KATHY LAFUSE, ABR, CRS

Lafayette Indiana Area Real Estate

Lafayette Area Guide

The town of Lafayette, Indiana is a thriving community where you can always find something fun to do. The Lafayette-West Lafayette area is separated into three booming districts, each offering its own flavor of attractions and events: the Wabash Riverfront, Chauncey Village, and Arts & Market districts. In addition to downtown excitement, Lafayette also offers welcoming neighborhoods and excellent schools. Enjoy outdoor family activities year-round, from ice skating in the winter at Riverside Skating Center, to fishing in the summer at one of the many parks in and around town. Lafayette, Indiana…“there’s always something to see and do!” For more detailed information on Lafayette, visit http://downtownlafayettewestlafayette.com/default.htm or http://www.homeofpurdue.com.

History

The first inhabitants of the area that came to be known as Lafayette, Indiana were the Ouiatenon or Weas Indians, a tribe from Miami. In 1717, Fort Ouiatenon was established by the French government three miles south of present-day Lafayette. This fort became a trade center for fur trappers, merchants, and Indians. In 1825, a trader named William Digby mapped out and founded Lafayette, and it was deemed county seat of Tippecanoe County. The town was named after General Lafayette of the French military who was a great ally to the American Army in the Revolutionary War.

Its location on the Wabash River helped Lafayette to quickly develop into a shipping center. Henry Leavitt Ellsworth promoted settlement of the area and had purchased more than 90,000 acres by 1845. Ellsworth became president of the Tippecanoe County Agricultural Society in 1851. Lafayette’s current Ellsworth Historic District and Ellsworth Street were both named in his honor.

Lafayette’s ranking of regional importance grew greater with the development of the Wabash and Erie Canal in the 1840s and the installation of the railroad in the 1850s.

Another historic event for which Lafayette is known is its being the first official site of air mail delivery in the United States. This first historic attempt was made in 1859 by the launching of a hot-air balloon from the Lafayette courthouse property.

Activities and Attractions

There are so very many things to do in and around Lafayette, we can’t possibly list them all! We’ve highlighted a handful of area attractions below. For more comprehensive lists, visit one of these websites:

Downtown Lafayette Attractions
click here for more information

Lafayette/West Lafayette Attractions
click here for more information

Museums
http://www.lafayette-online.com/arts/museums/

Pools
http://www.lafayette-online.com/recreation/pools/

Columbian Park Zoo
Home to almost 80 different animal species, this zoo features year-round events for the whole family. Consider having your next event at the zoo!
http://www.lafayette.in.gov/zoo/

Exploration Acres
You don’t find this in just any town…an 8-mile-long maze made out of corn! Five separate maze experiences all wrapped up into one great way to spend the day!
http://www.explorationacres.com/

Imagination Station
“Lafayette’s own science, space, and technology center for kids!”
http://www.imagination-station.org/

Tropicanoe Cove Family Aquatic Center
Get a taste of the tropics right here in Indiana! Take the whole family for a day of fun in the sun tubing and swimming…“make a splash!”
click here for more information

Wabash and Erie Canal Park
Take a trip back in time and gain a new appreciation for the pioneers who settled Lafayette. A fun, educational experience for young and old!
click here for more information

Parks and Recreation

There are literally dozens of beautiful, lush parks in and around the Lafayette area. Many play host to a wide assortment of team sports. Whether you are a serious sportsman looking to better your game, or a recreational weekend adventurer, you don’t have to look far to find facilities to suit your needs. Bring the family out for day after day of discovery at one of the local parks near you! For a detailed listing of the parks in your area, visit http://www.homeofpurdue.com/lafayetteparks.html.

Events

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, you will find plenty going on in downtown Lafayette. “It’s happening downtown!”

Annual Festivals
click here for more information

Journal and Courier Calendar of Events
click here for more information

Lafayette Festivals and Feasts
click here for information

Tippecanoe Arts Federation Events
click here for more information

WLFI Community Events Calendar
click here for more information