While I visited several other towns in Indiana during my two-week road trip, Lafayette was a highlight. My sincere thanks to Home of Purdue for hosting my visit to Lafayette. I explored another Frank Lloyd Wright home, tasted some wine, visited a Wolf Sanctuary, and learned more about Civil War presidential history.
Wildcat Creek Winery
When I arrived in Lafayette, I searched for distilleries or wineries. One popped up that looked interesting, so I found it along a back road just past an interstate overpass. It was late afternoon, so I hoped they would still have tastings available. I met Kathy Black, one of the owners, who told me the story of the venture and gave me a taste of several of their wines. I was impressed and bought a bottle of Traminette. Kathy is a former school teacher, so educating me was easy. She and her husband opened the winery in 2008. They do a steady business based on the number of people having an afternoon drink, what I tasted, and the awards on the wall.
Purdue University, the Cradle of Astronauts
Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the moon, is a celebrated alumnus of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Armstrong’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the university, often called the “Cradle of Astronauts” for producing 27 astronauts.
The Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering is an engineering marvel named after a national hero who embodied the Purdue spirit. Inside is a replica of Apollo 1, and the statue of Armstrong near Purdue Mall captures his time as a student on campus.
My visit to Purdue offered a unique opportunity to walk in Armstrong’s footsteps and appreciate his contributions to space exploration and the impact of his education at this prestigious institution.
Samara House
Having toured several of Frank Lloyd Wright’s creations in Alabama, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Florida, I can say that the Samara House in Lafayette, Indiana, offers a unique and immersive experience. The tour with docent Nathan Allaire began in the living room, where guests can touch and use the furnishings, making them feel privileged and deeply immersed in architectural history.
The home, completed in 1956 for Dr. John and Catherine Christian, was built in the Usonian style, embodying Wright’s principles of organic architecture, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings. The home, named after the winged seeds of the samara tree, is abundant on the property. The house features Wright’s hallmark design elements: horizontal lines, open floor plans, and natural materials. The attention to detail captivates visitors, from the custom-designed furniture to the intricate patterns in the windows, all of which reflect Wright’s vision of harmony between the structure and nature.
The house remains remarkably well-preserved, thanks to the Christians’ dedication and the stewardship of the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust. The docent-led guided tours provide rich insights into the architectural innovations and personal stories behind this unique home. The surrounding landscape, designed in harmony with the house, enhances the sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
If this is your only opportunity to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, you will not be disappointed. This architectural masterpiece in Lafayette, Indiana, is a testament to Wright’s genius and enduring legacy.
Haan Museum of Indiana Art
The Haan Museum of Indiana Art in Lafayette, Indiana, is a treasure trove for art lovers and history enthusiasts. Housed in a beautifully preserved mansion constructed initially for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, the museum offers a rich blend of art, history, and architectural splendor.
The Mansion that houses the Haan Museum was originally the Connecticut State building at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Connecticut wanted its pavilion to represent a gentleman’s country home. Designed and built with the intent to be moved after the World’s Fair, it was dismantled and moved to Lafayette, Indiana, and reassembled as the personal residence of Mr. and Mrs. William Potter. Today, only 15 buildings have survived the 1904 Fair. The Haan totals 16,000 square feet.
Ellie and Bob Haan purchased it in 1984. It was their residence, and they began an extensive property restoration. They began collecting Indiana art. In 2013, they started tours of the home and art pieces. By 2015, they had moved out and created the Haan Museum of Indiana Art.
The museum’s extensive collection focuses on Indiana art, showcasing works by the state’s most renowned artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Visitors can marvel at paintings, ceramics, and sculptures that capture the essence of Indiana’s cultural and artistic heritage. Notable artists featured include T.C. Steele, Otto Stark, and William Forsyth, all key figures in the Hoosier Group known for their contributions to American Impressionism.
The Haan Museum itself is a work of art. Its grand architecture, ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, and period furnishings provide an intimate setting for the artwork. The docent-led tours offer insights into the Mansion’s history, its transformation into a museum, and detailed information about the art and artists represented.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Haan Museum hosts rotating exhibits, special events, and educational programs that engage the community and visitors alike. The museum’s lush gardens and outdoor sculpture garden enhance the visitor experience, providing a peaceful and inspiring environment.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Haan Museum offers a captivating and enriching journey through the heart of Lafayette.
Ripple and Company
Ripple & Co. in Lafayette, Indiana, is a vibrant eatery featuring locally sourced ingredients. It offers innovative dishes from brunch to dinner. Its warm atmosphere and exceptional service make it a go-to for locals and visitors. I devoured my burger after a long day of touring the town.
Triple XXX Family Restaurant
Triple XXX is the quintessential American diner. It is a beloved local institution and the state’s oldest drive-in, established in 1929. While Triple XXX serves up classic American diner fare with a retro atmosphere and vintage décor, it is the friendly service and sense of community that rounds out the dining experience.
The Triple XXX root beer began production in Texas in 1916 during Prohibition. Why Triple XXX? It comes down to the quality of the product. One x was good, 2x was better, so you can’t do better than 3x.
Owner since 1999, Greg Ehresman’s journey with Triple XXX began in 1969 as a dishwasher and root beer maker, mixing the pure cane sugar recipe by hand with a stainless-steel paddle that the Ehresmans still own.
Ehresman also purchased the rights and formula for the Triple XXX Root Beer brand in 2008. He went to great lengths to ensure the recipe was crafted just like the original was all those years ago. He wants customers to experience the Root Beer he crafted as a teenager.
This iconic eatery offers a delightful taste of Americana and a slice of Lafayette’s culinary history. Be sure to visit, but remember they are closed on Tuesdays!
Wolf Park
Wolf Park is a unique destination in Battle Ground, Indiana. Established in 1972 by Dr. Erich Klinghammer, the park is a research and education facility dedicated to studying and preserving wolves. During its fifty years, it has garnered an international reputation in the education about wolves. Spanning 75 acres, it offers visitors an immersive experience of the world of these magnificent creatures.
Karah Rawlings was my guide. The park is home to various wolf species, including gray and endangered red wolves. In addition to wolves, you can find other animals, such as bison, foxes, and coyotes. The park’s mission is to provide a sanctuary for these animals and educate the public about their role in the ecosystem and the importance of conservation efforts.
Visitors to Wolf Park can take guided tours that offer a chance to observe the wolves in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior, social structures, and interactions with their environment. One of the park’s highlights is the “Howl Night” program, where guests can hear the haunting and beautiful sounds of the wolves howling, an eerie and mesmerizing experience.
Wolf Park offers workshops and programs for those interested in a more hands-on experience, including photography sessions, wolf encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours. These programs provide a deeper understanding of the animals and the efforts involved in their care and conservation.
My visit to Wolf Park gave me a deeper understanding of the incredible animals’ beauty and importance.
Tippecanoe Battlefield
The Tippecanoe Battlefield, located in Battle Ground, Indiana, is a historic site of a pivotal moment in American history. This battlefield was the scene of the Battle of Tippecanoe on November 7, 1811, a confrontation between American forces led by Governor William Henry Harrison and Native American warriors associated with Shawnee leader Tecumseh.
My guide, Trey Gordon, was a wealth of information. He led me through the events in 1811. Today, the Tippecanoe Battlefield is preserved as a National Historic Landmark, providing an educational experience for those interested in early American history.
The Tippecanoe Battlefield Museum offers exhibits, artifacts, documents, and dioramas that vividly portray the lives of soldiers and Native American warriors. The museum also explores the broader context of the battle, including the political and cultural tensions between American settlers and Native tribes during the early 19th century.
The site includes a well-maintained park with walking trails, monuments, and informative markers that recount the events leading up to the battle, the conflict, and the aftermath. The highlight is the impressive 85-foot obelisk monument, erected in 1908, commemorating those who fought in the battle.
Visitors can enjoy the park’s beauty while reflecting on its historical significance. The site also features a picnic area, making it a fun spot for a family outing or a leisurely afternoon. Special events, reenactments, and educational programs are frequently held, providing engaging ways to learn about the area’s history.
Prophetstown Park
Prophetstown State Park, West Lafayette, Indiana, blends history, culture, and natural beauty. The park was named after the Native American village established by Shawnee leader Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa, the Prophet, in the early 19th century. The park offers a rich historical context, illustrating the lives and struggles of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region.
Visitors to Prophetstown can explore a replica of the Native American village, offering an immersive experience of the indigenous people’s daily lives, traditions, and culture. The park also features a living history farm, where guests can witness 1920s farm life, complete with period-appropriate crops, animals, and buildings. This hands-on experience showcases the rural lifestyle of early 20th-century Indiana.
Outdoor devotees will appreciate the park’s extensive network of trails for hiking and biking, offering stunning views of prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. Birdwatchers and nature lovers can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, with many species native to the Indiana landscape.
There are plenty of camping areas for RVs and tents. The Water Park is a big draw for families during the summer. Do not miss the Circle of Stones at the very end of the park road. It’s worth a stop.
Prophetstown State Park is a great place to enjoy a family outing or nature.
Lafayette and West Lafayette are home to more than just Purdue University. The city’s long history has lots to offer visitors and art lovers alike. Be sure to visit Lafayette for more information.
