Yes, it may be hard to even entertain the thought of doing anything outdoors right now, but we’re more than halfway through winter and warmer temperatures will be here before you know it. For the outdoor enthusiast, Greater Lafayette has plenty to offer, including its many parks. Whether you’re looking to hit the trails, start a pick-up basketball game, or jump in the pool, there’s something for everyone!
As we inch closer and closer to spring, we’ve highlighted ten parks in Lafayette and the amenities they have to offer.
1) Columbian Park
1915 Scott Street
Columbian Park has been a staple in the Greater Lafayette community for more than a century. The park, just a few minutes east of downtown Lafayette, sits on more than 40 acres. Along with playing host to many events throughout the year (when we’re not in a pandemic), the park offers a plethora of amenities and attractions such as the Columbian Park Zoo, several playgrounds, a lagoon, a ride-on train, the Tropicanoe Cove Aquatic Center, the brand-new Loeb Stadium and so much more! If you’re looking for a day full of endless fun with the kids, Columbian Park is calling your name!
2) Murdock Park
2100 Cason Street
Located in the heart of Lafayette, Murdock Park is home to 39 acres of unoccupied urban forest. For those with curious minds, a half-mile interpretive trail allows visitors to identify more than three dozen varieties of trees along the way. And a fan favorite during the winter months is the sledding run, giving a thrill to both kids and adults. Don’t have a sled? Looking for something to help warm you up? No worries! The newly established “Katy’s Cabin” provides sled rentals, hot chocolate, and plenty of other concessions. And when there’s no snow on the ground, the park is also home to playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, grills, and picnic areas.
3) Armstrong Park
821 Beck Lane
Located on Lafayette’s south end, Armstrong Park sits on 30 acres. A popular attraction at the park is Castaway Bay, a beach-like aquatic center. For those looking to book the aquatic center to themselves, private rentals are available. And for those looking to enjoy nature, the Armstrong Trail winds around the park’s pond and offers a sense of relaxation.
4) Linwood Park
1501 Greenbush Street
Located near the former Linwood Elementary School, this half acre park may be small, but it includes a brand-new playground, basketball court, and picnic shelter, perfect for an outing with friends and family!
5) Shamrock Dog Park
115 Sanford Street
Does your furry friend need to get their “zooms” out? This 11-acre park is Lafayette’s very first dog park! Located in the Wabash Avenue neighborhood, the park borders up to the banks of the Wabash River. A Dog Park Pass is required for entry and can be purchased at Buckles Feed Depot on South 4th Street. For more information about the dog park, visit https://www.dogparkinlafayette.com/membership.html
But you don’t necessarily need to bring along your pup to enjoy the park. The park also offers a small boat ramp, providing access to the river. Fishing is permitted but remember to follow the rules. If you’re looking to host an event, there is a shelter with seating for up to 50 people, available for rental.
6) McCaw Park
3745 Union Street
This 26-acre park sits on Lafayette’s east side, offering a state-of-the-art playground that features slides, climbing areas, swings, and monkey bars. And for the pickleball enthusiast, the park offers 12 lighted pickleball courts. If you’re looking to host an event, there are two shelters available for rental.
7) Munger Park
3505 Greenbush Street
This 32-acre park located on Lafayette’s northeast end has a ton to offer! The park has a one-mile paved trail that is surrounded by plentiful open space. The trail curves around the park’s pond. Fishing is permitted, but keep in mind that all state regulations do apply. If you’re looking to host an event, the park offers a shelter that seats up to 100 people.
8) CAT Park
3630 McCarty Lane
After the City of Lafayette teamed up with Caterpillar, Inc., the 32-acre CAT Park and soccer fields came to fruition. Just to the south of Caterpillar’s South Street facility, the park includes eight soccer fields and a concession building.
9) McAllister Park
Golfview Drive & North 9th Street
Sitting on 280 acres, McAllister Park is located along the banks of the Wabash River, containing plenty of green space, two disc golf courses, a portion of the Wabash Heritage Trail, and interestingly enough, a model airplane strip! A bike path that runs along North 9th street connects the city with the park.
10) Lyboult Sports Park
1300 Canal Road
Nestled just to the north of the Harrison Street Bridge connecting Lafayette and West Lafayette, this 52-acre park is the sports lover’s haven. Home to softball fields, basketball courts, horseshoes, picnic areas, portions of the Wabash Heritage Trail, and a sand volleyball court.
