafayette is right off of Interstate 65, so it's easily accessible if you're driving from Indianapolis or Chicago. Or you can fly into Indianapolis International Airport, which is about 65 miles southeast of Lafayette and is served by most major domestic airlines. From there, you can rent a car or book a seat on the Star of America shuttle, which runs multiple trips between the airport and Lafayette daily. Amtrak and Greyhound also have stations in Lafayette; and if you don’t have a car, you can get around town on the public CityBus system.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Lafayette.

Things to Do in Lafayette

Dotted with sprawling parks, farmland and historic battlefields, Lafayette will keep you busy with some of these must-see attractions.