October has to be the prettiest time of year at Geist. The leaves are ablaze with color; the sky a blue that only fall brings; warm gentle days followed by nippy evenings. October just begs for outdoor activities. Whether your taste runs to picking pumpkins with the kids or being scared out of you wits, all can be found within a short drive of the Geist area.
I was privileged to visit the “Trail of Terror” (www.trailofterror.net) last week. If you enjoy being scared out of your mind, this IS the place. Located a mile north of 113th Street on Florida Road, Steve Witsken and Team Witsken (www.teamwitsken.com) have created the ultimate in haunted horror. I promise this half-mile trail, located on 20 wooded, hilly acres, will make even the bravest “scream like a girl”!
The trail is nonstop fright from beginning to end. With over 25 volunteers, unique lighting (or no lighting at times), and ghoulish characters, the fun never stops. We all know the stories of the ghosts that are rumored to haunt the Fall Creek watershed. What better way to enjoy an October evening? All who attend the Trail of Terror can enjoy a huge bonfire with free food and drink. It’s a great place to sit and listen to the screams. The cost is $20 per person and worth every screaming penny!
Parents should be aware this is not a kid friendly haunted venue. Although children are not banned at any age, this is a very scary set. Witsken said they had tried doing a kid friendly walk through previously, but getting the volunteers and kids there before dark proved too difficult.
The Trail is open weekends beginning October 10th. Check their website for complete days and times. For more info or group rates, you can also call 317-485-3123.
If you aren’t into the haunted, frightening aspect of Halloween, there is still plenty of seasonal fun to be had:
- The Pumpkin Train leaves from Fishers and goes to an Arcadia farm. There you will find a petting zoo, a straw bale maze and antique farming equipment. The train runs every Saturday in October. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids 3 to 12 years (under 3 are free). Reservations are encouraged, as the train does sell out. Reserve your space at www.itm.org or call 317-773-6000.
- Stony Creek Farms – located on SR 38 just east of Noblesville – has entertainment for the whole family. They have a petting zoo, face painting, pony rides, a few small carnival type rides and, of course, the hayride to the pumpkin patch to find the perfect jack-o-lantern to be. Stony Creek is open during the week, but many of the activities are only available on weekends. Please check their website at www.stonycreekfarm.net for details.
- Piney Acres is a relative newcomer to the autumn fun in our area. Located at 1000 North, east of Olio/600/Mt Comfort, they have a six-acre corn maze, hayrides and pumpkins for sale. Visit www.pineyacres.com or call 317-326-1700 for more information.
- Poppin Corn Maze at S & H Campgrounds has been a hit for several years. This year’s maze theme is pirates. The twists, turns and dead ends cover 14 acres. It’s an afternoon of fun trying to find your way through. They also have face painting for the kids, live music, a marketplace and food available on weekends in October. Complete details are available at www.poppincornmaze.com or 317-326-3208
- Fishers United Methodist Church, at I-69 and 116th St, has its annual pumpkin patch up and running and is open evenings and weekends. It’s really cute to watch the toddler set trying to decide on the perfect pumpkin.
- Tuttle Orchards offers kids activities, a corn maze and hayrides to the pumpkin patch. Snack barn is open on weekends, and don’t forget to pick up some their famous apple cider in the store! Check them out online at www.tuttleorchards.com or call (317) 326-2278.
Smith Family Farms is a short drive up I-69 near Pendleton. Kids will love the petting zoo, corn maze, pumpkin patch and other activities. Parents can take home farm fresh freezer beef from grain-fed, hormone-free cattle. Visit www.smithfamilyfarms.com or call (765) 778-8108 for more information.
There is so much to do and see during October in the Geist area. Enjoy this lovely time of year because way too soon the snow will fly.
