A Local’s Guide on the Best Fall Things to Do in Indiana

As we head into the fall season, Indiana comes alive with beautiful fall foliage and an abundance of fall activities to enjoy, reminding me why I love living in Indiana (at least during the fall, LOL).

From apple orchards and pumpkin patches to thrilling haunted houses, there are plenty of fall things to do in Indiana for the whole family to enjoy.

While I fully support giving the fall season its well-deserved time, it also means Christmas time is quickly approaching. Therefore, be sure to check out my detailed list of 25 Christmas Things to Do in Indiana!

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Your Guide to Experiencing Fall in Indiana

I am always reminded for my love of the Midwest when the fall season approaches!

There is nothing better than enjoying the crisp, cool fall weather while strolling through a pumpkin patch or apple orchard with a pumpkin cream cold brew in hand – at least in my opinion!

And of course, I can’t forget the beautiful fall foliage that reminds me how much I enjoy the changing seasons!

Now, let’s dive into the best fall things to do in Indiana so you are well-equipped to get the most out of this fall season!

Visit an Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch

Personally, the fall season does not fully commence until I have visited an apple orchard or pumpkin patch – preferably both in one!

There is nothing better than strolling through the grounds while also making sure to enjoy a warm cup of apple cider! It is the perfect way to spend a fall day in Indiana.

Below I have listed some of the best apple orchards in Indiana that also have pumpkin patches.

Apple Works

Apple Works is located in Trafalgar, Indiana and offers the perfect day of fall family fun! It is a popular choice, especially for those with kids.

Be sure to visit their country store, where you can sample any of their 50 varieties of apples and pick up some fall treats like apple dumplings.

I also love that their homemade apple cider is just made with apples, no extra sugar or preservatives!

While apples are pre-picked for quality, you can hand pick your own pumpkins from their pumpkin patch.

It’s a great place for kids with their Hayground Playground and friendly farm animals.

During September and October, they are open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Another perk is that admission is free!

Tuttle Orchard

Tuttle Orchard is another great apple orchard located in Greenfield, Indiana and makes for a wonderful place to spend a fall day!

Check out their website for their events calendar that is full of fun fall festivals!

• Caramel Apple Festival – September 7th & 14th, 2024 (10:00 am to 5:00 pm)
• Labor Day Fun at the Farm – Aug 31st & September 2nd (9:00 am to 6:00 pm)

Take your pick of pumpkins from their patch, navigate corn mazes, gather apples from the orchard, and don’t forget to indulge in yummy fall treats!

Please note they are closed on Sundays.

Stuckey Farm

Stuckey Farm Orchard and Cider Mill is a great apple orchard in Sheridan, Indiana.

You can choose from a range of 37 apple varieties across their 40-acre farm – talk about options!

Please don’t forget to enjoy their freshly pressed apple cider and apple cider donuts!

Their event calendar is full of exciting fall festivals, so be sure to check out their website for more details. 

• Sunflower Festival – August 30th – September 2nd and September 7th & 8th (2024)

Be sure to try their famous apple cider slushie topped with vanilla ice cream – it even comes with a donut on top, served in a mason jar you get to keep!

County Line Orchard

County Line Orchard is located in Hobart, Indiana, close to Chicago.

They usually open for business around the end of August and stay open through October, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

As of 7/9/2024, they have not posted their official opening date for 2024. Be sure to keep an eye on their website and Facebook page they update regularly.

While you’re there, you can enjoy their u-pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch, wander through the 10-acre corn maze, and explore The Big Barn full of baked goods and more.

Harvest Tyme Family Farm

A great way to experience the fall in northern Indiana is to spend the day at Harvest Tyme Family Farm.

Its fall festival kicks off on September 28th and runs through October 27th, 2024 on Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

It features a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay ride, petting zoo, amusement rides, and more!

You can buy tickets to their fall festival here.

Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards

Experience the fall in southern Indiana by taking a trip to Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards.

You are able to pick your own apples & pumpkins, walk through corn mazes, ride on a tractor, race pedal karts, and more!

Brave a Haunted House

For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, consider going to a haunted house!

Even though haunted houses are not my thing, I know they are very popular during the fall season leading up to Halloween!

I have gathered some of the scariest haunted houses in Indiana below.

Hanna Haunted Acres

Hanna Haunted Acres is an iconic haunted house in Indianapolis, and it offers six haunted attractions ranging from haunted hayrides, a haunted corn maze, haunted houses, and more.

Check out their Facebook page for updates, as they sometimes close their corn maze due to muddy conditions or weather.

Indy Scream Park

Indy Scream Park offers six haunted attractions and is one of the most popular haunted houses in Indianapolis!

Nightmare on Edgewood

Nightmare on Edgewood has been in operation for over 45 years!

It offers three themed-haunted attractions that change every year.

If you’re looking to spend some time downtown, check out my blog post where I share my detailed one day in Indianapolis itinerary!

The Best Places to Visit in Indiana in the Fall

Brown County State Park

A visit to Brown County State Park during the fall is an absolute must!

It is full of vibrant fall foliage and numerous hiking trails, making it the perfect way to spend a fall day out in nature.

After a day of hiking, explore the charming city of Nashville, Indiana and do some shopping and grab a bite to eat.

Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park is another one of the best places to visit in Indiana in the fall!

They have a variety of hiking trails that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the fall foliage!

Potter’s Bridge Park

Located in Noblesville, Indiana, Potter’s Bridge Park is a great place to visit where you can walk along a paved trail that brings you through a heavily forested area, with the ability to see an abundance of fall foliage.

Check out the AllTrails map for the exact trail I am talking about. If you use the directions from the AllTrails map, it will take you exactly to the parking lot where the trail begins – which is to the left of the covered bridge when facing it.

They are also holding a Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival on October 5th, 2024 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, with free admission!

At the festival, there will be live music, arts & crafts, and food vendors.

The Best Fall Things to Do in Indiana

Parke County Covered Bridge Festival

I highly recommend adding the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival to your fall bucket list!

In 2024, it will be held from October 11th through 20th, and it is the largest fall festival in Indiana.

It features the county’s 31 historic covered bridges, arts & crafts, food, and more! 

Take a Fall Train Ride

Hop aboard a historic fall train ride in Noblesville, Indiana with the Nickel Plate Express!

The 1956 train car runs along the historic Nickel Plate trail as you get to take in the views of the stunning fall foliage.

Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo

If you are looking for a family-friendly fall thing to do in Indiana, check out the Zoo Boo at the Indianapolis Zoo!

It runs through September 25th to October 31st, 2024 on Wednesday – Sunday (2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).

Dress in costumes and collect candy along the Trick-or-Treat trail, join the Scarecrow Photo Safari, ride the Roller Ghoster, and more!

Be sure to check out how I would spend a weekend in Indianapolis if you’re looking for the best things to do in the city!

Harvest Night at Newfields

Enjoy Harvest Night at Newfields where you get to wander along the paths illuminated by glowing Jack-o-lanterns, creating a festive environment.

Conner Prairie

Be sure to experience the Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana!

In 2024, this fall festival runs from October 3rd through the 27th, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

It features an array of fun fall activities such as the Haunted Hayride, the Trail of Terror that runs through a corn field, festival games, and more.

“Howl”ween at Indiana Dunes State Park

On October 26, 2024, you can join in celebrating Halloween at the “Howl”ween in the Dunes! event at Indiana Dunes State Park.

It is an all-day event featuring pumpkin decorating, trick or treating, and more.

Nappanee Apple Festival

Visit historical Nappanee, Indiana for the Nappanee Apple Festival which is one of the largest fall festivals in Indiana.

A major highlight of the festival is a whopping 7 foot apple pie which is cut into 800 slices which start to be served on Friday morning.

A great time to visit is for the Saturday morning parade!

The Nappanee Apple Festival runs from September 19th – 22nd, 2024 and is a great way to kick off fall in Indiana!

• September 19th (Thursday): 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• September 20th (Friday): 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 21st (Saturday): 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• September 22nd (Sunday): 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wanatah Scarecrow Festival

Kickoff the fall season in Indiana starting September 27th through 29th, 2024, at the Wanatah Scarecrow Festival which features arts and crafts, a pork chop dinner, pancake breakfast, music, scarecrow sculpting, and more!

Kunstfest Festival

Head to New Harmony, Indiana to celebrate the start of fall in southern Indiana by attending the town’s biggest festival Kunstfest.

This festival celebrates New Harmony’s German heritage, and it will be held on September 21st and 22nd in 2024.

Enjoy live entertainment, yummy food, crafts, and much more during this lively celebration!

New Harmony is a charming small town located in southern Indiana along the Wabash River, and it is claimed to be a failed utopian town.

Check out my detailed blog post about things to do in New Harmony, Indiana.

Conclusion

I hope this post gave you inspiration for all of the great fall activities and festivals to add to your bucket list this fall season!

From exploring apple orchards and pumpkin patches to braving haunted houses, there’s no shortage of fun fall things to do in Indiana.