Lafayette, Indiana is a charming Midwestern city with a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The city was named after the French General Lafayette, who visited the city in 1825. Lafayette quickly became a thriving settlement, due, in part, to its strategic location along the Wabash River. The city continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and by the 1990s, it had become a major center for the manufacturing and agriculture industries.
Today, Lafayette is a thriving community with a population of just over 70,000 people. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area, an abundance of local festivals and numerous nearby outdoor attractions. Visitors can explore Lafayette's many shops and restaurants, catch a show at the historic Loeb Playhouse or enjoy a scenic hike along the Wabash Heritage Trail. Lafayette also hosts several popular annual events, including Festivals Acadien et Créoles and the TASTE of Tippecanoe.
The Tippecanoe County Courthouse is one of the most popular landmarks in the city. It was built in 1881 and is one of the most beautiful examples of Victorian architecture in the United States. The city is also home to Purdue University.
Visitors can find hiking and biking trails at Tippecanoe River State Park, an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Lafayette, or enjoy an afternoon at Wolf Park, which is 20 minutes to the northeast. For those in need of a more urban hike, the Wabash Heritage Trail offers 10 miles of scenic views along the riverfront. Families with children can explore one of Lafayette’s many farmer's markets or take a walk through Fountain Square Park, which features public art and fountains.
Campgrounds Near Lafayette, Indiana
AOK Campground is a popular spot with RVer passing through Fayetteville as the scenery is beautiful, the people are friendly, and the amenities are top-notch. After a long day of exploring the vicinity, you can enjoy a dip in the heated pool or stream a movie with the free Wi-Fi. The facility also offers laundry facilities, mail service, a convenience store and a dump station. Back-in and pull-through sites are both available, and pets are allowed.
Wolfe's Leisure Time Campground offers full-hookup RV sites that can accommodate 40-foot RVs and tent camping sites. Furthermore, there is a variety of amenities and activities to keep you entertained during your stay, including a recreational room, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and a camp store.
Big Fish'n Campground is a family-friendly campground that offers plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake, hold fishing competitions or explore the nearby hiking trails, Big Fish'n has something for you. With plenty of space for RVs, tents and more, the campground is also the perfect place for groups of all sizes.
State Parks Near Lafayette, Indiana
Prophetstown State Park is situated on the banks of the Wabash River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. It is a popular destination for RVers looking for hiking, camping and picnicking opportunities. Several trails wind through the park, and visitors can also enjoy the river by canoe or kayak.
Shades State Park near Crawfordsville, an hour southwest of Lafayette, is located in a region that is known for its large number of migratory birds. So, whether you're a serious bird-watcher or just someone who enjoys seeing new and different birds, Shades State Park is the perfect place for an RV bird-watching escapade. With your RV, you can stop at multiple areas along the trail to spot the beautiful feathery creatures.
An hour and five minutes southwest of Lafayette, Turkey Run State Park features so many things to do that you'll need more than just one day to enjoy everything it has to offer. Hiking is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery, or you can explore the park on horseback by renting a horse from the saddle barn. You can also camp overnight in the park to make sure you have plenty of time to see everything. Turkey Run State Park is a beautiful place to go RV camping as the campsites are well-equipped with electricity and water hookups.
National Sites Near Lafayette, Indiana
Pullman Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District in Cook County, Illinois. The district, which is an hour and 50 minutes northwest of Lafayette, includes the Pullman Factory Complex, which was used to manufacture railroad cars from 1867 to 1955, and the surrounding neighborhood, which was built in 1884 to house workers. The district is significant for its role in the labor history of the United States; it was the site of the 1894 Pullman Strike, a major conflict between workers and management.
Two hours and 55 minutes southwest of Lafayette, George Rogers Clark National Historical Park commemorates the life and accomplishments of George Rogers Clark, who led the American forces to victory in the Northwest Indian War. The park is located in Vincennes, Indiana on the site of Fort Sackville, where Clark captured the British fort in 1779. The park includes a visitor center with exhibits on Clark's life and the history of the Northwest Indian War. The park also has a re-created fort; a replica of Clark's keelboat; and a trail that leads to the Wabash River, where Clark and his men first arrived in the Northwest Territory.
The Lincoln Boyhood Memorial is a state park and national shrine located in Lincoln City, which is about three hours and 35 minutes south of Fayetteville. The memorial commemorates the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Lincoln was born in Kentucky but moved to Indiana when he was just seven years old. He lived in Indiana for 14 years until he left for Illinois at the age of 21. The memorial includes a museum with exhibits about Lincoln's life, a replica of the cabin where he lived as a boy and a monument with a statue of Lincoln. The memorial is a popular tourist destination, and it is also the site of the annual Lincoln Days celebration, which is held every February to commemorate Lincoln's birthday.
National Forests Near Lafayette, Indiana
Hoosier National Forest, located in south Indiana’s hills, approximately three hours south of Lafayette, is a beautiful place to unwind and reconnect with nature. With its variety of terrain, flora and wildlife, there are many opportunities to get away from it all. The forest contains numerous streams, lakes and reservoirs, which make it a perfect destination for anglers. There are also many campgrounds and opportunities for boondocking (dispersed camping). More than 260 miles of trails wander through the forest and are open to visitors for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest pays homage to the early settlers of the Hoosier National Park area. It includes an archaeology site and an 88-acre virgin old-growth forest.
Shawnee National Forest is located in Southern Illinois, about five hours southwest of Lafayette. Spanning over 280,000 acres, the forest features picturesque terrain ranging from hills and lakes to woodlands and rivers. Adventurous visitors can explore one of the many hiking trails. Rim Rock Trail is perfect for a short afternoon hike in spring whereas the Garden of Gods Trail System is ideal for those who want a longer hike deep in the wilderness. Shawnee National Forest is also home to several historical and cultural sites.
Wayne National Forest in Ohio spans over 800,000 acres and is located about four hours and 45 minutes southeast of Lafayette. It is home to many interesting rock shelters, bluffs and coves. These places are shelters for many rare plants and offer stunning views of the surrounding forest. The forest is also home to a 300-mile trail system, making it a favorite weekend destination for hikers of all levels. There are also several scenic lakes and rivers where you can go fishing or swimming. For those who like to camp, there are dozens of RV parks and campsites available for use.