Autumn has arrived and is my favorite season of the year for a number of reasons, including that there is so much to do around Central Indiana. If you and your family are looking for reasons to get out and about, here are 10 fun fall destinations within an hour of Hendricks County that you may or may not have thought about.
I'll use Danville, Indiana, as the starting point since it's geographically located in the center of the county.
Beasley's Orchard
Our very own Beasley's Orchard in Danville offers a corn maze, pumpkin patch, a number of festivals, and much more! Of particular interest are the Heartland Apple Festival, Dog Daze at the Maze and Halloweekend.
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 0 miles.
McCloud Prairie Maze
For something a little different, check out the Prairie Maze at McCloud Nature Park outside of North Salem. The snake-themed maze makes for a hike of about 2/3 of a mile when navigated correctly, and it's open from dawn to dusk daily through Oct. 31. Admission to the park and the Prairie Maze are free.
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 11.1 miles.
Anderson Orchard
Anderson Orchard in Mooresville offers a number of attractions and activities for everyone.
Visit their Apple Barn to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, butters and preserves and other products. Their concession stand, open on weekends in September and October, offers fresh apple cider, hot dogs, caramel apples and other treats. This is also a great place if you like to pick your own apples.
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 15.7 miles.
ZooBoo at Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is always a fun place to go, and in the fall, their month-long ZooBoo event in October offers a wide array of activities that will keep the entire family entertained all day.
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 19 miles.
Hogan Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Hogan Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Brownsburg is a great way to enjoy a fall day. Come get lost in the corn maze, take the kids on a hayride, meet some furry friends at the petting zoo and pick your own pumpkins.
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 20.1 miles.
Go Ape at Eagle Creek Park
How would you like to see the fall colors at eye level? You can do just that on the Go Ape zipline and high ropes course at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis! The treetop adventure will make this autumn one to remember!
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 21.3 miles.
Harvest Nights at Newfields
This new nightly ticketed event from Oct. 2-25 features thousands of glowing pumpkins along a never-before-seen path at Newfields in Indianapolis. The spooky (not scary) outdoor walking experience guides guests around twists and turns of the enchanted forest, an eerie ghost train and a grand finale at Mischief Manor at the Lilly House mansion.
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 23.6 miles.
Covered Bridges in Parke County
To the west of us, Parke County, Indiana, is home to 31 covered bridges. Gather up the family, jump in the car and take a tour of the county as you visit all 31 bridges in the middle of beautiful fall foliage!
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 38.3 miles.
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana, always offers a packed schedule of entertaining and educational programs and events. This fall, don't miss their corn maze, Headless Horseman Festival, International Film Festival and Gingerbread Jamboree!
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 42.3 miles.
Brown County State Park
I'm cheating a little on this one because it's a little outside of the "one-hour away" criteria, but Brown County State Park is absolutely breathtaking in the fall. Enjoy the Inn (with restaurant and aquatic center), cabins, camping, swimming pools, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and lots more outdoor fun.
To learn more, click here.
Distance from Danville: 51.5 miles.
This is, of course, just a very small taste of the fall season in Central Indiana. For even more ideas of things to do and places to experience right here in Hendricks County, be sure to visit our Visit Hendricks County Fall Guide!
