When it comes to ways to enjoy the great outdoors, there's surely no shortage of methods. You can go camping or hiking in Indiana; you can tube one of our amazing rivers, or tour any of our splendid state parks (of which there are 24). You can rent an all-terrain vehicle and tour the backroads and roads less traveled. The potential is almost limitless; if you can dream it, you can probably find a way to do it in the great outdoors of the Hoosier State. Today, for example, we'll take a look at an amazing train ride that serves one purpose: to introduce you to - and get you acquainted with - the exquisite natural beauty of the hills of southern Indiana. These scenic train rides in Indiana on the French Lick Scenic Railway are one of a kind, and better still, they're great for kids - so bring the whole family along and discover the beauty of our state.
It's called the French Lick Scenic Railway, and it's been a thing in some way or another since 1961. It all began in Westport, though in 1978 the operation was moved to French Lick. It was formerly known as the Indiana Railway Museum, but nowadays it goes by its current moniker.
It's not a museum in the most traditional sense; instead, it's a rolling train ride experience that allows you to experience what it was like when rail travel was the primary form of transportation. Of course, it takes you through some of the most incredible landscapes the Hoosier State has to offer; no matter what time of year it may be, you're in for a splendid treat.
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The excursion takes guests on an adventurous look at our state's intriguing natural world.
You'll find yourself whisking past interesting geological features, past a log cabin built in the 1850s, and through the second-longest railroad tunnel in all of Indiana.
The scenic train rides are wonderful, and once you've experienced one of those and fallen in love with Indiana's backcountry, you might want to expand your horizons and try out a more thrilling adventure, like a Wild West Hold-Up.
Though if you're only in this for the low-key, scenic cruise, we get it. No judgment here. After all, we don't blame you; the scenic route is easily one of the most beautiful in the state.
The scenic excursions are 18 miles round-trip and run 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The railroad also offers excursions like the aforementioned Wild West Hold-Up, Dinosaur Adventure Train, and even the Polar Express during the holiday season! The scenic excursions, however, go all year round.
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We suggest taking a scenic ride once for each season of the year; seeing the landscape change is truly an enchanting experience, and each season brings with it different photogenic qualities.
Take a ride with Positively Andy on the French Lick Scenic Railway in West Baden, Indiana:
For more information, including how to plan your trip and where to purchase and pick up your tickets, make sure to visit the official French Lick Scenic Railway website. While you are in town for a scenic train ride, why not make it a weekend getaway by staying in this historic home in French Lick built in 1901?
Do you know of any other scenic train rides in Indiana? Tell us about them in the comments! We love learning about your favorite places to visit and things to do around the Hoosier State.
When you think about autumn, what kind of things come to mind? It's probably something to the effect of pumpkins, pumpkin patches, apple-picking, corn mazes... you know, the typical gambit. Well, luckily for those of us who are head-over-heels obsessed with fall, Indiana's home to several amazing family farms where you (and the little ones, of course) can gather and make all sorts of delicious autumnal memories.
Take, for example, this amazing farm that I just found: Huber's Family Farm, located in Borden, Indiana, is so much more than just a farm, though it does operate as a working one from day to day. You can visit no matter what time of year it is - but autumn is the best time, hands down - particularly for families. Huber's is a bit of an anomaly in the sense that it's amazing for adults year-round, but in the fall, it becomes especially family-friendly.
Here, you'll wander pumpkin patches, a corn maze, and so much more. There's a cute little grain train to ride that the kids will love, an epic mountain slide for all the thrills, a bounce pad, a playground, photo ops, and so much more. It's day-trip-worthy.
Of course, you can't visit without indulging in the on-site restaurant, which serves up incredibly fresh meals made of, well, things from the farm! I promise you've never had something so incredibly fresh... unless you've been here before, that is.
Another incredible aspect of this delightful experience that nobody in your group will ever forget is the tasty treats you can indulge in - like some of the world's best apple cider donuts. Pumpkins, corn mazes, and donuts? Can life get better? I submit that it does not.
Adults and kids can both get in with just $6 per person. Kiddies under one year of age are always free. The farm is open to the public Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on Saturdays, it's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you’re wondering about all the best things to do in Indiana during the fall, you’ve come to the right place – and this little family farm is the best way to jump in feet-first! It’s worth noting that the farm has an on-site restaurant, wine for sale (made with grapes grown right here, of course!), and so much more. You’ll come looking for adventure, but you’ll fall in love with autumn (okay, I'll show myself out).
For more information about this wonderful family farm in Indiana with u-pick apples, pumpkins, and more, be sure to visit the official Huber's Family Farm Park website.
Are you planning a trip and need more to do outside of your farm visit? You might want to check out some of the best Indiana fall color road trips, or perhaps the coolest goings-on from our friends at StubHub.
Indiana is a wonderful place to live, visit, and experience. Year-round, it’s an awesome little place that will amaze you and make you need more; each year, folks move here in hopes of experiencing the Hoosier State at its best. If you’re wondering when you ought to check Indiana out, try autumn; this incredible season is filled with wonder, mystery, and fun, and there are so many things to do in Indiana in the fall that it can be challenging to decide where to start. You’ve found the jackpot: check out these Indiana fall activities that the whole family will surely adore.
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Indiana Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Indiana For Fall Foliage
If there’s anything anyone thinks about immediately when it comes to autumn, it’s the color – and we can’t blame them! Fall colors in Indiana are an amazing phenomenon; starting in late September at the northernmost parts of the state and spreading south until roughly the end of October, our autumn splendor is something to write home about! Check out some of the most amazing places to go in Indiana for fall foliage:
Wow Factor: With three sparkling, clear lakes and a ridiculous amount of brilliant foliage surrounding it all, Shakamak State Park is an autumn paradise.
Need To Know: Entry fees are $7 per in-state vehicle, $9 per out-of-state vehicle. Camping is also possible. Plan an adventure ASAP!
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To try and explain the incredible color that is Shakamak State Park in the fall is to fall short of ever truly describing the wonder of it all. This heavily-forested natural sanctuary comes ablaze with color each and every autumn, and there are few things more incredible than waking up to the brilliance of fall. Two-thirds of the available campsites are in heavily wooded areas, and we promise: you’ll never forget a night spent at Shakamak in the fall.
Wow Factor: Fall colors are already awesome – now combine them with an old, historic mill and you’ll see autumn in Indiana at its finest.
Need To Know: Entry fees are $7 per in-state vehicle, $9 per out-of-state vehicle. Camping is also possible. Plan an adventure ASAP!
With a whole settler’s village, a historic old mill, and all the fall color you could ever hope for, a stop at Spring Mill State Park is always a great idea. There’s an awesome assortment of things to do and experience while you’re here, from cave tours, boating, and hiking to the historic village and everything in between – all with a backdrop of sheer autumnal amazingness. You’ll learn a lot, too, which makes for an excellent bonus.
Wow Factor: It’s one of Indiana’s most spectacular waterfalls surrounded by a plethora of brilliant color – what else need be said?
Need To Know: Entry fees are $7 per in-state vehicle, $9 per out-of-state vehicle. No swimming, please.
Cataract Falls is one of Indiana’s most breathtakingly famous waterfalls, and in the fall, they’re somehow only improved upon (which most of us probably didn’t even consider as a possibility). A photographer’s paradise, Cataract Falls in the fall is an incredible sight to behold; the two waterfalls are approximately one mile apart, and both are absolutely worth the hiking it takes (which isn’t difficult!) to reach them.
Best Autumn Towns in Indiana
Indiana is home to – quite literally – hundreds of small towns. Some of these towns go above and beyond every autumn to become seasonal must-dos; if you’ve never visited one of our favorite autumn towns in Indiana at this time of year, you truly should – we promise it’ll become a family tradition in no time!
Wow Factor: Greenfield is one of those small towns that really pops when it’s all in unison about something – especially autumn.
Need To Know: Get ready for farmers markets, shopping, and festivals galore – Greenfield is the ultimate autumn adventure.
Greenfield, Indiana is a small town that goes big for fall and all the fall festivities you can dream of. With historic homes and buildings all over the place and incredible colors serving as a perfect backdrop, check out the Greenfield Farmers Market, attend the annual Riley Festival, and check out farms like Tuttle Orchards for a hay ride or two – you can’t go wrong with a day trip (or longer) to one of Indiana’s best little autumn towns.
Wow Factor: Brown County is widely considered to be the most beautiful place in Indiana. Throw in a little fall festivities and... well, enough said.
Need To Know: You’re gonna want more than one day for this one, we promise.
Ask a local Hoosier what town comes to mind when you say “fall” and you’ll be amazed at how many of ‘em will immediately mention Nashville. This adorable small town in Indiana is magical all year ‘round, but it’s especially amazing when the temperatures are dropping every evening and the air is particularly crisp. There’s always something fun going on, and you’ll find that all the shops and restaurants get decorated up and really in the autumnal spirit, adding to the overall magic. Nashville is an excellent example of our wonderful small towns – especially at this time of year!
Wow Factor: The University of Notre Dame campus is incredibly impressive ALWAYS, but in the fall, it’s positively breathtaking.
Need To Know: South Bend is Indiana’s fourth-largest town, making it a delightful destination for more than “just” Notre Dame – so be sure to stick around and explore a while.
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The nothing-short-of-incredible University of Notre Dame is one of the most ridiculously famous college campuses in the United States, and it’s right here at home. In the fall, the stunning gothic architecture and healthy number of large, fluffy trees ensures that peak color will be nothing short of life-changing to witness. Even folks who aren’t photographers are going to want to bust out the cameras for this one; it might be Indiana’s most photogenic place when surrounded by color. Plus, there’s always something going on – so keep an ear out!
Best Pumpkin Patches In Indiana
What fall is complete without a pumpkin patch or three? Autumn times call for autumn traditions, and the old-fashioned pumpkin patch is a big, huge must. Multiple dozens of working farms in Indiana offer annual pumpkin patches and other autumnal activities, all of which are worth a visit. Why not make a road trip out of the best ones? Check out a few of the best pumpkin patches in Indiana:
Wow Factor: This one has the special distinction of being HUGE!
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Need To Know: Cost depends on a few factors, like age and activities chosen. For example, hayrides are $13 per person ($10 on weekdays), while the corn maze is $5, and the petting zoo is always free.
Beginning on September 25th, the biggest pumpkin patch in Indiana will start hosting hayrides to its world-famous patch. Better still, the corn maze and pumpkin patch are included with the purchase of hayride tickets, so you only have to pay once. Cool, right? Take home some of the finest pumpkins you’ll ever pick yourself and carve ‘em up into all the coolest artworks you can think of. It’s a traditional autumn activity the whole family is sure to fall in love with. Make it a tradition!
Wow Factor: You’ll find an amazing array of pumpkins to pick from, from lil’ bitty guys to biggo heckin’ chonkers (as the kids are saying, of course).
Need To Know: General admission for folks three years old and up is $8. Season passes are $15.
Steele Farms is one of the best pumpkin patches in Indiana, and for many reasons; it’s large, very affordable, and provides a truly jaw-dropping range of pumpkin shapes and sizes for whatever you might be envisioning for your porch this year. The farm recommends wearing sturdy, closed-toed shoes for the best experience, and honestly, that’s great advice for all the autumn attractions on this list! The fun doesn’t just stop at pumpkins, either – there's also concessions, a play zone, a shop, and so much more!
Wow Factor: This four-acre pumpkin patch also has a seven-acre corn maze and other fun stuff to do; it went from a small family project for fun to the awesome powerhouse of autumn shenanigans it is now, and we can’t get enough.
Need To Know: This patch is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so plan accordingly. Pets are welcome, too! There is no general admission fee, either – and free popcorn! The corn maze is the only part with any cost, which is always just $5.
Stanton Road Pumpkin Patch frequently gets mentioned in Indiana’s “best of” lists. When it comes to small, family-run, non-commercial farms, this is one of the best (and we here in Indiana have a decently sized handful of ‘em!). You’ll find nine varieties of pumpkin and a team more than happy to teach you all about them; an afternoon spent at Stanton Road Pumpkin Patch is an afternoon well-spent.
Best Fall Festivals In Indiana
Festivals: what would fall be without festivals? Boring, that’s what. Lucky for us, there are a number of amazing fall festivals in Indiana that are 100% worth traveling for – so many, in fact, that there’s nowhere near enough room to mention them all in one article. There are, however, a couple of amazing standouts we’d like to highlight; come to Indiana in the fall and enjoy some of the best fall festivals in the world.
Wow Factor: What’s more outrageously beautiful than fall color in Indiana? How about fall color in Indiana with some photogenic covered bridges thrown in, too?
Need To Know: This EPIC 10-day festival begins each and every year on the second Friday of October. There are nine locations where festivities will take place: Rockville, Billie Creek Village, Bloomingdale, Bridgeton, Mansfield, Mecca, Montezua, Rosedale, and Tangier. Check them all out for the fullest experience.
Parke County is famous for being the one county with the most covered bridges in Indiana, and this long, must-do festival is the best way to fully experience it. With incredible markets, vendors, traditions, food, and more, this is one tradition you need to get in on year after year. It’s always familiar, but it’s always new – if that makes sense. Tour the bridges, eat amazing food, explore historic places across Brown County, and enjoy – after all, you get ten whole days!
Wow Factor: This epic celebration is in its seventh decade of existence and still going strong.
Need To Know: This year’s festivities take place from October 19th through October 26th. There is no entry fee.
The annual Irvington Halloween Festival is a favorite among locals and those who learned a long time ago that it’s worth it to travel for this one. Taking place over the span of about a week, this delightful small-town celebration includes the participation of hundreds of residents and local businesses, turning the festival into an autumnal wonderland sure to thrill. There are a number of fun events going on, like a masquerade ball, an organ concert, a family movie night, a horror movie shorts night, and SO much more. Autumn’s never been the same since Irvington got involved!
Wow Factor: This is one of Indiana’s best fall festivals, hands down – awesome enough that folks travel for it. Now in its 67th year, this celebration of all things harvest time is sure to amaze folks of all ages.
Need To Know: Festivities occur daily from October 5th through October 19th.
The legendary Harvest Homecoming Festival in Indiana has been repeatedly voted the best fall festival in the state by several outlets and sources, and we agree that it definitely belongs among the top contenders. With a homecoming pageant, a photography competition, and, of course, all the traditional falls goings-on, this one is also a can’t-miss (we’re starting to see a pattern here).
Free & Cheap Indiana Fall Activities
Sometimes we all want to get out and about and enjoy the delights of the season without spending much – if anything. Well, that’s where we come in with a few handy suggestions for free and/or inexpensive things to do in Indiana this fall. You can’t go wrong with some of the simplest pleasures in life; they’re all a treat, and we suspect you’ll never do autumn the same way again after you’ve finished our to-do list.
Fun fact for all you bargain lovers out there: turns out, there are a number of awesome farmers and flea markets in Indiana and they ALL only get better in the fall. There’s just something about popcorn, pumpkins, apples and scarecrows that really get our autumn thing going, and you’re sure to find plenty of all that at our awesome farmers markets. Select a pumpkin, purchase seasonal goodies and more – you never know what you’ll find, especially at this particular time of year.
Another idea for awesome free things to do in Indiana in the fall is the old-school scenic drive option. Indiana’s countryside is made up of rolling hills, gorgeous woodlands, breathtaking prairies, eye-catching sand dunes, and so much more, and in the fall everything’s a little more colorful while you check it out. Take any one of the 12 amazing scenic byways Indiana has to offer – you can’t go wrong with a single one! Scenic drives are awesome for folks of all ages, and we definitely recommend doing at least one or two this season.
Finally, no list of things to do in Indiana this fall would be complete without mentioning good old-fashioned leaf-peeping. Come late September, colors are in full bloom, and come the end of October the show’s almost already over – so peep early! Some popular places for leaf-spotting in Indiana include Brown County State Park, the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower, Clifty Falls State Park, and many more. Our healthy amount of foliage lends itself to excellent leaf-peeping opportunities, and we think you’ll become just as obsessed as we are once you’ve done it! Leaf peeping in Indiana is a truly special pastime – one everyone ought to get well acquainted with to truly experience the joys of this splendid season each and every year.
So, there you have it: all the information and ideas you’ll ever need to have THE ultimate autumn in Indiana. Fun and games await, friends! Do you have any autumn traditions or fall festivals you didn’t see in this list? What would you add to it? Let us know in the comments.
