Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy everything West Lafayette has to offer. Whether you're taking an early morning walk, riding your bike, or spending the afternoon with family, our community is fortunate to have beautiful parks and miles of scenic trails that make getting your steps in a little more enjoyable.

In fact, West Lafayette has more than 27 miles of paved trails connecting neighborhoods, parks, schools, and local businesses. If you're looking for somewhere new to explore, the Home of Purdue website has a great list of local parks and trails. We've highlighted a few of our favorites below!

ARMSTRONG PARK
This beautifully landscaped park is named in honor of astronaut and Purdue alumnus, Neil Armstrong. Located on the south side of Lafayette, the 30-acre park has quickly become a favorite destination for residents and families. Fishing is permitted on site; all state regulations apply for fishers. Armstrong Trail is convenient to many neighborhoods. This quiet paved path winds around the pond and is a wonderful destination for anyone wanting to add relaxation to their day. Armstrong Park Features: 2/3 mile paved trail, multi-age playground (new in 2023), 5 lighted tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, 3 youth baseball fields, open green space and wildflower areas, public restroom, rentable 50-person picnic shelter (near the baseball fields.) Armstrong Park is home to Castaway Bay.
CASON FAMILY PARK
Today, Cason Family Park features nature-inspired playgrounds that spark creativity, winding trails that encourage exploration, interactive water features for seasonal enjoyment, and modern public facilities that support recreation and connection. It is more than a park—it is a living legacy, a space where generosity, history, and community come together to create something truly special for generations to come.
CELERY BOG NATURE AREA AND LILLY NATURE CENTER
Contains four miles of trails through woods along a marsh. It is approximately 195 acres, with 7 acres in Scifres-Maier Woods Nature Preserve. The Celery Bog Nature Area is home to the Lilly Nature Center and contains 4.3 miles of paved Cattail Trail and a 1.5 mile footpath with interpretive signs and two viewing decks.
CLEGG MEMORIAL GARDEN
Clegg Memorial Garden overlooks and runs along Wildcat Creek on the edge of Lafayette. Offering a naturalistic setting that protects 17 acres with 4 distinct habitat types. Includes prairie and oak savanna restorations, with extensive beds of wildflowers, plants native to Indiana, labelled trees, nature trails, bridges and a natural playground. With no entrance fee and over 1.5 miles of hiking trails, Clegg Memorial gardens provides abundant free recreational opportunities for community residents and visitors year-round.
MICHAUD-SINNIGER WOODS FOOTPATH
A 0.43 mile loop connecting to the Northwest Greenway Trail in Cumberland Park.
RAVINE FOOTPATH
From Salisbury St. to the Wabash Heritage Trail in Happy Hollow Park, 0.27 mile.
THE PURDUE ARBORETUM
The walking tours outlined here are designed to show the diversity of trees on Purdue's campus. As you visit our trails you will notice that each tree is identified by a tree sign with a QR code to give smartphone users additional educational information.

Before You Hit the Trails, Don't Forget to Look Up

As you explore our beautiful parks and greenspaces, remember to look up every now and then. Trees provide welcome shade and beauty along our trails, but after strong winds, heavy rain, or summer storms, they can also develop hazards that aren't always obvious at first glance.

A quick look overhead can help you spot potential dangers before continuing down the trail.

What to Watch For

Dead or hanging branches
Trees that have started leaning
Large cracks or splits in the trunk
Broken limbs after storms
Damaged roots or large cavities near the base of the tree

If you're visiting one of our local parks after severe weather, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking or standing beneath trees that show obvious signs of damage. Keep in mind that these signs don't always mean a tree is unsafe, but they're worth paying attention to.

Browning Tree Service employs Joshua Browning ISA certified arborist license #KY-9849A who is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area.

References

www.westlafayette.in.gov

https://www.homeofpurdue.com/things-to-do/nature-and-outdoors/hiking-and-biking-trails/