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by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

Indiana’s guide to local apple orchards and pumpkin patches

Little boy at a pumpkin patch with a miniature wheel barrel full of small pumpkins

Our world has experienced a time in our history we have never seen before, but we have adapted and gradually begun to again enjoy activities previously paused by the pandemic. This year, while we progress forward wearing masks and social distanced, access to vaccines has allowed many to transition back to working in the office, students are back in the classrooms, and small businesses see hope that local economies are on the mend.  

 

We celebrate hope together as fall leads to many traditions in Indiana. The leaves are turning beautiful shades of red and orange, and many are eager to relish in traditions like going apple and pumpkin picking at the best apple orchards in the Hoosier state. This article is your guide to a safe and exciting orchard trip this year.   

 
Are Indiana’s orchards and pumpkin patches open right now?  

 
Currently,  Indiana has many pumpkin patches that are open for business. The impact of COVID-19 on small Indiana businesses has been significant, and agritourism destinations such as orchards are not immune. It is wonderful that many are back open this fall, so be sure to support these businesses and follow all posted rules and guidelines. Make sure to check the website to see what hours of operation and what guidelines are in place for you and your family’s continued safety.  

 

Where to pick apples and pumpkins this year?   

 
Indiana has an array of apple and pumpkin picking locations all over the state. Some places include various other activities for you and your family. Make sure to check online or call before going to the apple orchards or pumpkin patches this year to ask what is open and what the guidelines may be for that location.  
 
Anderson Orchards
, in Mooresville, Indiana, has apples galore. With six different varieties of apples to choose from, Anderson Orchards has an apple for everyone’s liking. Along with apples, it offers- an assortment of other produce including sweet corn, u-pick red raspberries, plums, pumpkins and other options. Go to Anderson’s for a festive fall day with you and your family! Make sure when you are there to try the apple cider slush that is made fresh from Anderson’s own apples.   
 
Lark Ranch
, in Greenfield, Indiana, and Loogootee, Indiana they are orchards that include lots of fun activities for the entire family. Some of these outdoor activities include a pumpkin patch, carnival rides, corn maze, slide mountain and more. Go to its website to check out the ongoing list of fun things to take part in while you are there. Lark Ranch can be a full-day adventure, filled with fun for the entire family.   

Stuckey Farms, in Sheridan, is home to a delicious apple orchard and cider mill. In 2019, Stuckey Farm celebrated their 50th anniversary! Throughout the year they host a sunflower festival, harvest festival, farmers markets, picnics and activities for all ages. Looking for the perfect pumpkin for jack-o-lanterns this October? Stuckey’s pumpkin patch has pumpkins of all different shapes and sizes. 


McClure’s Orchard
, in Peru, Indiana, knows a thing or two about tradition. A family-run farm for more than 20 years, McClure’s has something for the entire family. Ranging from an apple barn to a café to a winery, McClure’s is a place you will want to check out. Look on its website before you go to the orchard, to see what apples are in stock and which apples are available for the u-pick activity if you choose to do so.   
 
Chandler’s Farm
, in Fillmore, Indiana, is home to more than 200 different varieties of apples on its 52-acre farm. Open for business, Chandler’s has all your fall necessities and more. From cider to peach slushies, to homemade caramel apples, your taste buds are begging you to visit Chandler’s for a festive time.   
 
Cook’s Orchard
, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a variety of things to buy and do at its orchard this fall. From pumpkins to local honey and other yummy treats, Cook’s will check off all your orchard needs this season. Looking for something to do outdoors and with a small group of friends and family? Cook’s offers orchard tours for you and your group, just call to schedule a tour.  


County Line Orchard, in Hobart, Indiana is open for business! This orchard offers a variety of activities for you, your family and your friends to enjoy! From u-pick apples, u-pick pumpkins, watching bees at work to a u-pick sunflower patch they truly have it all. They also have a corn maze and shops that everyone can enjoy. Go to their website for more information regarding hours of operations.  


The Apple Works
 located in Trafalgar, Indiana has all your favorite local produce. Straight from the field, they have seedless watermelon that is delicious and good for you! But that is not all, The Apple Works makes famous salsa that is hard to pass up, paired with a fresh Indiana peach or famous sweet corn. They offer eight apple varieties to pick from and each apple offers a unique flavor depending on your taste pallet.  


Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards located in Goshen, Indiana has been family-owned and farmed since 1922. Next year will be their 100-year anniversary! Kercher’s is home to over 600 acres of specialty crops, including a variety of apples, sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, cabbage, broccoli and delicious peaches! They thrive on four values within their farm, education, sustainability and family.  


Check out Indiana Farm Bureau’s My Indiana Home for even more local options of orchards around the state!  


How has COVID-19 impacted orchards in Indiana?    

 

Orchards and pumpkin patches in Indiana have been impacted just like many other businesses in Indiana. Not all guidelines are the same at each orchard and patch, so it is important to search online, call beforehand or look for signs when you are there so you can follow the rules. Thank you for supporting your local orchards and pumpkin patches!  

 

What to do with those pumpkins and apples?   

 

The possibilities are endless on what you can do with the pumpkins and apples that you do pick—aside from carving and eating them. Fresh apples from Indiana’s apple orchards are the perfect ingredient for  apple and walnut bread. This warm and delicious bread is perfect for making with your family and enjoying throughout your day in the fall.   
 
Pumpkins can be a complex ingredient in many recipes, so when you find a simple recipe that tastes good, it makes your life easier. This  simple pumpkin stovetop soup is perfect for the changing weather. Topped with bacon and served warm, you and your whole family will love this new kitchen staple. Don’t know what to do with leftover pumpkin seeds? Roast them in your oven with a little olive oil and seasoning for a mid-day snack.   
 
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance understands that life can get crazy, but it is important to slow down and enjoy the little things like picking apples and pumpkins with family and friends at one of the many orchards and pumpkin patches Indiana has to offer.    

 
*The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only.