Tippecanoe: River Landscapes, Nature and History

Rivers, wetlands and historic sites give Tippecanoe its many facets. Along the Wabash River, boat ramps and water sports sit alongside natural areas, hiking trails and museums. When planning your trip, you can choose your own focus: birdwatching and landscapes, cultural history or activities on the water.

River Landscapes and Natural Areas

The J. Frederick Hoffman Memorial Nature Area covers approximately 420 acres. Its landscape includes forested floodplains, fens, wooded ravines, upland forests and agricultural land. Celery Bog Nature Area offers a different view of nature: its five wetland pools cover a total of 105 acres, where you can observe nearly 120 bird species. The Lilly Nature Center at Celery Bog features exhibits and educational programs. Together, these offer contrasting nature experiences: a vast, varied landscape and a clearly defined wetland area for birdwatching.

The Wabash Heritage Trail also offers a variety of sights along Burnett Creek and the Wabash River. This scenic trail is approximately 18 miles long. It begins at Tippecanoe Battlefield Park in Battle Ground and heads south to Fort Ouiatenon. The 5.5-mile paved section in Lafayette and West Lafayette is open to bicycles. If you plan to walk or cycle, note the difference between the trail’s stated total length and this section specifically designated for bicycle use.

On the Water and on the Trails

Davis Ferry Park has a boat ramp on the Wabash River. Granville Public Access also has a boat ramp, and boating, fishing and paddling are listed activities there. These places give your plans a direct connection to the river, whether you’re considering a boat trip, a fishing outing or a paddle.

Ross Hills Park also has hiking trails and the restored David Ross House. The confluence of the Tippecanoe River and the Wabash River is in Prophetstown State Park. Its Aquatic Center features a 30-foot tube slide. This means nature and scenic views are complemented by a specific water-park attraction, though they need not be part of the same outing.

History, Architecture and Art

The museum at Tippecanoe Battlefield Park tells the story of the Battle of Tippecanoe. The park also has the Wah-ba-shik-a Nature Center; natural history programs take place at the Leona Brier Educational Center. Fort Ouiatenon Historic Park offers a different historical perspective: the French founded Fort Ouiatenon as a fur trading post in 1717. The park includes a reconstructed blockhouse built in 1930. It is also the venue for the annual Feast of the Hunters’ Moon.

At the Haan Museum of Indiana Art, art and architectural history meet. The museum is housed in a mansion that served as the Connecticut Building at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The collection includes historic paintings from Indiana, including works by T.C. Steele. Behind the museum, a sculpture garden and nature trail are open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, free of charge. A maintenance closure is also noted for the nature trail; check current conditions before visiting.

SAMARA offers another architectural attraction: the house was built in 1954 and is considered an example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian architecture. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2015. Its construction date, architectural style and designation also make it interesting to travelers with an interest in architectural history.

Wildlife Watching and Special Experiences

Wolf Park combines education and research: the nonprofit organization was founded in 1972 to educate the public about wolves and conduct research on them. Guided tours are offered. During Howl Nights, visitors can experience the wolves up close and howl along with the pack; no regular event schedule is specified. Columbian Park Zoo is home to nearly 200 animals from approximately 90 species. Established in 1908, it is the second-oldest zoo in Indiana.

The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette offers classes for students at different experience levels; class offerings may change. Those interested in rural history can learn about aspects of 1920s farm life at The Farm at Prophetstown. The farm accepts reservations for private dinners for groups of 12 or more. As reservation details may change, it’s advisable to confirm them before making plans.

Explore more destinations: Lafayette, West Lafayette, Marshall County, Washington County, Starke County, Allen, Harrison County, Madison County.

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