As the leaves turn vibrant colors and the crisp fall air sets in, it’s time to celebrate all-things autumn in Indianapolis. Fall is the perfect time to create memories by visiting some of the places around town that lean into the magic of this enchanting season. Here are some ideas for fall experiences that will put your family in a cozy autumn mood!
Enjoy the Changing Leaves During a Nature Hike
There’s no better way to admire the beauty of the season than with a family hike. Explore Marott Park or Holliday Park, both known for their tranquil woods. Eagle Creek Park on the west side offers miles of trails through stunning wooded areas and along the lake shore. Fort Harrison State Park on the east side is a nature lover’s paradise with its rolling hills and meandering creeks. And Central Park in Carmel is known for its smooth trails that are perfect for strollers and young children.
Related Article: Best Apple Orchards near Indianapolis for Apple Picking
Get Lost in a Corn Maze
A-maze-ing adventures await you this fall. Get a little corny in Fortville’s Piney Acres corn maze, spanning a whopping 8 acres. Once you’ve conquered the maze at Conner Prairie, prepare to take your experience to new heights – literally! Hitch a ride on the 1859 Balloon Voyage and soar above to see the stunning, decorated cornfield from high above. On the east side, Waterman’s Family Farms invites you to set off on a half-mile walk through their picturesque cornfield. If you’re up for a road trip, head north to Exploration Acres in Lafayette, the largest corn maze in Northwest Indiana at 18 acres, with 10 miles of paths and four different corn mazes all on one farm.
Hop Aboard a Hayride
Hayrides and fall go hand in hand. At Conner Prairie, every Thursday through Sunday from October 5-29, take a haunted and historical ride on the Headless Horseman Hayride and prepare for a hauntingly unforgettable experience. On the west side, Hogan Family Farms in Brownsburg offers hayrides every Friday-Sunday in October. On the north side, visit Kelsay Farms in Whiteland for hayrides and other fall fun.
Pick a Perfect Gourd at a Pumpkin Patch
No matter where you’re located in Indy, you can find a place to pick the perfect pumpkin, including Dull’s Tree Farm and Pumpkin Harvest in Thorntown, Tuttle Orchards in Greenfield, Stuckey Farm in Sheridan, Spencer Farm in Noblesville and many others!
Relax During a Scenic Train Ride
Indiana is gorgeous in the fall, and one of the best ways to see the fall foliage is on a train. Nickel Plate Express departs from Atlanta, Indiana, and offers themed train rides for families, and dinner rides for adults. Don’t miss the Arcadia Fall Market Express this year, where you can take a train ride to a small-town market. And if you’re up for a road trip, French Lick Scenic Railway begins offering scenic train rides in September through late October, and will take you on a ride through the hills of Southern Indiana and the Hoosier National Forest.
Savor the Fruits of the Season at an Apple Orchard
It’s apple season! At Beasley’s Orchard in Danville, you’ll find 25 different varieties of apples in their farm store, and a host of family fall activities every day from September 16 through October 31. Anderson Orchard in Mooresville is ripe for the picking in the fall, and their annual Apple Festival and Craft Fair on September 30 is an area favorite. In the mood for a fall road trip? The Apple Works in Trafalgar is worth the drive.
Embrace the beauty of fall and make the most of this enchanting season!
