The air is getting crisper, the smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon is blowing in the breeze, the leaves are changing color, and the days are getting shorter. It must mean that fall is here!
Many traditions in the Hoosier state occur during the cooler months of autumn. The leaves are turning beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange, and people are eager to partake in favorite traditions like picking apples and pumpkins at the best apple orchards and pumpkin patches in Indiana. This article is your guide to finding the perfect fall activities in Indiana.
When do apple orchards and pumpkin patches open in Indiana?
Indiana’s apple orchards and pumpkin patches are typically open in the fall. When late August hits, start looking for your favorite apple orchards and pumpkin patches to open their farms to the public. Be sure to support these local businesses throughout the state and embrace fall with friends and family. Days and hours of business may vary by farm, so be sure to research the hours of operation before heading to your favorite Indiana apple orchard or pumpkin patch. You don’t want to accidentally show up when they’re closed!
Also keep in mind that different varieties of apples are available at different times. If you have a favorite orchard, check to see if they have information on which apples are available when. Anderson Orchard provides this great guide to when each apple variety is ready to be picked on their farm.
Best apple orchards in Indiana
Indiana has a wide 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. Check out this list of apple orchards in Indiana by location and plan your family fun!
Central Indiana apple orchards
Anderson Orchard in Mooresville, Indiana, has apples galore. With nearly 30 varieties of apples to choose from, Anderson Orchard 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 Orchard 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.
Apple Works located in Trafalgar, Indiana, has all your favorite local produce. Straight from the field, it has seedless watermelon that is both delicious and good for you! But that is not all, 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! It offers eight apple varieties to pick from, and each apple offers a unique flavor depending on your taste palate. Spend the day enjoying all it has to offer including Apple Alley, live music, a petting zoo, the pumpkin patch and the artisan market.
Chandler’s Farm in Fillmore, Indiana, is home to more than 200 different varieties of apples on its 52-acre farm. Chandler’s has all your fall necessities and more. From cider and peach slushies to homemade caramel apples to their caramel apple shortcake, your taste buds are begging you to visit Chandler’s for a festive and delicious time.
Stuckey Farm 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, it hosts 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. Admission is required but now includes a quarter peck of u-pick apples, three zinnia stems and a ride on the Stuckey Express. Be sure to sample the apple cider donuts and cider slushies at The Country Market while you’re there.
Northern Indiana apple orchards
Cook’s Orchard in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been family-owned since 1977. Featuring apple, peach and pear trees, Cook’s Orchard has a variety of things to do all 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 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, offers a variety of activities for you, your family and your friends to enjoy! From u-pick apples, u-pick pumpkins or watching bees at work to a u-pick sunflower patch, County Line Orchard truly has it all. It also has a corn maze and shops that everyone can enjoy. Don’t miss the kids farm featuring pedal tractors, animals and the fan-favorite Moo-Choo ride. Go to their website for more information regarding hours of operation.
Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana, has a robust harvest season for you and your family to enjoy. With activities including the Apple Orchard where you can pick 10 varieties of apples, walk through the orchard or take a wagon ride. Between Applefest, Music in the Orchard every Saturday through October and Pumpkinfest featuring a giant pumpkin contest and Oktoberfest, there is fun to be had all season long!
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 300 acres of specialty crops, including a variety of apples, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, cabbage, broccoli and delicious peaches! It proudly maintains three values within their farm: education, sustainability and family.
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 market in the Granary and Toll House to a winery featuring award-winning wines and hard ciders, McClure’s is definitely a place you will want to check out. Look on its website before you go to the orchard, to see what apples are in season and which apples are available for the u-pick activity.
Southern Indiana apple orchards
Applacres in Bedford, Indiana, got its start in 1937 but was purchased by the current owners, the Byers family, in 1962. This family-owned farm grows apples, peaches, pears, cherries and more! There are many fall activities for families to enjoy, and you don’t want to miss Applacres’ year-round market. The farm has a sizable selection of pumpkins that you can pick up in the fall months!
Evansville Countryside Orchard in Evansville, Indiana, specializes in u-pick peaches, but the farm also does a good amount of apple and pumpkin business. It’s a great place to experience the outdoors! The 50-acre orchard is located in the rolling countryside and surrounded by corn and soybean fields. Evansville Countryside Orchard visits many local farmers markets, and they have a farm store located on the farm.
Lark Ranch in Loogootee and Lanesville, Indiana, are orchards that include lots of fun activities for the entire family. Some of the outdoor activities at Lark Ranch include a pumpkin patch, corn maze and slide mountain, as well as carnival rides, hayrides, ziplining 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 something for the entire family. Lark Ranch also has a location in Greenfield, Indiana.
Best pumpkin patches in Indiana
A lot of the orchards mentioned above also have pumpkins available during the fall. In case you need a few more pumpkin patches in Indiana to choose from, consider checking out:
This list is just the tip of the pumpkin stem! Indiana Farm Bureau has compiled a valuable list of apple orchards in Indiana and one for pumpkin patches as well. Visit their buy local page to find these lists and search for an apple orchard or pumpkin patch near you.
What should I do with those pumpkins and apples?
The possibilities are endless for what you can do with all the pumpkins and apples that you’ve picked. Fresh apples from Indiana’s apple orchards are the perfect ingredient for any of these 15 awesome apple recipes!
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.
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