Living in Northwest Indiana can be a real blessing in the fall. The leaves turn a beautiful orange and red and the Indian summer gives off just the right temperature. Being not far from Chicago, the drive up becomes more pleasant when you are able to enjoy the scenery more.
Life in the Midwest has a few things that are just standard. Summer Festivals and Fairs and the Fall Pumpkin Patches! Here is a list of fun filled harvest activities in the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland areas.
Bengston’s Farm
Located near Orland Park, IL in Homer Glen, Bengston’s boasts the largest Pumpkin Patch in the Chicago area. Corn Mazes, Kiddie Train Rides, Pumpkins to pick and choose, and fun for all ages can be found at Bengston’s. Children two and under are free while eleven and older are $11.99 and three to eleven are 10.99. Visit their web page to print a coupon that saves you a dollar off the price of admission. If you are military and have a valid military ID you enter for FREE!
Open from 10am to 8pm starting October 1st!
Norm’s Pumpkin Patch Farm
Norm’s is located in Lowell Indiana. Hay rides, food, games, and pumpkin picking are also available at this privately owned and operated stand. Norm has been in business since 1987 when he began growing pumpkins for his family. Since then it has grown into a huge operation that gets bigger and bigger every year! Don’t forget to check out the haunted hay ride as well! Click here to find out more information about events, opening times, and prices.
Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch
Also located in Lowell, Indiana, Kregel’s also boasts a large selection of pumpkins to choose from. Hay rides, pony rides, a corn maze with “easy” and “difficult” options, and a barrel train ride for the kids. This particular patch was originally located in Crown Point, Indiana off of Indianapolis blvd. but has now moved to their new location in Lowell Indiana. Click here for more information on cost, opening season, and address.
Fall time fun doesn’t always have to be about pumpkin patches! Apples and Corn are other great harvest symbols! Why not enjoy these few locations that give a hollern’ good time!
The County Line Orchard
Located in Hobart, Indiana, the County Line Orchard has fun for the entire family. Apple picking season starts September 3rd and has Apples and Pumpkins for the taking. The price of admission is $10 for an unlimited pass which gets you into all of the activities! Some events or activities may cost extra such as the campfire and hay ride.
Halloween has trick-or-treating for the children, a great way to ensure a safe and happy holiday. The County Line Orchard is also open at Christmas time! Click here for full information regarding prices, times, concert events and more.
Garwood Orchards
Located in La Port, Indiana, Garwood Orchards has concert events and harvest fruits and veggie picking! Other veggies are able to be picked such as green beans, tomatoes, and green peppers. Fruits and berries are available as well. All picking is subject to availability and season. Click here for more information.
Many other small farm stands, local events, and other harvest fun can be found through out the fall season. Check with the local chamber of commerce or town hall to see what other local events can be found. Children’s trick-or-treating, local pumpkin festivals, fall craft and vendor fairs, and other events can be found on the government pages for each county listed below.
Lake County
Porter County
Newton County
Jasper County
La Port County