What You Can Do Around Purdue!

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    When I first visited Purdue with my family, I remember being worried while driving to campus. We kept getting closer, but there was no city or large town center popping up, just trees and fields. Coming from a big city near mountains, I was not sure about what there was to do or see around Purdue because there is not much within walking distance of campus. But during my time here, I have learned that even though West Lafayette may seem quaint and rural, there is always something to fill your time. Here is a list of some of the popular and lesser known things to do around campus or nearby in Indiana.

The Lafayette Farmers Market

    With the city of Lafayette only a bridge away from campus, many students spend their Saturdays at the Lafayette Farmers Market. The market always hosts local vendors, selling a vast array of products. You can stop in for some fresh baked goods, cute succulents for your dorm, and even live music. With all of the buses to and from Lafayette every day that are free to students, it is a simple and fun activity. Plus it is a great opportunity to access things you would normally have to drive a while to get!

Riverside Skating Center

    The fun doesn’t end when the weather gets cold! With an ice skating rink right off campus, you can still do fun outdoor activities even in the winter. The Riverside Skating Center is open most of the winter, and skate rentals are only $3 for students so it is the perfect way to spend an evening when you have been stuck indoors and need a fun study break. The skating center is a very popular spot among students, if you’re not going with friends, there are lots of club and residence organizations that will arrange group events there.


Turkey Run and Indiana Dunes

On top of having many trails and parks around campus, Purdue is also within 1.5 hours of two state parks. Lots of students and Purdue clubs will take trips to Turkey Run and the Indiana Dunes throughout the year to do things like camp, hike, fish, canoe, bike, and so much else. The Purdue Outing Club is one of the largest organizations on campus, and has many trips every year to these parks and others like them. So even if you don’t have a car, you can find a ride through organizations like the Outing Club. Every student has easy access to exploration and adventure.


Lazy Cat Lounge

    For all of the cat people on campus, and those needing a furry friend, the Lazy Cat Lounge is the perfect place to go. With many students being away from their pets at home, or not being able to own one on campus, this cat cafe is the perfect place to stop in, grab a coffee, and get a serotonin boost from the cute and friendly cats running around.

Natalie’s Dog Shelter

    And for those who prefer dogs to cats, you don’t have to miss out on the company of a furry friend because there is a dog shelter right off campus that allows students to walk and play with their dogs and puppies. Take a short walk from Purdue’s campus to Natalie’s Dog Shelter to brighten your and some cute dogs’ days.

Lafayette Museums

    Although Lafayette is small, it is home to multiple museums for students to visit. There are two art museums, with pieces from the local Lafayette area and Indiana as a whole, as well as a historical mansion and museum within a block of each other. The historical mansion is a great spot to learn about Purdue’s history and sit down for a nice meal with a unique environment. As engineering students, it can be nice to take a break from STEM subjects to learn about new topics and explore other interests like art and history.

Indianapolis

    You’re not out of luck when you cannot find something in West Lafayette because Purdue is only an hour away from the city of Indianapolis and 2.5 hours from Chicago. With so many buses and a train running from West Lafayette or Lafayette to Indianapolis or Chicago, like Amtrak, Greyhound, and more local companies, it is easy to make a day, or weekend, trip to see a concert, watch a Pacers game, visit an amusement park, or go shopping.

    From hiking to petting cats and drinking coffee, there are so many things to fill your time with in and around West Lafayette. Don’t let the small town vibe fool you, there will never be a dull moment during your time at Purdue!


Madison Meunier, ChE '27

Recruitment Project Committee


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