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Fall Bucket List: 10 things every Hoosier needs to do this fall

Posted at 1:27 AM, Oct 16, 2018
and last updated 2020-10-01 12:08:47-04

Nothing beats the sights and smells of fall - and there's no better place to enjoy them all than right here in central Indiana.  

From pumpkins and hayrides to sitting around a campfire - here are 10 things every Hoosier needs to do this fall:

1. Go Apple Picking at a local orchard (and then make a homemade apple pie)

What better way to celebrate fall than picking your own apples at a local orchard – and there's no shortage of them here in central Indiana. You can check out the map below or find your own, and don't forget to grab some apple cider while you're there!


2. Watch your favorite scary/Halloween movie

Whether you prefer a little “Hocus Pocus” or the actual “Halloween” movies, there’s no better time of the year to curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the seasonal favorites.

If you need some help deciding what to watch, Country Living made a list of the 30 Best Halloween Movies ever to help you out.


3. Get lost in a corn maze

It's not officially "fall" until you've grabbed a few friends and ventured out into the middle of a cornfield to get lost. If you’re not afraid of the dark, then take a trip out just as the sun gets ready to set and see how lost you can really get.

Check out alist of this year's awesome corn mazes across central Indiana here.

4. Go on a hayride

Hayrides aren't just for the kids anymore.

You can take a regular hayride through a pumpkin patch or opt for something a little more spooky - like a haunted hayride or a zombie paintball hayride.

5. Visit a Haunted House

Tis' the season for all things spooky and it wouldn't be fall without checking out one of the dozens of haunted houses across central Indiana.

You can check out one, or five - we won't judge there are so many goodHaunted Houses across the state.

Or if you’re up for something a little scarier – you could check out some of thespookiest places in Indiana. From cemeteries to haunted houses there’s a little something for everyone, but these aren't for the faint of heart. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!


6. Watch (or play) some Football

It’s always more fun to be the one throwing around the ball – but if you’re not into playing the sport, that’s fine too. Between theNFL,College football andHigh School football, you have an entire weekend worth of games to pick from during the fall.


7. Visit a pumpkin patch (and pick the biggest pumpkin there!)

Ok, so the biggest isn’t always the best unless you’re talking pumpkins of course!

Make a weekend of the fun and find a patch that satisfies several items on this list or pick one you've never been to before. 

Once you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin if you have to decide whether to carve it or paint it. If you carve, don’t forget to roast the seeds for a snack!

8. Take a ‘Fall Foliage’ drive

That’s right – get out and drive. If you’ve never ventured out into the beautiful countryside this state has to offer, then you’re missing out. So hop in the car, pick a destination and just drive! If you need some help finding a good spot to visit you can check out our list of the best places to find fall foliage across in Indiana.

9. Enjoy a good fall brew

Something about a nice cold brew just hits the spot on an autumn day. Did you know there are nearly 30 craft breweries in Indianapolis alone? Check out this list of some of the must-try fall beers made at Indiana breweries. Or you can check out any of the craft breweries in the state and grab a sip of something new.

If you’re not into beer – that's okay, too. You can visit one of themany wine bars in Indianapolis for a sip of something smooth.

10. Roast some marshmallows and tell scary stories around the campfire

What kind of a fall would it be without some s’mores around the campfire?  If you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent for the weekend“Visit Indiana” has a list of ten great places to camp this fall.

If you’ve completed our list  – here are some more fun ideas:

11.   Have a Fall Photo Shoot with the family (and pets)

12.   Go for a family bike ride atFort Harrison (or a cool area in your town)

13.   Go Antiquing for cozy decorations

14.   Donate to yourlocal food pantry

15.   Run a Race

16.   Host a family and friends chili cook-off!

17.   Hit up the outdoor Farmers Markets while you still can

18.   Visit alocal candle shop

19.   Make (or buy) a fall wreath for your front door