Autumn has always held a special place in my heart. Being raised in Connecticut, I was spoiled with wonderful walking trails shrouded with colored leaves and farms selling fresh cider. Every weekend after Labor Day, my family and I declared it the “spooky season,” meaning it was time to break out our favorite fall festivities.
I knew that moving halfway across the country, I needed to find the best local gems in Greater Lafayette for this fall season. So, sit back and relax as I take you on a cool autumn journey through Tippecanoe County!
Purdue University Student, Claire Kedzierski, shares this blog. This blog is part of a series of articles submitted to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette through a cooperation with a 400-level travel writing class at Purdue University.
1. Pick your own pumpkin orchard
The first thing that gets me in the fall spirit is pumpkins. If you enjoy pumpkin picking, then Wea Creek Orchard is just the place for you. They offer you the option of a fun hayride to get to and from the patches where all pumpkins are ready to be picked off the vine.
Not only do they have amazing pumpkins, but they also offer apples and peaches to pick, and they sell delicious apple cider and peach lemonade slushies. On my visit, I was able to enjoy a beautiful walk through the orchard to pick some fresh sunflowers.
2. Corn mazes
In Connecticut, we don’t have many cornfields, but I knew I needed to experience a corn maze, so I went to Exploration Acres. Every year, they choose a different “theme” for the maze. On my visit, the theme was “Jurassic Park” and the maze was shaped like various dinosaurs. It goes on for over 10 miles and takes you on an incredible adventure as you search for the 28 posts scattered throughout the maze that reward you with prizes. After you find your way out of the corn maze, you can pick pumpkins from the vine or take part in a variety of family-friendly activities. Exploration Acres gave me the most memorable corn maze adventure. I spent nearly three hours immersed in the maze, navigating the twists and turns while searching for the various posts. While I didn’t find all 28, I still can’t wait to take my family here and enjoy the “spooky season.”
3. Home to three Farmers Markets
Greater Lafayette has not only one but three farmers markets; Downtown Lafayette, West Lafayette and Purdue! Not only do the farmers markets have the most incredible treats, but they have a wide variety of stands. Fall treats range from yummy pumpkin spiced baked goods to apple scented candles. Every person I spoke to explained to me how this is such a special time of the year. It’s a wonderful place to find your perfect fall decor and help support the small businesses within the community.
4. Camping
While camping is an event for every season, Wolfe’s Leisure Time Campground is a great place to camp this fall in Greater Lafayette. Wolfes is located right on the Wabash River next to beautiful hiking trails. You can get a campfire going and enjoy the sweet smell of autumn all day long. You do need to make a reservation before attending so make sure you call before they are all booked up. Wolfe's is one of many great campgrounds to camp. Click here for a list of all the camping locations in Greater Lafayette.
5. Leaf peeping
When it comes to the “spooky season,” nature is my No. 1 priority. I love admiring the changing leaves and the various colors. It’s fascinating to see how the earth can change to something so magical overnight. One of my favorite places to watch this happen is the Celery Bog in West Lafayette. The Celery Bog is stunning throughout every season, but it is particularly breathtaking in the change from summer to fall. One of my favorite activities to do during the autumn season is host mini picnics with my close friends to enjoy the sound of brushing leaves and the sites of fall.
I hope you were able to live a little through my experiences at five of my favorite places to visit in Greater Lafayette in the fall. I know that these five locations will be some of the best places for you and your loved ones to make countless memories that will last a lifetime. Remember to tag #Homeofpurdue on your posts when you get to visit these awesome “spooky season” destinations in Greater Lafayette. Be sure to check out Home of Purdue for some more fun things to do in the area!
