No matter where you stand on the debate about the relative merits of pumpkin spice versus hot apple cider, there’s one thing for certain: You just can’t beat picking your own apples or pumpkins in the fall for freshness (and family fun).
If the spirit of the season (or two) has grabbed you already, why not check out some of Indiana’s best u-pick apple orchards and pumpkin patches. You can fill a basket with sweet, crisp apples for the table at home, and pick up a pumpkin or two to carve with the kids – and we know exactly where to direct you for the best experience.
Where Are the Best U-Pick Orchards in Indiana?
Throughout this list you’ll find some dedicated apple orchards and farms that have a mix of apples and pumpkins and all kinds of fun, from hayrides and corn mazes to farmers markets with tons of delicious items for sale. Without further ado, we suggest you try:
Beasley’s Orchards – Danville
From August onward, Beasley’s Orchards is one of the best places to visit if you want to pick your own apples directly from the tree. Pumpkin picking starts as soon as the gourds are ripe, usually right about the middle of September and lasts through October. You can also take part in their Fall Festival, from Sept. 17 through Oct. 31, which includes everything from hayrides and corn mazes to apple cannons and barnyard animals for great family entertainment.
Tuttle Orchards – Greenfield
Tuttles is a fan-favorite for a lot of local families, and it attracts visitors from all over the state. Apple picking is in full swing, and the pumpkins start getting carried off by Sept. 23. But those are only two of the great reasons to visit Tuttle Orchards during the fall. You can also harvest wild flowers, buy delicious treats at their store, pet a llama, go on a wagon ride, get lost in a corn maze and more. One trip is never enough!
Anderson Orchard – Mooresville
Anderson Orchard is another family-oriented spot that people just love. They hold an annual Apple Festival and Craft Fair (Sept. 24-25 this year) that’s a real delight. You can find raspberries, plums, chestnuts and pumpkins – along with at least nine varieties of apples. While you’re there, make sure you check out the concession stand and try their famous apple cider slush, caramel apples and fried biscuits.
Kelsay Farms – Whiteland
The fall season at Kelsay Farms starts Sept. 30 and there are pumpkins and gourds in all kinds of shapes and colors – all of which will bring a certain autumnal grace to your table, But there are tons of other things to experience when you visit, including hayrides and a petting zoo. They’re even hosting a Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 29 with candy and prizes for the kids.
Pleasant View Orchard — Fairland
You want apples? Well, you’re welcome to pick a bushel or a peck – but they also have pears, peaches, sweet corn, cucumbers, butternut squash, zucchini, peppers and pumpkins, too! Pleasant View Orchard also has a fabulous country store and concession stand, stocked with all kinds of goodies, including more than a dozen varieties of homemade fudge, caramel dips, local honey, kettle corn, fruit butters, jellies and more.
Waterman’s Family Farm – Indianapolis
If you live in Indy, you don’t need to travel very far to find a great place to visit for the day because Waterman’s Family Farm is right here. Because they partner with several other farms in the area, you can find all kinds of delights for sale there. Aside from pumpkins and other gourds, you can easily pick up fresh Indiana watermelons, sweet cherries, peaches, cantaloupe, honey and more. There are also two convenient locations, one in Greenwood and one on Raymond Street.
Kendall Family Farm – Greentown
Want to support local businesses and American traditions? Head over to the Kendall Family Farm, where folks have been growing pumpkins and creating fabulous corn mazes for community fun for three generations now. If your kids have a lot of energy to burn, there’s mini golf, a pedal kart track and live animals to visit.
Stuckey Farms – Sheridan
If you’re looking for an apple bonanza, Stuckey Farms is the place to go – because they have a whopping 38 varieties of apples and more than 5,000 trees. You’re welcome to bring the kids to their Adventure Acres to play, watch the pig races, pick some amazingly plump pumpkins or take a picnic lunch along with you. (You can also pick up some great apple cider donuts, along with tons of other goodies, at their Country Market.)
Radke Orchards – Michigan City
Radke Orchards has been in existence since 1894, and that’s a testimony to their devotion to good food and good fun. They’re already open for the 2022 season, and you’ll find Honeycrisps, Galas, MacIntoshes, Cortlands and Ruby Jon apples. There’s no petting zoo or playground here, but there’s no admission or parking fees, either. You’re welcome to bring your dog (on a leash) and just stroll through the orchards, picking what you like.
Wea Creek Orchard – Lafayette
With 17 varieties of apples, three varieties of peaches and about 15 different kinds of pumpkins to pick, how can you go wrong? The kind folks at Wea Creek Orchard even make a point to plant the kind of pumpkins that are best for baking! When you’re done picking the seasonal produce, make sure you check out their homemade pumpkin butter, cinnamon apple cider jelly or some of their other delectable creations.
At harvest time, it’s only natural to want to celebrate all of nature’s abundance – and these spots will certainly help you appreciate the joys of the season.
