Whether you’re embracing the pumpkin-spice weather with open arms or clinging to the last of green leaves, there’s no doubt that a fall festival or haunted house can get you in the mood for spooky season.
With the official first day of autumn just around the corner, check out these events in Greater Lafayette and the surrounding cities to make the most of it.
Exploration Acres
More than 22 acres of crops make up the largest corn maze in northwest Indiana, featuring 10 miles of trails across four mazes.
This year’s maze honors Lafayette’s bicentennial with a big “200” over corn likenesses of William Digby, the founder of Lafayette, and the Marquis de Lafayette.
The maze is planted with a combination of GPS technology that maps out the design and tractors that run in straight lines and drop seeds precisely where the corn should grow, owner Tim Fitzgerald said, comparing it to an InkJet printer.
He proposed the maze to the city’s bicentennial committee two years ago, he told the Journal & Courier, and they helped create the design.
Alongside the huge corn maze, the farm has a variety of activities, including a pumpkin patch, corn bin, straw mound and wagon rides. Games like cornhole and basketball are also included with entry.
For an extra fee guests can try their hand at the corn cannon, gem mining and laser tag as well as rent a fire pit, according to the website.
Exploration Acres is open varying hours each Thursday through Sunday until Oct. 26. It is at 6042 Newcastle Road, Lafayette.
Wea Creek Orchard
This seventh-generation farm offers free tractor rides, “U-Pick” sunflowers, apples and peaches, slushies and a variety of canned goods available for purchase.
Entry costs $10 per car and the orchard is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Kent’s Cucurbits
This family-owned farm is open for the season until Oct. 31, welcoming families to its pumpkin patch, corn maze and selection of freshly grown fall decor.
Entry to the farm is free, and tickets for the corn maze and the Pumpkin Vine Express are $6 each, according to the website.
The farm is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekend. It is at 1595 E. Indiana 18.
Indy Scream Park
A little farther down the road to Anderson sits Indy Scream Park, which bills itself as “Indiana’s Scariest Haunted House.” It’s home to six haunted houses and carnival games, photo ops, zombie paintball and food and drinks.
Each house has its own theme, ranging from clowns and zombies to a prison or dark forest. Between haunts, guests can try their hand at various games, including hatchet throwing, or visit Bonzo’s Beer Garden, according to the website.
A general admission ticket includes all-night access to the five main attractions, and zombie paintball and VIP access are available for additional cost. Tickets range from about $25 to $42 online and cost $6 more at the box office.
The park is open from 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in September, and hours vary in October. It is at 5211 S. New Columbus Road, Anderson.
Indiana Fear Farm
Try a Hollywood-style Haunted Hayride that takes the scare on the road at Indiana Haunted Hayride – Indiana Fear Farm. The ride takes guests through a path of explosions and monsters while the Headless Horseman lurks nearby, according to the website.
For a self-paced scare, guests can also visit the Slaughter Barn on property, 6736 S. 500 W., Jamestown, Indiana.
Tickets are available for the individual attractions or a combo purchase online until the season starts. Starting Sept. 26, tickets are only available at the door.
September
Fall Feat at Wea Creek Orchard
Live music, more than 35 vendors and free tractor rides are among the festivities that will be set up at Wea Creek Orchard from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.
The family-friendly event will also include three bounce houses, an obstacle course and a Disney princess, owner Perry Kirkham told the Journal & Courier.
Admission cost $10 per car, so Kirkham said they “encourage people to carpool.” All activities inside are free, but attendees may want to bring money for food or shopping.
The orchard is at 5618 S. 200 E. in Lafayette.
October
Feast of the Hunters’ Moon
Dive into the 18th century at one of West Lafayette’s biggest annual events, the Feast of the Hunters’ Moon.
The weekend-long historic reenactment is a re-creation of the French and Native Americans’ gathering at Fort Ouiatenon that is held each year on the banks of the Wabash River.
In addition to music, fife and drum corps performances and military drills, attendees can also try their hand at candle-dipping, axe throwing, cross-cut sawing and bead bracelet making, according to the event’s website.
The smells of woodsmoke and savory food are sure to travel across the river and typically draw thousands, so tickets may be bought ahead of time. One-day passes for adults are $12 in advance or $15 at the gate, and a weekend pass is $22. Parking options include a shuttle.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at 3129 S. River Road in West Lafayette.
Fall FunFest at the Farm at Prophetstown
Costumes are encouraged as guests make their way through sweet treats, fall-themed crafts and other activities at Fall FunFest. Admission is free with park admission, and pumpkin decorating is available for $5.
The Farm at Prophetstown will host the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct 11. The farm is at 3534 Prophetstown Road, Battle Ground.
Boo at the Zoo
The annual spooky celebration at Columbian Park Zoo returns this year with costume contests, a Halloween Train Ride, character meet-and-greets, obstacle courses and inflatables. Music and food are also available, as well as hayrides through the park.
Those younger than 12 can pick a pumpkin while supplies last, and anyone can vote in the Community Pumpkin Decorating Contest, according to a zoo press release.
Tickets are available online for $8 and can be purchased at the gate for $10. The event will run from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, 18 and 19. The zoo is at 1915 Scott St., Lafayette.
Fall Festival at West Lafayette Wellness Center
Trick-or-treating, games and snacks will be available at the fourth annual Fall Festival. Costumes are welcome at this free event.
Attendees are asked to register through their CivicRec account so there are enough supplies, according to the city’s website.
The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the John R. Dennis Wellness Center, at 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette.
Monster Mash on the Wabash
Live music, local vendors, food trucks, costume contests and trick-or-treating will take over Main Street in Downtown Lafayette for this night of haunted fun. Admission and parking are free.
The festival goes from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 25 at 600 Main St., Lafayette.
Howl-o-Ween Night at Wolf Park
Along with their typical Howl Night program, Wold Park will host a Lantern Lit tour, stories about local hauntings and a bonfire to celebrate the season.
Guests are encouraged to bring packaged hot dogs or summer sausage to feed the wolves, according to the website. The event runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and tickets are $20 for adults.
The park is at 4004 E. 800 N., Battle Ground.
Halloween Bash at Art Museum of Greater Lafayette
A costume contest, trick-or-treating, live music and karaoke, and sweets from local businesses will be available at the art museum’s Halloween Bash.
Admission is free, and the event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. The museum is at 102 S. 10th St., Lafayette.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Mazes and ghosts and treats, oh my: A fall fest bucket list for Greater Lafayette and beyond
Reporting by Katie Walling / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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