Saving With Seth: Vacationing at home

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Your summer get-away may be closer than you think.

Last week we shared some ways you could save if you are traveling out of state.

This week I want to show you how you can save on your vacation, by staying a little closer to home.

"Lafayette Parks Department operates about 22 parks throughout the city of Lafayette and we have a wide variety of things that are free," said Ted Bumbleburg,  Park Superintendent.

Bumbleburg said people can also enjoy low-cost fun in the sun at Tropicanoe Cove , Castaway Bay at Armstrong Park, and Vinton Pool for around $5 a person. Ticket prices are even cheaper on Wednesday family nights. And if thats too expensive, how about a free stroll through the Columbian Park Zoo ?

Speaking of animals, try visiting Fair Oaks Farms in Jaspar County for around $10 a person? It's just about an hour commute from Lafayette and visitors can spend the whole day learning about dairies, how cheese is made, eating ice cream, or even watching a calf being born.

Battle Ground offers the mystique of the Wolf Park . There, people can take guided tours to see the beauty of the wolf pack.

While you are in the area swing by Historic Prophetstown . There visitors can stroll through the Woodland Indian Settlement, gaze across the prairie, or spend time in the 1920s Farmstead.

If you are up for a little wind in your hair, head to Monticello to ride Indiana Beach's latest coaster, the Steel Hawg. The park has cut general admission prices to entice more visitors this summer.

"So, we're eliminating the general admission to Indiana Beach so anybody can come and enjoy the boardwalk and all the festivities and the pay for the rides as they go bu buying a ride wristband but they'll be able to enjoy all the atmosphere of Indiana Beach at no charge, said John Collins, Indiana Beach General Manager.

Collins said visitors can save $5 on combination ride and water park tickets just for bringing in a Coca-Cola can. The park opens May 2nd and there are many condos and camping opportunities for people wanting to stay more than one day.

You may want to take some time to appreciate the arts by stopping by the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette or browsing the aisles of the Lafayette , Purdue, or West Lafayette Farmer's Markets .

"We have everything from produce, of course, to flowers, gourmet pet treats, arts and crafts," said Jane Ness of Greater Lafayette Commerce.

Those interested in Indiana History will want to head out to Delphi to visit the Wabash and Erie Canal Park . Here visitors can stroll through the museum to learn what life was like in the 1800 or take a boat ride on one of the few restored sections of the Wabash and Erie Canal.
 

Links For More Information:

Monticello:

• Indiana Beach

Prophetstown

• Prophetstown State Park

Fair Oaks, IN.

• Fair Oaks Dairy

Delphi, IN.

• Canal Park

Lafayette, IN.

• Columbian Park Zoo
• Tropicanoe Cove
• Castaway Bay
• Vinton Pool
• Art Museum of Greater Lafayette
• Lafayette Farmer's Market
• West Lafayette Famer's Market
• Wildcat Creek Winery

Battle Ground, IN.

• Wolf Park

Indianapolis, IN.

• Indianapolis Children's Museum

Other

• Shipshewana
• Tippecanoe River State Park
• Turkey Run State Park