7 Top Places To Visit In Indiana In The Fall
The state of Indiana, located in the heartland of the American Midwest, is a major agricultural producer. But, along with ample farmland, the "Hoosier State" includes bustling cities, stunning lakeshores, and lots of big attractions tucked away in its many small towns. During fall, when the leaves turn, the weather cools, and the autumn festivals (and football games) get underway, Indiana truly shines as a great place to explore. To get inspired for your first (or next) visit to Indiana, check out these excellent spots to visit in the fall, covering all corners of this underrated gem of a state.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park covers 15,000 acres and stretches along 15 miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Indiana, encompassing a wide diversity of natural habitats. The park’s dunes and trails are spectacular any time of year, but the mix of comfortably cool temperatures and fall colors make autumn ideal for a visit. At the beginning of fall, Indiana Dunes hosts an Outdoor Adventure Festival for nine days in mid-September. Then, as the autumn leaves hit their peak in early October, the park holds a guided Fall Colors Hike, or you can hike the park’s 50+ miles of trails yourself and take in the unparalleled fall foliage views.
New Harmony
New Harmony has been drawing people seeking peace and quiet since its founding on the Wabash River almost 200 years ago. First came a group of religious idealists from Pennsylvania called the Harmonists. About ten years later, a utopian group, the Owenists, set up shop in town. Even today, visiting the friendly town of New Harmony during its height of beauty in autumn gives off vibes of paradise! Take a walk through the well-preserved Historic District to get a great view of the lovely fall foliage. In September, come for Kunstfest, New Harmony’s annual German heritage festival, and the Harvest Craft Fair. Or wait until late October, when New Harmony hosts several family-friendly Halloween-themed events.
Paoli
Most of Indiana is extremely flat, so the picturesque town of Paoli stands out as a winter destination because it has one of the state’s only ski resorts. But those ski slope hills are at their most beautiful during autumn, when the trees reveal their soothing symphony of colors. For a truly unique fall foliage walk, head just south of town to Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest, a rare 88-acre expanse of old-growth Midwestern forestland. When you return to town, enjoy the comfortable weather and stroll through Paoli’s lovely and historic town square. While enjoying the scenery, learn about local homes that were part of the Underground Railroad, which helped escaped slaves reach freedom in Canada.
University of Notre Dame
While it has gained prominence as a research institution over the years, the University of Notre Dame in northern Indiana is still best known for its college football team. Fall is when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take the field, and the campus atmosphere on a football weekend is hard to describe. But, even if you are not a college football fan, the Notre Dame campus is at its loveliest in autumn. Enjoy the fall foliage as you walk around the campus’ twin lakes, St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s, and note how the lowered autumn sunlight glistens off the famous golden dome of the historic Main Building.
Corydon
Corydon is full of history, and visiting its historic sites is even more enjoyable when the weather cools and the autumn leaves reveal their colors. Indiana’s only Civil War engagement, a minor Confederate victory, happened in Corydon in 1863, and you can explore this site at Battle of Corydon Park. Even earlier, Corydon was Indiana’s first state capital from 1816 to 1825, and the Old State Capital and other period buildings remain well-preserved. If you happen to show up on a rainy or cold fall day, here is some good news: Corydon’s biggest attraction, the nearby Indiana Caverns (the state’s largest cave system), is perfect to visit no matter the weather!
French Lick
Only 12 miles east of Paoli, the adorable town of French Lick was founded near mineral springs with purported health benefits, and by the mid-1800s, the town became a summertime health resort. This led to the creation of the opulent French Lick Resort, which now includes a casino and continues to draw in visitors today. The resort overlooks the town, offering great fall foliage views, but you can enjoy even better leaf peeping with a train ride on the French Lick Scenic Railway. Patoka Lake, located nearby, also offers excellent autumn views during the peak fall color season during the second half of October.
Metamora
Enjoying the spectacular rainbow of fall colors is great by car or by foot, but there is something even more soothing about leaf peeping from a railroad car or a canal boat. And you can do both of these in the tiny southeast Indiana village of Metamora! The community sprang up in the 1830s as a stop along the 76-mile Whitewater Canal, and a small section of the waterway (with a railway alongside it) still passes through Metamora. Along with the canal, Metamora has retained much of its 19th-century appearance, including a still functional water-powered gristmill. Metamora also hosts its Canal Days autumn festival each year in early October.
After a long, hot summer, autumn in Indiana brings cooler weather, an abundant harvest, and an explosion of fall colors. Residents of the Hoosier State are eager to celebrate the arrival of fall, making it a great time to visit Indiana and experience all it has to offer. So, when you sense the sights, sounds, and smells of fall coming on, book your trip to Indiana and have a great time exploring this fantastic Midwestern state!
