What You Need To Know About the Fall Colors Festival Just West of Indianapolis
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Every October, McCloud Nature Park in northwest Hendricks County, Indiana, bursts into brilliant fall colors and turns into a favorite destination for visitors and residents alike. To celebrate the beautiful fall foliage, Hendricks County Parks & Recreation hosts an annual Fall Colors Festival.
The 2026 Fall Colors Festival will take place at McCloud, just outside of North Salem, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24. Since I work for Hendricks County Parks & Recreation, I have a pretty good idea of what you and your family can expect at this festival.
If your family includes a pooch or two, know that leashed dogs are always welcome at McCloud Nature Park, including during the Fall Colors Festival.
The Trees
The fall foliage at McCloud Nature Park is spectacular. (Photo by Deb Stukenborg)
Let's begin with the stars of this festival: the trees. Because of the wide variety of tree species within the park, McCloud Nature Park's fall foliage is quite spectacular in peak season.
Visit Indiana regards McCloud Nature Park as one of the best fall foliage spots in the state, and the park has held that distinction for years. Most recently, The Points Guy ranked McCloud Nature Park among the top destinations in the world to see beautiful fall foliage without the crowds.
Fun Activities
Bring some hot dogs and marshmallows to roast over the campfire!
So now that you know why the Fall Colors Festival is so popular, what can you and your family enjoy there? We're keeping some of the traditionally popular activities, such as archery, axe throwing and a crackling campfire all day, where you can roast up any hot dogs or marshmallows that you'd like to bring to the park, but we also have new stuff to enjoy!
New activities at this year's festival include about 25 vendors to shop from (including food vendors), a real Scout camp setup courtesy of Boy Scout Troop 301, s'mores kits available for purchase and a popcorn-making station at the campfire!
Hay Rides
Hayrides are very popular during the Fall Colors Festival at McCloud Nature Park. (Photo by Deb Stukenborg)
No fall festival is complete without a hay ride! So, for a nominal fee, enjoy riding along some of the most scenic trails at McCloud Nature Park.
Hayrides are held at the top and bottom of each hour during the festival, and each one lasts about 20 minutes. The rides are always popular, and there are only so many people we can safely fit into the wagon, so you'll want to secure your tickets soon after your arrival!
Mccloud Prairie Maze
2026 McCloud Prairie Maze
Our deer-themed McCloud Prairie Maze will be open for the whole family to explore for free during the festival. Designed and constructed by park staff, the maze is cut into the park's 52-acre prairie, and the correct path results in a hike of about one (1) mile.
You can find maps to help guide you through the maze at the Nature Center and at the maze entrance. You can also click here to download and print your own map before you head out to McCloud.
(Insider tip: Make sure the whole family is wearing closed-toe shoes that you don't mind getting dirty or muddy inside the maze. The stiff, dried tallgrass stalks don't feel real great when they meet unprotected toes in sandals or flip-flops.)
New! McCloud Market
Explore the McCloud Market while you're at the Fall Colors Festival!
New this year, local vendors will offer their wares, providing a shopping opportunity at the Fall Colors Festival!
With the holidays not terribly far away, you may find gifts for others at the new McCloud Market or something for yourself. We're anticipating about 15-20 vendors participating in the market.
(Insider tip: If you're a vendor who would like to set up a booth at the McCloud Market, call us at (765) 676-5437 or send an email to mccloudnp@hcparks.net)
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