Fall Things To Do in Southern Indiana

State Parks
Fall is the perfect time to visit one of Southern Indiana’s state parks, whether it’s a day of outdoor fun or an overnight camping adventure.

Clark State Forest is Indiana’s oldest state forest. Established in 1903, it offers camping, fishing, hunting, a shooting range and plenty of places to picnic. There are also hiking and mountain bike trails. You’ll find hiking, fishing, birding and camping at Charlestown State Park as well, but this park offers something truly unique -- Rose Island, a former summer resort and amusement park. A hike to the abandoned site of this once bustling getaway is a must-do. And lastly, Deam Lake State Recreation Area offers all the amenities for a great outdoor adventure.

Huber's Orchard, Winery & Vineyards
A special place to enjoy the bounty of fall is Huber's Orchard, Winery & Vineyards. This family-owned Southern Indiana treasure is Indiana’s largest winery. A trip to Huber’s in the fall has become a tradition for many. A beautiful countryside, pumpkins, apples, fall decorations, tractor rides, great food, and wine and spirits are all waiting for you. Bring the whole family, too, to pick pumpkins and apples. Huber’s is family-friendly with its Family Farm Park, featuring mazes, pedal karts, the Huber's Grain Train and more.

The Sporting Club at the Farm
The Sporting Club at the Farm is a 740-acre farmland attraction that will satisfy the need for outdoor adventure. It offers shooting sports, archery and upland game hunting. Members get access to fishing and hiking the grounds' lakes and trails. Nestled along the Ohio River, the Farm offers a new and unique way to enjoy the great outdoors. 

Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
Take a tour inside the home of William Culbertson, once the richest man in the state of Indiana. With its painted ceilings, carved staircase, marble fireplaces and elaborate plasterwork, the Culbertson Mansion reflects the tastes, ideals and lifestyles of the wealthy during the late 1800s. The mansion and its carriage house are said to be haunted. Make sure to visit the mansion this fall for a tour. Thrill-seekers can find an extra spooky experience when the mansion transforms into a haunted house … literally, after hours in the fall.

The Woods ATV Adventures
Explore over 500 acres of classified forest at The Woods ATV Adventures, a new attraction in Starlight, Indiana. U-Drive ATVs allow you to take hold of your adventurous side on a guided sightseeing experience! The Woods just launched 2.5-hour evening rides, perfect for fall date nights. They are hosting “Fright Night in Starlight,” a haunted woods hike deep within the forest on weekends from September 29 to October 28.

Dylan Farms, Inc
This small family farm in Charlestown raises Scottish Highland Cattle. Additionally, Dylan Farms, Inc. offers guided educational tours of the herd, photo opportunities and merchandise. The tours are a wonderful way to learn about beef production and the Scottish Highland Cattle raised at Dylan Farms. While you’re there, you can have an adorable mini photoshoot with the cattle.

Derby Dinner Playhouse
Fall foliage is must see, but make sure you make reservations for SoIN's indoor attractions, too! Get your tickets for dinner and a play at Derby Dinner Playhouse. It’s one of the oldest and largest continually operating professional dinner theatres in the country. Experience, “Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story," a sensational musical about the bespectacled 1950s rock n' roll icon at Derby Dinner Playhouse from August 16 to September 24. Grab tickets to "Accomplice," a clever and comedic who-dunnit from September 27 to November 5 or take the kids to see "Elephant & Piggie's 'We Are in a Play'" - part of Derby Dinner's Children's Theatre season - from September 30 to November 4. 

Farmers Markets
Fall doesn’t mean the end of fresh produce and other local goodies. Three separate farmers' markets, in three welcoming towns - Charlestown, Jeffersonville and New Albany showcase Southern Indiana’s bounty and the people who make each place special. 

The New Albany Wicked Walk
Fall and Halloween go hand-in-hand. It’s that time of year to shine a light on the shrouded stories of ghosts and other paranormal activities that make up the region’s lore. Make plans to take a guided walking tour of downtown New Albany during this scary season. The New Albany Wicked Walk highlights hair-raising historical events. 

Joe Huber's Family Farm & Restaurant
“Real food” is what’s on the menu at Joe Huber’s Family Farm & Restaurant. The fried chicken and fried biscuits with apple butter are legendary. Everything is made from scratch and served family style. Fall is an especially fun time of year with pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a cartoon corn maze and fall treats in the market.

Louisville Jack O' Lantern Spectacular
According to MSN.com, the Louisville region is a top 10 place in the United States during Halloween, and the Jack O' Lantern Spectacular is a must-see attraction. Get out and enjoy this amazing walking path lined with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins inside Louisville's Iroquois Park. The trail is open October 3 - 31.

Distilleries
Bourbon has a rich history in this area. A short ride across the Ohio River, Louisville, Ky., is just minutes from Southern Indiana. 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky, and Louisville has several distilleries that offer tours and tastings of this true American spirit. Once back in Southern Indiana, head to Starlight Distillery for its brandies, bourbons, rye whiskeys, flavored whiskeys, rum and gin. Figure out the week’s special password to access Indiana State Fair Award Winner Distillery 64, a distillery and speakeasy located in New Albany.

Craft Beer
The craft beverage scene is alive and well in Southern Indiana. The area’s breweries provide spots to relax with friends and family while you enjoy specialty craft brews. Crisp air, patio sitting, ball game watching, beer sipping... pure bliss.  

Museums
As the weather gets a bit chillier, you may want to find things to do indoors. There are many unique museums to choose from offering a look at the region’s rich history, arts and culture. They will surely keep you entertained when you can’t go outdoors. Look for seasonal exhibits, like the Carnegie Center's, "The Underground Railroad: The Still Family & Charles Nalle," and annual events like the Howard Steamboat Museum’s Car Show and Vintage Fire Museum’s Annual Muster, both in September.

Source: kentuckykingdom.com

Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom
Kentucky Kingdom, located just across the river in Louisville, Kentucky, is bringing back, “Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom”. The fall-themed event offers family-friendly entertainment, towering pumpkin sculptures, trick-or-treating and fall photo opportunities. Plus, guests get to enjoy their favorite Kentucky Kingdom rides during the day!

Belle of Louisville
Catch the crisp fall breeze and autumn colors from the Ohio River atop the historic Belle of Louisville. Climb aboard the 100+-year-old steamboat for sightseeing cruises, historic programs, dinners, live music and more. This September the Belle is hosting several events, including a Murder Mystery Cruise, a Moonlight Cruise and a Halloween Kids' Cruise. 

The Monarch Festival at MountFest
The Monarch Festival at MountFest is moving to the fall this year! This FREE event, happening September 23, features some of the area’s most talented artists, an immersive butterfly experience, mouth-watering food trucks, a beer & wine garden, children’s activities and bouncy houses, and music. All the activities and fun take place in one of Southern Indiana’s most picturesque venues, Mount Saint Francis.