The West Lafayette center is approximately the area of Purdue University and the area of Lafayette Amtrak Station.
The weather of this college town has four defined seasons. The winters are chilly, and the summers are steamy. Temperatures from April through May and September through November are mild in the afternoons but cool in the mornings. Summer months are warm with some record-breaking days with highs near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter days are cold with highs averaging in the 30s from December through February. The rainiest months in West Lafayette are May, June, and July with an average of 10 wet days each month. Snowfall peaks in December and January.
Travel to West Lafayette is consistent year round. Early in the year, hotels fill with sports teams competing with Purdue athletes. Families with seniors in high school fill rooms in the spring while visiting the university for tours and again right before the fall semester begins. Fall is a busy time with harvest festivals and fall sports. Summer is the slower time of year, but it's still bustling with sports and visiting families.
Many hotels in the city offer discounts to AAA members, seniors, and groups. At Hampton Inn Lafayette, AAA members save around 20 percent on room rates. From express check-in to express check-out, guests will enjoy the creature comforts of this hotel. Tourists can rest their weary feet in the spa tub, indoor pool, or while reading a complimentary newspaper next to the fireplace in the lobby. Business travelers enjoy convenient business services, laundry, and dry cleaning services. Travelers finish their visit with a complimentary breakfast.
Busy AAA members save around 10 percent at Homewood Suites by Hilton. With suites featuring all the comforts of home, including fireplaces, kitchens, and meals, this hotel makes guests feel at home. Located right off Interstate 65, the hotel is just minutes from area attractions including area hospitals, Purdue sporting venues, and downtown dining and nightlife. Visitor save even more with free parking, shuttles, Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
Senior travelers can save up to 20 percent at Courtyard by Marriott Lafayette that rests conveniently at where Interstate 65 and Highway 26 meet. It's a short drive to Purdue and downtown eateries and shopping. Guests can socialize comfortably year-round in the outdoor lounge area with its fire pit and cushy seats. Visitors rack up the savings with free newspapers, parking, and Wi-Fi. Families can spend downtime in the indoor pool or relax in the spa tub.
For the best in comfort and amenities at a fair price, the city offers loads of choices. The Four Points by Sheraton rests north of the downtown area, but it's still near the university's sports venues. Visitors enjoy free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Business travelers work in comfort with in-room desks and stay up-to-date with free newspapers. Guests can relax on the outdoor terrace or in the spa tub after an energetic swim in the indoor pool. A picnic area allows for outdoor meals if the desire strikes.
At Fairfield Inn & Suites, getting around town is simple because of the hotel's location near area highways and attractions. Families will breathe easier in the spacious suites with separate sleeping, living, and working areas. Kids will delight in the indoor pool while mom and dad lounge in the spa tub nearby. Free amenities include parking, coffee and tea, newspapers, and Wi-Fi. Travelers top off their stay with a free hot breakfast that includes sausage and eggs.
At Quality Inn & Suites, tourists will love the convenient highway access that makes getting in and out of the hotel a breeze. Guests can wind down with free cable programming on a 32-inch TV in every room. Free Wi-Fi and newspapers keep business travelers connected before they take a dip in the outdoor pool. Large groups or families will enjoy RV and bus parking.
Outside of athletics, Purdue University offers visitors cultural centers, performing arts, gardens, and educational opportunities. Tourists can head to O'Bryan's Nine Irish Brothers, a one-of-a-kind Irish pub, and revel in samples of 26 Irish whiskeys and Irish and international beer. Music lovers will enjoy live bands six nights a week at Indiana's oldest pub — Knickerbocker Saloon — or dance the night away at Neon Cactus where an in-house DJ keeps the beats flowing.
Another popular attraction, Wolf Park, brings visitors up close with wild animals like wolves, bison, foxes, and coyotes. Guests will delight in watching the wolves interact with the park's staff during Howl Night.
At Columbian Park, families can spend days traversing 40 acres of entertainment including an aquatic center, an amusement park, a zoo, and acres of trails and lakes. The Zoo boasts over 200 animals with many in detailed, immersion exhibits that take learning to the next level. Small kids can burn off some energy riding the kiddie rides at Wild Tykes Play Zone or the water slide at Tropicanoe Cove. Parents can lounge in the lazy river.
Explore the winding Wabash Heritage Trail beginning at Tippecanoe Battlefield for a day filled with scenic sights. Embark on an educational adventure through Clegg Gardens where native plants and wildlife thrive along the banks of Wildcat Creek.
Whether you're visiting West Lafayette ,Indiana, to see a family member turned college student or to cheer your team on to glory, there's no shortage of great things to do. If you're looking for a budget hotel or a more luxurious room, there's no shortage of options.
Below are reviews of the city of West Lafayette, IN from an actual visitor's perspective.
The food and happy hollow park was a great place to take the dog !
Food and shopping.
Great location with access to Purdue University and local restaurants.
Purdue University
A lot of places to eat in the area of our hotel and a mall not far away.