150 Things to Love About Purdue

Ridiculously fun recreational activities

students run through a fountain — Boiler Gold Rush BGR 2015. Traditional Fountain run across campus prior to Purdue After Dark festivities. (Purdue University/ Mark Simons)

1. Fountain Runs

Nothing says summer in West Lafayette like a fountain run! Start at the Purdue Mall Water Sculpture (commonly known as the Engineering Fountain); run to Lions Fountain (not without a drink from all four spouts); then it’s off to Memorial Fountain by John Purdue’s grave. Finally: Loeb Fountain. Bonus points if you make it to the McGinley Fountain in Discovery Park!

a shopping cart at the top of a snow-covered slayter hill

2. Sledding on Slayter

Shopping cart. Couch. Office chair. Cafeteria tray. Whatever your sled of choice, sledding down Slayter is one of our most beloved winter pastimes on campus. Whether it’s going on those super rare occasions that class is canceled due to cold weather (it’s never too cold to sled) or in the middle of the night with your best friends, you’ll never forget the thrill of the hill after a good Indiana snow.

a bowler throws the ball down the lane — Union Rack and Roll has been housed in the basement of Purdue Memorial Union since 1936. The facility offers discounts to students as well as faculty and staff who display their Purdue ID when checking in on a bowling lane or billiard table. (Purdue University photo/Charles Jischke)

3. Rack and Roll

While the food court level of the Purdue Memorial Union is one of the busiest places on campus, go down a level and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped through the wardrobe into Narnia. Rack and Roll houses a 10-lane bowling alley and 12 billiard tables. While it’s used for classes and private events, it’s also open to the public. Check it out the next time you’re on campus, and take your family and friends for a game or two!

4. Concerts on Slayter

There’s something special about being able to see one of your favorite bands right in your own backyard. The Slayter Center for the Performing Arts overlooks the north side of campus and can fit up to 20,000 people. Acts have included the Verve Pipe, Better than Ezra, Styx, and Hoobastank. The acoustics are great, there’s room to party, and you’re never far from friends.

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