9 Must-Visit Indiana Apple Orchards Bursting With September Flavor
Fall in Indiana means crisp air, changing leaves, and the unmistakable sweetness of apple picking season!
September transforms Hoosier orchards into wonderlands of ripe fruit, warm cider, and family memories waiting to be made.
Pack your baskets and bring your appetite as we explore nine spectacular apple destinations where autumn’s bounty is ripe for the picking.
1. Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards – Goshen
Family-owned since 1922, this Goshen gem offers more than just apple picking.
Visitors rave about their fresh-pressed cider and famous apple butter that captures fall’s essence in every jar. Kids especially love the hayrides winding through 50+ acres of pristine orchard landscape.
2. County Line Orchard – Hobart
Sprawling across 40 acres, County Line welcomes autumn enthusiasts with open arms.
Beyond apples, visitors can lose themselves in the 15-acre corn maze or savor freshly made donuts that locals line up for each weekend. Apple varieties range from classic Honeycrisp to unique heirloom selections.
3. Tuttle Orchards – Greenfield
Just east of Indianapolis, Tuttle’s century-old tradition continues to delight visitors season after season.
Apple cider slushies offer a refreshing twist on a fall classic, while the farm store brims with homemade goods. September visitors can choose from over 10 varieties ripening throughout the month.
4. Anderson Orchard – Mooresville
Nestled among rolling hills, this family-favorite destination has perfected the apple-picking experience over 50+ years.
Weekend visitors might catch live music floating through the orchard as they fill their bags with Jonathan and Gala varieties. Little ones squeal with delight on tractor rides through the picturesque grounds.
5. Pleasant View Orchard – McCordsville
Quaint and charming describe this hidden gem perfectly, where personalized service makes every visitor feel like family.
Owners often greet guests personally, sharing tips on which apples are at peak ripeness. Sample their award-winning apple cider while browsing homemade pies that sell out by early afternoon.
6. Dougherty Orchards & Winery – Bloomington
Wine lovers rejoice at this unique orchard-winery combination near Indiana University.
Adults can sample apple wines while younger visitors explore the pick-your-own fields. Established in 1883, the historic barn houses a tasting room where sweet apple wines pair perfectly with locally made cheeses.
7. Chandler’s Orchard & Country Market – Fillmore
Small-batch excellence defines this intimate orchard where quality trumps quantity every time.
Apple butter demonstrations on weekends show traditional copper kettle methods that haven’t changed in generations. Visitors praise the peaceful atmosphere and knowledgeable staff who can identify every apple variety at a glance.
8. The Orchard at Fair Oaks Farms – Fair Oaks
Modern agricultural tourism shines at this impressive destination combining dairy, crop, and orchard experiences in one location.
After filling bags with crisp apples, families explore interactive exhibits about sustainable farming. September weekends feature apple-themed cooking demonstrations using just-picked fruit from the surrounding trees.
9. Apple Tasting at Prophetstown State Park – West Lafayette
Unlike commercial orchards, this unique state park experience focuses on heritage varieties and education.
Rangers lead weekend tastings of historic apple varieties once common in Indiana but rarely found today. Visitors sample up to 15 different apples while learning about the fruit’s role in early Hoosier settlement.
