All the Fall Fun

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Exploring pumpkin patches, getting fresh produce at u-picks, and navigating—or getting lost in—some massive corn mazes are three of the most classic fall activities, and Indiana’s Cool North has several great destinations where your family can do all three.

In Elkhart County, be sure to check out the fifth generation family-owned u-pick apple orchard and pumpkin patch at Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard, which specializes in homegrown produce and homemade products like October Gold Cider (fresh pressed on site), gourds, free hayrides, a corn maze and much more outdoor fun. Thistleberry Farm in South Bend has a great u-pick pumpkin patch, hay rides around the farm, a corn cannon, and four—yes, four—different corn mazes.

For one of the best corn mazes in Indiana’s Cool North, head to the Knollwood Farms Corn Maze.  Twelve-acre mazes with over 5+ miles of the pathway.  The 2019 corn maze celebrates Fun on the Farm.  Pick your pumpkin, try the pumpkin slingshot, or ride the cow train.  There’s also a farm animal petting area.

At Garwood U-Pick & Farm Market in LaPorte, you’ll find over 400 acres of apples (with 11 varieties), blackberries, cherries, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and a cider mill (with fresh cider made on site). You’ll also find pre-picked produce, a gift shop, live music, horse-drawn wagons (last run leaves at 5pm!), and much more.

Coulter’s Produce in Westville, LaPorte County, offers hay rides to the pumpkin patch, where you pick your own pumpkin and pay by the weight.  They also have a kids size corn maze to navigate, pony rides, face painting, and food served by local church women!

At Hesston Steam Museum, ride the Ghost Train, a real steam train, through the haunted woods.  It’s frightening fun for everyone, but appropriate for small children.