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Lafayette News Daily

Student hangouts, local breweries, and West Lafayette gems. Weekly updates on the best food, nightlife, and events in Tippecanoe County's college town.

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The short answerUpdated Aug 6, 2026

Lafayette and West Lafayette face each other across the Wabash River, with Purdue University driving the energy on one side and a historic downtown on the other. Eat downtown, cross the river for campus, and add the zoo or a riverside trail. It is an easy day with two distinct halves.

Known for
Purdue University, historic Lafayette downtown, Wabash River, Columbian Park Zoo, West Lafayette campus scene
Best for
college town visits, game day plans, family outings, downtown days
Purdue Universityhistoric Lafayette downtownWabash RiverColumbian Park ZooWest Lafayette campus sceneWest LafayetteDelphiWest CentralThings to doFoodHidden gemsEvents

Things to Do Near Lafayette

More nearby ideas

These carry a day: the Purdue campus, Columbian Park Zoo, the Wabash Heritage Trail, and downtown's shops and galleries.

Frankfort, Indiana Water Park

What’s it like in Frankfort, Indiana?

From the Hot Dog Festival to Case Arena to Glover's Ice Cream, Frankfort packs serious character into Clinton County. Here's the full breakdown.

Cheyne Reiter

Spend the Night Behind Bars at the Old Jail Inn in Rockville

Spend the Night Behind Bars at the Old Jail Inn in Rockville

Sleep behind bars on purpose at the Old Jail Inn in Rockville, an 1879 Parke County jail turned bed and breakfast with real cells and a wine tasting room.

Taylor Huff

Mississinewa Lake: The Conservation Mindset

Mississinewa Lake: The Conservation Mindset

Mississinewa Lake near Peru has Indiana's biggest state park beach, 472 campsites, and the powerful story of Frances Slocum. Allison has the full guide.

Allison Martin

Celery Bog: Why Birders From Across the Midwest Drive to West Lafayette

Celery Bog: Why Birders From Across the Midwest Drive to West Lafayette

Celery Bog in West Lafayette is a top Indiana birding spot with trails, wetlands, wildlife, 260 recorded species, and local history.

Jarred Porter

Where to Eat in Lafayette

More food nearby

Downtown Lafayette and the village near campus hold most of the food. Use the picks to match the meal to which side of the river you are on.

The Best Breaded Tenderloin in Indiana? Go Inside Mecca Tavern

The Best Breaded Tenderloin in Indiana? Go Inside Mecca Tavern 

Between Rockville and Clinton, Indiana sits Mecca Tavern, home to one of Indiana's most beloved breaded tenderloins.

Destany Long

Wolf's Fine Chocolates: A Sweet Spot in Attica, Indiana

Wolf's Fine Chocolates: A Sweet Spot in Attica, Indiana

Wolf's Fine Chocolates in Attica has been crafting handmade candy since the 1940s. Discover this Indiana hidden gem with treats that have literally been to space.

Taylor Huff

Boilerhouse Prime: A New Fine Dining Destination in West Lafayette

Boilerhouse Prime: A New Fine Dining Destination in West Lafayette

Discover Boilerhouse Prime, West Lafayette’s new fine dining steakhouse inside Purdue’s Pete Dye Clubhouse. Prime steaks, Wagyu, raw bar, 450 wines, and a refined golf-inspired atmosphere.

Shelby Zellmer

Wedgewood Brewing Co – Middlebury’s Music Bar

Wedgewood Brewing Co – Middlebury’s Music Bar

Craft brews, bold bites, and live music make Wedgewood Brewing Co in Middlebury a must-stop hidden gem for foodies and music lovers.

Taylor Huff

Browse all Lafayette coverage

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Common questions about Lafayette

Written to answer the thing you actually searched for, not to pad the page.

Purdue University across the river in West Lafayette, the historic Lafayette downtown, the Wabash River running between them, Columbian Park Zoo, and the campus scene that sets the tempo for both sides.

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