The 1897 Purdue Boilermakers football team was an American football team that represented Purdue University during the 1897 Western Conference football season. The Boilermakers compiled a 5–3–1 record but were outscored by their opponents by a total of 108 to 106 in their first season under head coach William W. Church. William S. Moore was the team captain.

The 1897 Western Conference football season was the second season of college football played by the member schools of the Western Conference and was a part of the 1897 college football season.