Fall is in the air, and that means it’s the perfect time to head just south of Indy to soak up the beauty, traditions and fun of the season. Discover fall festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and vibrant leaf-peeping opportunities. Experience the best of autumn in a place that is more festive.
Fall Traditions
There’s nothing like strolling through an apple orchard or picking your own pumpkin in the brisk fall air. In Festival Country, you’ll find farms perfect for creating fall memories and continuing (or starting) your favorite traditions.
Apple Works
The first place on our list is Apple Works in Trafalgar. Here, you’ll find fresh apples and treats like apple dumplings, apple cider slushes and homemade ice cream. Wander through rows of apple trees, play on the hay bale mountain, navigate the corn maze, choose your own pumpkin from the patch, meet friendly animals at the petting zoo and more.
Kelsay Farms
Next is Kelsay Farms, which kicks off its season on Sept. 29 and will be open every weekend through October 29. Explore their legendary seven-acre corn maze, dive into a sea of golden kernels in the corn crib, choose your own pumpkin, climb on the hay bale mountain or ride the Moo Choo. Animal enthusiasts will love their livestock barn where you can meet the farm's furry friends.
Waterman's Family Farm
Waterman's Family Farm in Greenwood is home to hayrides, a straw bale playground and fort, miniature train rides, farm animals, a little farmer experience, a human hamster wheel, pumpkins and more. Each day from the last weekend in September through the end of October, visitors can enjoy their Fall Harvest Festival.
Jenkins Farm Market Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
In Franklin, Jenkins Farm Market Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch features a corn maze scavenger hunt, pumpkins, hayrides and a fall market every Saturday and Sunday in October. Their produce shop is open every day, all year.
Dollie's Farm
Have you ever heard of a chocolate sunflower? Head to Dollie's Farm for these and more sunflower varieties, as well as a pumpkin patch, corn maze, a farm store and great fall photo opportunities. Check their schedule for fall events like the Scarecrow Festival and goat yoga.
Fall Drive
Meander through the picturesque backroads while viewing the glow of vibrant fall leaves. Let this map guide you through our most beautiful fall drive. The leaves usually start changing in late September, but peak color is from mid-October to mid-November.
While you explore Festival Country, keep an eye out for the hundreds of scarecrows that decorate the homes and businesses during Scarecrow Madness. This month-long scavenger hunt features creatively decorated scarecrows with characters ranging from the Wizard of Oz cast to Dolly Parton.
Seasonal Markets and Events
Festival Country is the place to find more than 1,000 festivals and events each year. With autumn events ranging from cozy handmade markets to multi-day fall festivals, there’s no shortage of fun here. Catch great events like the Franklin Fall Festival, the Fall Vintage Fest, Mallow Run’s Harvest Festival and the Edinburgh Fall Festival. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor concerts to enjoy. Click here to make sure you don’t miss any of the fun this season.
Ready to make a weekend out of it? Click here to find great hotels.