The Indiana Dunes region offers a variety of fall activities, from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to scenic hikes and lively festivals. With so many options for your next autumnal adventure, here’s a list of the top things to do this fall in the Indiana Dunes area:
Fall Festivals & Events
The Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival is a highlight of the season, offering nearly 100 outdoor activities over ten days in September. Participate in hiking, kayaking, birding, and more. The Duneland Fall Festival, part of the Outdoor Adventure Festival, features live entertainment, wagon rides, and a chance to visit farm animals.
If you want to get in the mood for Halloween, don’t miss the Haven Hollow Harvest Fest in Portage, which includes games, trick-or-treat stations for kids, and horse and wagon rides. Another must-visit event in the Indiana Dunes area is the Annual Fall Harvest Festival and Antique Equipment Show, where you can see antique tractors and steam engines, as well as participate in farming demonstrations.
Fall Hikes
The Indiana Dunes is known for its stunning trails for autumn hikes, highlighting fall foliage and unique local flora and fauna. The Tolleston Dunes Trail is a 2.6-mile scenic route that takes you through ancient dunes and diverse habitats—don’t miss the Midwestern ecosystem that is the black oak savanna. It’s perfect for observing fall colors and wildlife. The Glenwood Dunes Trail is an extensive system with miles of interconnected loops ideal for hiking, but make sure to bring a map to navigate the numerous trail junctions.
Fall Markets
For a unique shopping experience, visit the Autumn Artisan Market at Journeyman Distillery in Valparaiso in early November. Support local artists and find handcrafted decor, jewelry, and gourmet items while enjoying a craft cocktail. The Chesterton's European Market, running through October, offers fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, and live music. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely Saturday morning and support local vendors.
Pumpkin Patches
It’s never been easier to find the ideal pumpkin patch near me. Garwood Orchards in LaPorte has U-pick pumpkins (along with other seasonal U-pick produce) from late August to the end of October. Enjoy a horse or tractor-drawn wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, and don't forget to visit their Bake Shoppe for delicious pies, muffins, and more. Coulter's Farm in Westville provides a fun-filled day with free hayrides to their U-pick pumpkin patch, face painting, pony rides, and a corn maze on weekends.
For a bustling fall experience, head to County Line Orchard in Hobart, which not only has an extensive pumpkin patch to pick from, but is known for its wide range of activities, including apple picking, antique tractor rides, and a 10-acre corn maze. 2024's corn maze features a giant portrait of Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever superstar. Renowned for its extensive and unique range of pumpkin varieties, Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch in Lowell also offers barnyard activities like hayrides and a petting zoo.
Be sure to stay up to date on our events calendar for more fall things to do in the Indiana Dunes.
Looking for vacation deals?
Sign up for the free Indiana Dunes Deals Pass! Discounts ranging from a free scoop of ice cream to savings on attractions are like finding buried treasure.
