Lafayette Vacation Rentals

Whatever your culinary tastes are, they'll be catered for in Lafayette. One of the best fine dining options here is Bistro 501, serving French-inspired seasonal classics with an American twist. Another good option is Folie, a casually-appointed eatery which changes its menus regularly according to what's in season. International food also features heavily on Lafayette's menus, with Italian, Japanese, and Mexican eateries popular across the city.

If you're looking for classic fast food made with heart, then the highly-rated Triple XXX family restaurant in West Lafayette is hard to beat. Feast on old-school favorites like burgers, chicken fingers, or steaks, with sides of fries, onion rings, or cole slaw. Don't forget to leave room for dessert, as you won't be able to resist the banana splits and ice cream sundaes. If you decide to stay in for meals in your Lafayette accommodation, don't miss the weekly farmer's market, which runs on Saturday mornings during the summer in downtown Lafayette.

Lafayette has been known as a hub for Indiana's artistic community for over a century, so it's no surprise that the city has more than its fair share of museums and galleries. One of the best is the Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana Art, a 15,000-square foot mansion packed with paintings, ceramics, and furniture. The collection focuses primarily on the work of Indiana artists. As the mansion remains a private home, tours must be pre-booked through the official website.

Going a little further back in time is the Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum. It's located on the site of a battle between American forces and Native American tribes who opposed the settlement of their traditional lands. The museum contains an exhibition about the battle, including weapons and other artifacts from the period. Head outside later onto the battlefield where it all happened.

Lafayette is a family-friendly destination, with no shortage of activities to engage the younger members of the family. During the heat of the summer months, one must-do activity is a day out at Tropicanoe Cove in Columbian Park. The open-air water park is open between Memorial Day weekend and September. Everyone can enjoy a day of water rides, slides, and play areas. A more laid-back option is Castaway Bay in Armstrong Park, which includes a pool and beach-style area for swimming, playing, and simply relaxing.

The Columbian Park Zoo welcomes kids of all ages with a passion for animals. The collection features animals from the Americas and Australia, along with a butterfly garden and family farm where kids can get up close with goats, chickens, pigs, and miniature horses. Entry is free, and with a firm emphasis on conservation, kids will come away learning something on their visit.Families shouldn't miss a trip to the Imagination Station, Lafayette's interactive science museum. This center provides a variety of hands-on experiences and activities designed to inspire and excite young minds.

Lafayette's history dates back to the 1820s, but exploring the historic areas of town has become very much 21st century. Watch short webcasts online talking you through the history and main buildings within Lafayette's various neighborhoods, then explore them at your own pace. One of the best historical days out in the area is at The Farm at Prophetstown, a recreation of a typical 1920s farm. Get involved with feeding the animals, collecting eggs, and seeing how things were done down on the farm a century ago.

One of Lafayette's most popular green spaces is the Clegg Memorial Garden. The main attraction is the varied ecosystem, combining prairie, woodlands, and water all in a short distance. Follow the hiking trails, let the kids enjoy the natural play area, or do some fishing or birdwatching. There's lots going on no matter the time of year, but during the fall the changing colors of the trees, with the creek in the background, are nothing short of spectacular.