Last year, I took a road trip up to Chicago. On the way back home, I took a little side trip that turned into quite a surprise. I exited at State Road 43 off 1-65 and drove north to the Tippecanoe Battlefield located in Battle Ground Indiana.

I expected to find a marker or two commemorating the battle. What I found was a well defined battle ground with numerous monuments, a small but pleasant museum/Interpretive Center with ample artifacts and exhibits, and a fair sized gift shop with a large selection of books and the normal gifts and souvenirs. What surprised me the most was that this site is administered by the Tippecanoe County Historical Association. This site rivals most state affiliated historical locations and some Federal historical sites that I have visited.

An added bonus to those of us who love to go to hobby stores, the trip takes you close to Chicago and the Emperors Headquarters. If a trip to the Emperors Headquarters is not possible, a side trip to Metalcraft Miniatures and More located in Elwood Indiana should be considered.

The trip to Laffayette, Indiana takes from three to four hours from the Dayton area. I highly recommend a visit to this site as anything from a family outing to a weekend road trip.