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 Indiana 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 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. Another piece of advice, is to research hours of operations before heading to your favorite apple orchard or pumpkin patch, so you don’t accidentally show up when they’re closed!
Where to pick apples and pumpkins this year?
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.
Anderson Orchards in Mooresville, Indiana, has apples galore. With nearly 30 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 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, 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! It offers eight apple varieties to pick from and each apple offers a unique flavor depending on your taste pallet. 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. Open for business, Chandler’s has all your fall necessities and more. From cider and peach slushies to homemade caramel apples to their new caramel apple shortcake your taste buds are begging you to visit Chandler’s for a festive and delicious time.
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, 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 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 and 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 ten 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!
in LaPorte, Indiana, is an orchard and farmers market with more than 350 acres of land. Family-owned since 1831, Garwood Orchards has 200 acres of apples and 150 acres of peaches, raspberries, pumpkins, strawberries, cherries, sweet corn, peppers, cucumbers and a variety of other vegetables that are available throughout the year. Check their website before you go, to see what produce is in season, hours of operations, how to book a group tour and more!
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.
Lark Ranch in Greenfield, 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.
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 stock and which apples are available for the u-pick activity.
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.
What should I do with all 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! From sweet to savory, you’ll be sure to find a pumpkin recipe you’ll love on this list. Stick to the classics or try a new spin on this traditional fall flavor.
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.
*The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only.