I don’t know what it is about fall, but it has become my favorite season of the year in Hendricks County. Between all the fall festivals, leaves changing colors and just getting a break after a hot summer, it has become a welcome time of year for me and my family.
I wanted to mark the occasion by providing a list of fall hidden gems I’ve discovered over the years that can only be experienced in Hendricks County. Think of this as a Hendricks County fall bucket list from the Visitor’s Center.
Shoot Apple Cannons and Sample Award-Winning Cider
When Beasley’s Orchard in Danville added their powerful apple cannons a few years ago and then began adding targets to hit, I was hooked.
Unlike a bullet in a gun, every apple you put into these cannons comes in different shapes and sizes, so you just never know how they are going to fly, despite your best aiming efforts. But it is fun all the same.
This is just one of many fun activities you can enjoy at Beasley’s in October. They also have a corn maze, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a Barnyard Bonanza family area and much more.
And have you ever sampled their award-winning apple cider? I don’t know how they’ve come up with this family recipe, but they have perfected it. I’m partial to their cider slushies at the Cider Bar inside their barn. They have also introduced a line of hard ciders in cans that adults can purchase.
Make a Glass Pumpkin
Many of you may not even know we have a certified glass artisan living in our county. Lisa Pelo provides one-of-a-kind glass-making experiences at Hot Blown Glass, her studio in Clayton.
Pelo knows how to make you comfortable in her workshop, even if you have no experience - and let’s face it, most of us don’t. You do have to make an appointment before visiting, and you won’t get to take home your creation on the same day. It takes a day to cool and harden. If you are a little hesitant, bring a friend or family member to do it with you. It will be a memory you will cherish for years to come.
Take Fall Selfies
In this of age smartphones and social media, I considered a number of options for Instagram-worthy locations with a fall theme. Some of my local favorites include getting a picture with resident farm animals in Brownsburg, such as the alpacas at Montrose Farms (by private appointment only) or the potbellied pigs at Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary (check their public hours, as they are usually open for a few hours on both Saturdays and Sundays, but it changes by season).
The Avon Haunted Bridge also makes a great backdrop for fall photos and can be easily accessed within Washington Township Park.
Finally, a gem most people wouldn’t consider is the Hendricks County Historical Museum in Danville, to pose for a spooky mug shot in their old jail cells. These old cells are no joke. They have a dungeon feel, and I struggle to comprehend how prisoners used to stay there. There is also much more to see. The museum provides a great educational experience on our history, especially as we celebrate Hendricks County’s 200th birthday this year.
The museum is only open to the public for tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Groups can schedule a private appointment.
Enjoy a Scenic Hike Under a Canopy of Colors
Without a doubt, McCloud Nature Park in North Salem provides your best views for fall color in Hendricks County, having been recognized both regionally and nationally. Its scenic vistas as you meander on its nature trails provide everything you need to get away from it all.
If you want to pick one specific weekend to visit McCloud in the fall, I highly recommend attending their Fall Colors Festival in mid-October. They have so many activities that weekend to go along with the picturesque views that you will wonder if you have time for it all – and they have their popular prairie maze throughout the season.
