71°FCool mornings, sunny afternoons and trees glowing in shades of red, orange and gold make fall in La Porte County pure Midwest magic. It’s the season for fresh-picked apples, bright pumpkins, warm cider and weekends spent enjoying the sights, scents and flavors of autumn.
Whether you’re searching for a favorite apple variety, the perfect pumpkin for your porch or a colorful trail to explore, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
PICK, Play and taste the Season
Coulter’s Farm, Westville – A fall favorite featuring free weekend hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pick-your-own pumpkins and a corn maze. Shop for gourds, squash, Indian corn, straw and other seasonal favorites while you’re there.
Fischer Farm, La Porte – A pumpkin lover’s dream featuring hayrides, a sprawling corn maze and fields filled with pumpkins and gourds.
Garwood Orchards, La Porte – Hop aboard a wagon for a trip to the orchard or pumpkin patch. This sixth-generation farm offers U-pick apples and pumpkins, a farm market and seasonal favorites including fresh pies, donuts and cider.
Radke Orchards, Michigan City – Pick your own apples from easy-to-reach trees featuring 20 varieties. Before leaving, stock up on honey, cider, fruit butters, popcorn and other orchard treats.
Pavolka Fruit Farm, Michigan City – This small but mighty orchard grows more than 20 apple varieties and presses its own fresh cider.
Williams Orchard, La Porte – Surrounded by 135 acres of peaceful countryside, Williams Orchard offers seasonal U-pick opportunities on select Sundays. Check ahead for current availability.
Mums, MORE and Fall Décor
Burek Farms, La Porte – Best known for its fresh sweet corn, Burek Farms is also a great stop for pumpkins, decorative corn, mums, handmade fall décor, jams, jellies, salsas and more.
AKA Grower Outlet, La Porte – Dress up the porch with locally grown mums, ornamental grasses, pumpkins, gourds, fall vegetables and other seasonal favorites.
Follow the Fall Color
The harvest is only part of fall’s beauty. Wooded trails, wetlands, gardens and the Lake Michigan shoreline create a colorful backdrop for an autumn walk or afternoon drive. Fall color usually develops from late September through October, with peak conditions often arriving around the middle of October. Because timing depends on the weather, check current conditions before planning a trip.
La Porte County Parks – Explore the forests, wetlands and prairies of Bluhm, Creek Ridge, Luhr, Red Mill and Sebert Woods county parks. Each offers a different way to experience the season, from paved paths and family-friendly walks to wooded hiking and biking trails.
Friendship Botanic Gardens, Michigan City – Wander through wooded trails, international gardens and peaceful paths surrounding Trail Creek and Lake Lucerne.
Indiana Dunes National Park – Discover colorful forests, towering dunes and sweeping views of Lake Michigan. With more than 50 miles of trails, there are options ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
Before You Go
Apple varieties, crops, activities and hours can change throughout the season. Check each farm or orchard’s website or social media page before heading out, especially if there is a particular variety or activity on your fall wish list.
Then grab a basket, gather the family and start planning a fall adventure in La Porte County. Between the apples, pumpkins and autumn color, there’s plenty to pick, taste and explore.