7 Small Towns In Indiana That Come Alive In The Fall
The Midwestern state of Indiana styles itself as the “Crossroads of America” due to its central location and numerous interstate highways. But instead of driving through Indiana to get somewhere else, why not plan a visit to the “Hoosier State” to explore some of its great small towns? From quaint farming communities to old industrial hubs, Indiana has hundreds of small towns to suit every traveler’s interests. Several of these communities really come to life in autumn, with fall foliage sightseeing, and harvest festivals.
Shipshewana
Shipshewana, set in the heart of LaGrange County’s Amish community in northeastern Indiana, is a great place to visit year-round to get a taste of a simpler way of life. Fall may be the best time to visit, though, as the leaves turn and the weather gets comfortably cool. The famous Shipshewana Flea Market runs through September on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offering local pumpkins and handmade seasonal decor. For leaf peeping, take an Amish buggy ride on Buggy Lane Tours or bike along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. And, if fall means college football to you, it is only a one-hour drive from Shipshewana to the University of Notre Dame!
New Harmony
In 1814, a group of religious idealists known as the Harmonists arrived from Pennsylvania to found the town of New Harmony along the Wabash River in southwest Indiana. A decade later, a utopian group called the Owenists set up their short-lived community in town. So, while New Harmony may not be a literal Utopia, it is a near-perfect place to visit, especially in autumn! Fall colors and cooler temperatures only add to the charm of a walking tour of the town’s well-maintained Historic District. September also brings about Kunstfest, New Harmony’s German culture festival, and the Harvest Craft Fair, while late October ushers in lots of fun Halloween events in town.
Metamora
Southeastern Indiana can be too cold in winter, too hot in summer, and too rainy in spring, so autumn really is the best time to visit the tiny community of Metamora. The state went on a canal-building spree back in the 1830s, and Metamora was set up as a trade stop along the 76-mile Whitewater Canal between the White and Ohio Rivers. Metamora still looks much the same as it did then, with an operating water-powered gristmill and a quaint downtown stocked with local businesses. Take a train ride from Metamora or cruise along the still-extant section of the canal to get an unsurpassed view of the stunning fall foliage.
Paoli
Paoli is better known to Hoosiers (Indiana residents) as a winter destination, as it is home to one of only two ski resorts in the famously flat state. But it may be an even more spectacular place to visit in fall when the surrounding hills are covered with trees full of vibrant colors. Just south of town, the 88-acre Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest offers a rare opportunity to see fall colors in one of the only old-growth forests still standing in the entire Midwest. The temperate autumn weather is also perfect for exploring Paoli’s historic town square and county courthouse and learning about the town’s role in the Underground Railroad that helped enslaved people escape to freedom in Canada.
French Lick
French Lick, located only 12 miles west of Paoli, emerged as a health resort destination in the mid-1800s because of the presumed therapeutic properties of its mineral springs. Back then, many tourists came in the summer to escape the heat, but fall is probably the best time to visit this picturesque community. The opulent French Lick Resort and Casino, built during the mineral springs’ heyday, still overlooks the town and draws in visitors seeking a luxury escape. Meanwhile, the French Lick Scenic Railway is a family-friendly way to experience the colors and crispness of the surrounding countryside. Autumn is also a fantastic time for boating and sightseeing on the nearby Patoka Lake.
Corydon
The Corydon area’s biggest attraction, Indiana Caverns, is a great year-round destination because of the consistent temperatures inside the state’s largest cave system. But the historic town itself is best explored during a fall walking tour when the temperature is just right and the leaves are turning. Corydon was Indiana’s first state capital from 1816 to 1825, and the Old Capitol Building and other historic structures still stand downtown. History buffs should also explore the historic sites connected to the 1863 Battle of Corydon, a minor Confederate victory that was the only Civil War skirmish to occur in the Hoosier State. And be sure to check out the Corydon Fall Extravaganza, an arts and antiques festival, in late October.
Angola
Pokagon State Park, located in far northeastern Indiana and along the clear waters of Lake James, is one of the best places in the state to soak in the beauty of autumn in the Hoosier State. And the nearby town of Angola is a great fall destination as well! Angola is the seat of Steuben County, but the courthouse plays second fiddle to its centerpiece, the 67-foot-tall Steuben County Soldiers Monument that has overlooked downtown since 1917. If you enjoy antiquing, downtown Angola is one of the best destinations in that corner of the state. Or, for some fall fun, drive to nearby Ridenour Acres and take on its 11-acre corn maze.
Autumn in Indiana is its “just right” time of year, especially for spending time outdoors. The colors are fantastic, the temperature is ideal, and the pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and harvest festivals take center stage. Indiana’s small towns are eager to celebrate fall, making the most of the time remaining before winter sets in once again. So, when you see the leaves turning, plan a fall excursion to the Hoosier State!
