Lafayette

About Lafayette

Lafayette is the county seat of Tippecanoe County located 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Just across the Wabash River in West Lafayette is famed Purdue University, which enlivens every aspect of life in both towns. Lafayette is home to more than 70,000 people who enjoy its urban/small-town mix.

The family-friendly city has great schools, a variety of parks, a dynamic business community, and a lively downtown on the banks of the Wabash.

Lafayette History

Miami Native Americans were early residents along the Wabash River until European fur traders arrived. The French established Fort Ouiatenon in the early-1700s just south of present-day West Lafayette.

For more than 50 years now, an annual event called Feast of the Hunters’ Moon re-enacts the autumn gathering of the French and Native Americans along the banks of the Wabash. Lafayette was founded by William Digby in 1825 and named for Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War ally of George Washington. Lafayette has prospered thanks to the navigable Wabash River, the Erie Canal coming through in 1843, and the railroad in 1853.

Living and Working in Lafayette

Lafayette balances historic preservation with an eye toward an even more prosperous future. Startups and entrepreneurs have an array of resources to aid in making their ideas a reality.

While Purdue University is one of the largest employers, its reach extends beyond education by attracting innovative companies in manufacturing, technology, health care, and the sciences. Subaru of Indiana, Caterpillar, IU Health, and Evonik Labs are just a few more of the Lafayette’s major employers.

There is a wide range of options when it comes to housing. From downtown apartments to historic homes and row houses to new construction, with price points to suit any budget. The overall cost of living in Lafayette is below the national average, as are the housing costs whether you rent or own.

Downtown Lafayette

Lafayette’s beautiful downtown dates to the town’s origins. Today, it’s a diverse and dynamic place for festivals, nightlife, live music, dining, historic architecture, museums, art galleries, and shopping the weekly farmers’ market.

Upper stories have been converted to living quarters while ground floors house boutiques and small businesses.

The landmark Tippecanoe County Courthouse can’t be missed, and there’s usually something fun going in the courthouse square and Riehle Plaza.

Lafayette Historic Districts

Surrounding Downtown are many more historic districts providing a range of living options, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Centennial is among the oldest, with homes dating from the 1840s to 1920s. Columbian Park has a wonderful zoo plus kit houses manufactured in the early 20th century by Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Ward.

In Ellsworth-Romig, you’ll find a variety of 19th century architecture, plus two early apartment buildings constructed in 1900 and 1906.

Highland Park offers Victorians among other vintage architectural styles, and it’s great for families who still gather at the triangular park.

Ninth Street Hill District dates to 1841, and offers homes built over the course of a century, from the 1850s to the 1950s.

In Perrin, the first residential planned community in Lafayette, you’ll find Murdock Park, long celebrated for wintertime sledding.

St. Mary’s Historic District was named for the cathedral and includes homes built from the 1860s.

Things to do in Lafayette

There is so much to do in Lafayette. Visit Columbian Park Zoo, ride the Wabash Heritage Trail, kayak Wildcat Creek, walk the Chartres Labyrinth on Meyer’s Pedestrian Bridge over the Wabash River. Lafayette loves to celebrate, and there are festivals year-round downtown or just across the Wabash in Tapawingo Park.

Lyboult Sports Park is a great place for athletics. On the culture front, Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, Long Center for the Performing Arts, and Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette are just a few options. North of town is Tippecanoe County Amphitheater Park and Prophetsown State Park, as well as the Tippecanoe Battlefield Memorial.

Lafayette Schools

Lafayette School Corporation operates the public schools and aims to nurture, inspire, and empower students for the 21st century. Sciences, languages, the arts, media, and athletics are just an example of the enhanced curriculum and award-winning opportunities for Lafayette students. In addition to Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ivy Tech Community College has a campus in Lafayette.

Lafayette Transportation

Local bus service in Lafayette is operated by CityBus, and the city is bicycle-friendly. Both Greyhound and Amtrak stop in town. For those needing to travel by car, there’s Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 52. Shuttle service is available to both Indianapolis and O’Hare international airports.

Lafayette is a dynamic city with a rich history, a thriving community, and a variety of year-round recreational activities to enjoy. With its diverse housing options, excellent schools, and convenient transportation, Lafayette is a fantastic place to live, work, and play.