The city of Lafayette IN is full of lush nature,dazzling culture,rich history,and delicious food. It is also home to the famous Purdue University.
The city’s downtown area offers plenty of fantastic bars,restaurants and boutiques to explore. Moreover,it is also the home to Columbian Park Zoo.
Haan Mansion
Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana Art is a beautiful home and art museum that showcases art created by Indiana artists. The museum is housed in a historic structure that was originally the Connecticut Pavilion for the St. Louis World’s Fair of 1904. The building is one of 15 that survived and was built to be dismantled after the World’s Fair. The collection consists of ceramics,furniture,and paintings. The museum also houses the largest collection Hoosier Group paintings of TC Steele.
Bob and Ellie Haan bought the mansion in 1984 and began collecting art from Indiana artists. Soon,they realized they had an extensive collection of Indiana art and began to offer tours. In 2014,they expanded the collection to include Indiana ceramics. In addition to the incredible collection of paintings and ceramics,visitors can also enjoy a wooded nature trail and sculpture garden. This is a must-see place for any Indiana art lover.
Art Museum of Greater Lafayette
Art Museum of Greater Lafayette’s mission is to use collections,exhibitions and programs to demonstrate the power of art in inspiring,challenging and educating our community. Founded in 1909,the Museum began as the Lafayette Art Association with the purpose of “stimulating and encouraging interest in art by giving annual exhibitions and establishing and maintaining permanent collections.”
The Museum’s main gallery is home to rotating exhibitions,while a selection of works are always on view. Permanent collection galleries include Prisker Ceramics,Alice Baber Midwest Modern Art and Edward Stowe Akeley Collection. On the premises,there is also a Children’s Activity area and a Museum Store.
The gallery was small but interesting,with multiple galleries. The staff were friendly. Love the Indiana items in their gift shop. Also,they have a cute pig and frog in their parking lot. A great resource for the local community!
Fort Ouiatenon
In 1717,the French established a fur trading outpost along the Wabash River four miles southwest of Lafayette. They named it Ouiatenon,a transliteration of the Wea tribe’s name for their village across the river.
The site became a center of commerce and helped the French hold sway in what would become Indiana. The site was also used to prevent violence between Europeans and tribes.
A reconstructed fort marks the spot today. It is open for tours and hosts the Feast of the Hunter’s Moon each early autumn,a reenactment of a gathering between Native Americans and the French.
Fort Ouiatenon Park has a replica of a blockhouse. The architecture of the fort is based not on records but on what was actually there. It is a National Historic Landmark and the park’s curator says “it finally has the recognition it deserves.” The fort was rediscovered in 1967 when a farmer tilled a field and uncovered a charred outline of a palisade.
Murdock Park
Whether you’re moving to Lafayette to study at Purdue University or visiting on a weekend getaway,staying in one of the apartments for rent in the area will give you access to plenty of fun activities. Some are free,while others require a small fee.
The Greater Lafayette Museum of Art,located on 10th Street,has some amazing pieces. The museum also hosts a number of events that are free for the public to attend.
Those with kids can head over to Munger Park on Greenbush Street and take advantage of the park’s free annual Kids Fishing Day. This event allows kids three to 14 years old to go fishing at a special pond in the park. The park also offers a 1-mile paved trail,a picnic shelter,grill,multi-age playground,and open green space and wildflower areas. For those who want to fish,there is a pond (a fishing license is required). The park also has public restrooms.