It’s that time of year when cabin fever sets in and you start looking for somewhere — anywhere — that feels like a change of scene without needing days of planning and spreadsheets. Lafayette and West Lafayette fit the bill almost too well. These are twin towns along the Wabash River in no rthwestern Indiana, with one holding a charming old downtown and the other anchored by Purdue University. They greet you with snow drifting in slow curls down Main Street, warm light spilling from century-old storefronts and an all-around wholesomeness. The towns are small enough to cross in minutes and big enough to surprise you with ramen shops, Irish pubs and a diner that puts peanut butter on burgers. And just outside town, wolves begin to howl under the Indiana moon, turning a low-key winter weekend into something a little magical. Things to do: Wolves, wonder and a little STEM Part of Lafayette’s appeal is how easy it is to explore on foot. Start at Riehle Plaza, then cross the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge, which links downtown Lafayette to West Lafayette with steady river views and a smooth walkway above the Wabash. It is a simple crossing, but it gives you a clear look back at Lafayette’s small downtown and forward toward the edges of Purdue. From the bridge, Main Street is an easy stroll. If you want a creative pause, Flourish Studio and Classroom sits right along the route, offering workshops and open studio time for anyone in the mood to make something by hand. Drive 15 minutes north and the city thins into open farmland. In nearby Battle Ground sits Wolf Park, a 50-year-old animal behavioral research and education center. The park studies wolf communication, social structure and behavior, and is home to wolves, foxes, coyotes and a herd of bison living in large, natural enclosures.  Aspen the wolf howling in Wolf Park. Would you howl along with her? Photo courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette.Bison on a snowy day in Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana. Photo courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette. Winter is one of the best times to visit. Cold air carries sound farther — plus the animals tend to be more active — so you can hear howls echo across the fields. A standard guided tour — offered during the day or in the evening — runs about an hour and takes you along gravel paths to each habitat. Guides explain how the park cares for the animals, how the packs are organized and what researchers are observing. You meet the wolves, foxes and coyotes from a safe distance across a fence. You also see the bison herd, which has lived at the park for decades. Every tour includes individual introductions, so by the time the wolves vocalize, you know who is who. The moment everyone talks about is the howl: one wolf starts, another joins in, and the sound can build into a full chorus. The best part is that you actually get to join in the howling. Back in town, explore Imagination Station in Lafayette, a hands-on science and technology center. It is an easy, low-key place where kids can touch everything, pressing buttons, launching balls, building little machines, and no one minds a steady stream of questions. Weekend visits often come with simple Purdue-led STEM activities or tinkering stations. Downtown Lafayette in winter. Photo courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette. On a cold morning, it is a true winter gift. Kids can move, explore and burn off that bundled-up energy while you sip a coffee and regroup. Admission is usually under $10, and families can easily spend an hour or two here before heading out for lunch. If the weather cooperates, you can add a quick wander through Columbian Park Zoo, a century-old neighborhood park with small animal exhibits, walking paths and plenty of space to stretch legs. Or head a little farther out for a brisk loop at Prophetstown State Park, Indiana’s newest state park, where restored prairie trails and wide open views make even a short walk feel refreshing. Families with younger kids might prefer Happy Hollow Park, a sprawling, tree-lined playground in West Lafayette that is perfect for burning off energy between meals. Where to stay: Interstate ease to boutique calm TownePlace Suites Lafayette sits just off the highway, which makes it an easy first stop after a long travel day. The suites have kitchenettes, a small living area and enough space to spread out and regroup. Families appreciate the indoor pool, and the complimentary hot breakfast in the morning is useful fuel before you head into town. 8Eleven Bistro inside the Union Club Hotel. Photo courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette. Next up, make the short hop to Purdue University and step inside the Union Club Hotel. The building opened in 1929 and later underwent a renovation of more than $35 million. The result is a hotel that blends campus history with boutique style. Terrazzo floors and brass lighting frame the public spaces, deep blue and gold carry through the furniture, and the décor includes contemporary art and subtle nods to Purdue’s legacy. The hotel sits inside the Purdue Memorial Union complex, which gives guests access to a range of indoor stops. You can browse the renovated Union, grab a latte at Leaps, find a quiet corner for people watching, or warm up before heading back outside. The complex also includes Union Rack and Roll, a lower-level recreation area with bowling lanes and billiards, which is a fun cold-weather break if you are traveling with kids or a group. The Union Club Hotel also offers access to a full-service wellness spa.  What to eat/drink: Hot chocolate, a proper pint of Guinness and old-school diners Start downtown with a pilgrimage to McCord Candies on Main Street. Open for more than a century, the shop operates out of a historic Victorian building and still makes many of its treats in-house, including its famous handmade candy canes. Inside, the cases overflow with chocolates, brittle, taffy, caramel corn and rows of brightly colored hard candies. There is a small, vintage soda fountain where you can order a shake, malt or hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream. Grab a seat by the window, watch the snow fall over Main Street and negotiate which sweets are for gifts and which mysteriously disappear before you get home. Desserts at Nine Irish Brothers. Photo courtesy of Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette. Nine Irish Brothers is a classic Irish pub, known for a properly poured pint of Guinness and the kind of atmosphere that could easily belong in Galway. The long-running pub sits near Purdue’s campus and is known for traditional food and a busy weekend crowd. The interior is dark wood and old photographs, and many nights feature live Irish or acoustic music. The kitchen focuses on comfort dishes like shepherd’s pie baked in individual casseroles, Guinness beef stew made with slow-cooked chuck roast and fish and chips prepared with a light batter that stays crisp. The pub also has a large whiskey list with both well-known labels and smaller distillery selections. Winter trips always need a reliable place for soups and spice, and Thai Essence is West Lafayette’s go-to. Locals love the curries, especially the Panang, and the tom kha arrives piping hot with a bright coconut broth. The garlic stir-fries are steady favorites too. On extra cold nights, the Massaman curry stands out with its warm spices and creamy coconut base. Dakshin is a West Lafayette favorite for casual, flavorful Indian food. The menu covers all the essentials, from biryanis and dosas to butter chicken and vegetarian curries, with portions that are generous and shareable. When temperatures dip, Yatagarasu on Main Street is one of the first places locals head for a warm-up. It is Lafayette’s standout ramen shop, known for rich broths, springy noodles and bowls that arrive hot enough to fog up your glasses. The spicy miso is a favorite, and the karaage makes an easy add-on. For a dressed-up dinner, try Boilerhouse Prime, a refined steakhouse just off campus in the Pete Dye Clubhouse. You could also head to 8Eleven Bistro inside the Union Club Hotel. Both offer upscale dinners, cocktails or wine and a chance to trade snow boots for smart shoes. For pure nostalgia, head to Dog n Suds, the retro drive-in known for coney dogs, frosty root beer mugs and ice cream treats. Lastly, ask any local: Yes, ice cream is still a winter food. Silver Dipper remains a go-to any time of year. The shop carries dozens of rotating flavors, with generous scoops and a lively crowd that speaks to its cult following. 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