The color of the leaves is changing, the scent of pumpkin spice is in the air and the words “sweater weather” are repeating in your head. It must mean that fall is here!
Many traditions in Indiana fall during the cooler months of autumn. The leaves are turning beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange, and people are eager to partake in their favorite fall traditions like picking apples and pumpkins at the best apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the Hoosier state. This article is your guide to a fun and exciting pick-your-own fall adventure this year.
Are Indiana’s orchards and pumpkin patches open right now?
Currently, Indiana’s orchards and pumpkin patches are open for business! Be sure to support these local businesses throughout the state and embrace fall with friends and family.
Where to pick apples and pumpkins this year?
Indiana has an array of apple and pumpkin picking locations throughout the state. Some places include various other activities for you and your family, such as hayrides or corn mazes. Make sure to check online for their hours of operation before you make a trip to one of the many locations!
Anderson Orchards, in Mooresville, Indiana, has apples galore. With six different varieties of apples to choose from, Anderson Orchards has an apple for everyone’s liking. Along with apples, it offers an assortment of other produce including sweet corn, u-pick red raspberries, plums, pumpkins and other options. Go to Anderson Orchards for a festive fall day with your family! Make sure when you are there to try the apple cider slush that is made fresh from Anderson’s own apples.
Lark Ranch, in Greenfield, Loogootee and Lanesville, Indiana, includes lots of fun activities for the entire family. Some of the outdoor activities at Lark Ranch are a pumpkin patch, corn maze and slide mountain, as well as carnival rides and more. Go to its website to check out the ongoing list of fun things to take part in while you are there. Lark Ranch can be a full-day adventure, filled with fun for the entire family.
Stuckey Farm Orchard & Cider Mill, in Sheridan, Indiana, is home to a delicious apple orchard and cider mill. Stuckey Farm has been around for more than 50 years! Throughout the year, they host a sunflower festival, harvest festival, farmers markets, picnics and activities for all ages. Looking for the perfect pumpkin for jack-o-lanterns this October? Stuckey’s pumpkin patch has pumpkins of all different shapes and sizes.
McClure’s Orchard, in Peru, Indiana, knows a thing or two about tradition. A family-run farm for more than 20 years, McClure’s has something for the entire family. Ranging from an apple barn to a café to a winery, McClure’s is a place you will want to check out. Look on its website before you go to the orchard, to see what apples are in stock and which apples are available for the u-pick activity.
Chandler’s Farm, in Fillmore, Indiana, is home to more than 200 different varieties of apples on its 52-acre farm. Open for business, Chandler’s has all your fall necessities and more. From cider and peach slushies, to homemade caramel apples, your taste buds are begging you to visit Chandler’s for a festive time.
Cook’s Orchard, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a variety of things to do at its orchard this fall. From pumpkins to local honey and other yummy treats, Cook’s will check off all your orchard needs this season. Looking for something to do outdoors and with a small group of friends and family? Cook’s offers orchard tours for you and your group, just call to schedule a tour.
County Line Orchard, in Hobart, Indiana, is open for business! This orchard offers a variety of activities for you, your family and your friends to enjoy! From u-pick apples, u-pick pumpkins to watching bees at work, County Line Orchard truly has it all. They also have a corn maze and shops that everyone can enjoy. Go to their website for more information regarding hours of operations.
The Apple Works located in Trafalgar, Indiana, has all your favorite local produce. Straight from the field, they have seedless watermelon that are delicious and good for you! But that is not all, The Apple Works is known for its famous salsa that is hard to pass up. Pair it with a fresh Indiana peach or an ear of their amazing sweet corn for a true treat! They offer eight apple varieties to pick from and each apple offers a unique flavor depending on your taste pallet.
Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards located in Goshen, Indiana, has been family-owned and farmed since 1922, that’s five generations! Kercher’s is home to more than 600 acres of specialty crops, including a variety of apples, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, cabbage, broccoli and delicious peaches! They proudly maintain three values within their farm: education, sustainability and family.
What to do with those pumpkins and apples?
The possibilities are endless for what you can do with all the pumpkins and apples that you picked—aside from carving and eating them. Fresh apples from Indiana’s apple orchards are the perfect ingredient for My Fearless Kitchen's apple and walnut bread. Making this warm and delicious bread is the perfect family activity, and when you’re done you get to enjoy it!
Pumpkins can be a complex ingredient in many recipes, so when you find a simple recipe that tastes good, it makes your life easier. This simple pumpkin stovetop soup from My Fearless Kitchen is perfect for the changing weather. Topped with bacon and served warm, you and your whole family will love this new kitchen staple. Don’t know what to do with leftover pumpkin seeds? Roast them in your oven with a little olive oil and seasoning for a mid-day snack.
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance understands that life can get crazy, but remember it is important to slow down and enjoy the little things like picking apples and pumpkins with family and friends at one of the many orchards and pumpkin patches Indiana has to offer.