13 Things to Do in Hendricks County, Indiana This Fall
Hey #PSL season, fave fall activities time, and bring-the-colors month: We see you around the corner. As the season rolls in to Hendricks County, Indiana with gorgeous hues and an autumnal spirit of adventure, there's no shortage of Fall fun to celebrate. Are you a local resident? A visitor? When you visit Hendricks County in the Fall, you'll find so much to do from a ride thru a pumpkin patch to a local farm market with delish produce, and of course... apple cider galore. We love it!
Here are 13 Things to do in Hendricks County, Indiana This Fall:
1. Beasley’s Orchard
Holy swoon: While it's home to a favorite local market in Danville (the Farm Market store has everything from fresh produce to baked goods to a award-winning apple Cider Bar), Beasley’s is also a prime spot for apple picking, picturesque Fall photo backdrops, apple cannons, live music, a pumpkin patch, face painting, food trucks, and tons of themed activities. Their annual Heartland Apple Festival is a great place to live out your fall season dreams, but Beasley's actually offers 7 weekends of Fall Festivals, each with a unique theme.
Fall Festivals:
Sept 14-15: Opening Weekend
Sept 21-22: Second Weekend
Sept 28-29: Hometown Heroes
Oct 5-6: Annual Heartland Apple Festival
Oct 12-13: Heartland Apple Festival
Oct 19-20: Dog Days at the Maze
Oct 26-27: Halloweekend
2. McCloud Nature Park in North Salem
We love Hendricks County Parks for their Fall views, including the 232-acre McCloud Nature Park. The Park also provides the perfect backdrop for fall color hikes, or a kayak ride down Big Walnut Creek. Bonus: Even on rainy days the McCloud Nature Center is a great stop for wildlife viewing or programs.
3. Hogan Farms
Where to start? This fun-filled spot for the whole family on E County Road boasts a huge corn maze, a u-pick pumpkin patch, kid zone, hay rides, and more. We love that this stop is also friendly to furry friends.
4. Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
If you're a thrill-seeker, there are tons of adrenaline-pumping events happening during the month of October here. Enjoy races on the oval track, road circuit or drag strip - it's the perfect place for fun.
5. Natural Valley Ranch
Experience their onsite petting zoo, walking trails, or go horseback riding thru the trees. Kids are welcome here or set it aside for a mini afternoon day date of trail rides.
6. Avon Haunted Bridge
Memorialized in the Avon town seal, this huge bridge along County Road 625 East is the stuff of local legend. Drivers are cautioned to honk their horn as they pass to avoid ghosts, and only pass by in the dark if you dare.
Looking for more Fall fun? Check this out:
7. Pumpkin Patches
Hendricks County is dotted with numerous pumpkin patches (two mentioned in #1 and #3 above!), however if you're searching for a simple in-and-out, we recommend The Back Forty (Brownsburg) or Nehemiah Ranch (Avon).
8. Going Golden
The user experience at this permanent jewelry shop is top notch. Schedule ahead for a girls Fall afternoon out, or pop in - it's one of the best places for gifts year-round.
9. Mayberry Cafe
Step into the iconic Mayberry Cafe in downtown Danville and savor their hearty fall-inspired comfort food - is it the Sheriff shepherd's pie or the chicken pot pie soup that bring you in? Either way, you'll love this great spot for Fall flavors.
10. Oasis Diner
Speaking of food, you can't visit Hendricks County without a stop to the Oasis Diner in Plainfield. This retro diner feels like a fabulous step back in time, and the patio remains open with warmer temps.
11. Fall Colors Festival
Okay we're heading back to the McCloud Nature Park for their annual Fall Colors Nature Park. Enjoy free family-friendly activities including axe-throwing, atlatl throwing, hayrides, and the bicentennial-themed 2024 McCloud Prairie Maze.
Enjoying an afternoon at Oinking Acres with furry friends.
12. Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary
Open only on weekends, this animal rescue is such a hidden gem. Not only is it a haven for animals, but also offers educational tours and special events for visitors.
13. Bread Basket Café & Bakery
As if their menu isn't enough to bait your appetite for breakfast or lunch, maybe their amazing lineup of baked goods from breads (chocolate cherry anyone?) to pies (buttermilk pie sounds delish) to cakes (yummmm blackberry wine chocolate cake) will.
