Suggestion for a weekend while visiting kid

Colleges and Universities A-Z Purdue University
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I have a question for this board! We’re from Alaska and my son will be starting in engineering in the fall. He won’t have enough time to come home for Thanksgiving so we’re thinking of maybe coming to see him. We could spend the weekend in Chicago but I’m wondering if anyone has other suggestions of where we might go for the holiday weekend? Maybe somewhere within 3 hours?

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Paging @momofboiler1

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Indy is a great place to spend a weekend too but I’d personally choose Chicago. Weather can be very dicey that time of year but there are so many wonderful museums and indoor things to do in Chicago. Plus great restaurant options for thanksgiving. Let me know if you need specific recommendations!

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Depending on the weather, you can head south to Turkey Run State Park for hiking day trip, north to Indiana Dunes for hiking, Chicago for Thanksgiving Day parade and meal and Indianapolis for Christmas tree lighting on Friday. There are local and chain restaurants in Lafayette open for Thanksgiving.

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I’m thinking about the logistics. You likely would fly into Chicago. Does your son have access to a car? There are buses that might take him to Chicago. A flight into Indy would add significant time. If you flew into Chicago and he could meet you you might not need to rent a vehicle and could just use the trains or buses in the city. There is a lot to do in Chicago. If you needed to pick him up at Purdue you’d need to rent a car and transport him. Lafayette is a nice town but it could be rather quiet over the holiday weekend. I know there is (was) a Wolf Park outside of Lafayette and an historic park. I’m not sure what will be open. The weather might not be great in Chicago in late November but you are are coming from Alaska so it shouldn’t be any great shock to you. Have fun.

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The student could take the airport shuttle to ORD and then the L into the city to meet the parents.

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FlixBus goes into Chicago instead of airports and picks up in Downtown Lafayette near the CityBus depot (not far from the Amtrak station, which is another option certain days of the week to/from Chicago)