West Lafayette, the location of Purdue’s main campus, is the twin city of Lafayette. Flanking the Wabash River, the cities are located 65 miles northwest of Indianapolis and 126 miles southeast of Chicago.

In 1995, Lafayette was one of 10 cities to receive an All-America City Award. The winning cities were chosen on the basis of three programs that reflect citizens’ involvement in making their community a better place to live. Lafayette was chosen from among 145 entries on the basis of Lafayette Railroad Relocation, Lafayette Neighborhood Housing Services Inc. and Family Services Inc. In 1994, Lafayette was named one of Money magazine’s top 10 cities.

With a population in excess of 140,000, the Greater Lafayette area is one of the largest metropolitan centers in northwestern Indiana, accessible from U.S. Highways 52 and 231, Interstate 65 and State Roads 25, 26, 38 and 43. Major bus lines and Amtrak trains stop daily. The Purdue University Airport provides commercial air service.

Greater Lafayette is a regional hub for restaurants, shops, museums and entertainment. The community offers 26 movie theatres, daily and weekly newspapers, 12 radio stations, a television station and cable system, more than 60 churches of all major denominations, an art museum, a historical museum and 1,600 acres of public parks.

Nearby points of historic and scenic interest include Fort Ouiatenon, on the National Register of Historic Places; Battle Ground, where William Henry Harrison fought the Battle of Tippecanoe; and the developing projects of Museums at Prophetstown and Prophetstown State Park, dedicated to the preservation of woodland Indian, agricultural and environmental heritage.

Greater Lafayette is one of the fastest-growing Midwestern cities and is located in close proximity to a number of metropolitan areas. Living in Greater Lafayette enables one to enjoy the benefits of life in a small city while residing in a community that consistently lists one of the nation’s lowest crime rates among cities its size.

West Lafayette is experiencing a renaissance of sorts in an area called the "levee," where more than $100 million worth of construction is under way. Once completed, Wabash Landing and the surrounding area will become a new focal point for residents and students, just across the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge from the Riehle Plaza and downtown Lafayette.

A diverse mixture of night spots, shopping centers, art museums and restaurants give Greater Lafayette a distinct and unique flavor. Boasting the convenience of a modern city and friendly "down-home" residents, Greater Lafayette is one of America’s most-livable cities.

Distance From Lafayette To Midwestern Cities

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