What is it about fall in Indiana that brings with it the overpowering need to get out and explore the countryside when it's at its most colorful? We're not sure, but it's such a popular pastime that it's called "leaf-peeping season" for a reason! Well, there's no better way to go leaf-peeping in Indiana than an old-school fall train ride, and one of the best fall foliage train rides in Indiana is sure to thrill the entire family with its old-world charm and vividly colorful atmosphere. This year, it's a little different — enjoy the Pumpkinliner excursion, a pumpkin train ride that will show you all of the fall beauty available in Indiana!
The Whitewater Valley Railroad reached Connersville in 1867.
In 1972, following a history full of twists and turns, it became a not-for-profit and today, it still runs like it always has. It's been a staple of the Indiana countryside for decades now, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
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It operates year-round, with special events every season that you won't usually find anywhere else.
The Pumpkinliner is a truly wonderful experience that successfully captures the magic of autumn, as it carries riders through some intensely vibrant and colorful landscapes on a short-and-sweet journey during which you and the family will make lifelong memories on the way to a pumpkin patch delight!
The Pumpkinliner excursion is a special event and operates this year on October 26th and 27th.
The trek takes you from Connersville to The Pumpkin Patch and departs four times on each day. Departure times are at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and reservations ARE recommended. This is a wonderful experience that the whole family will love, but you won't be the only ones eyeballing it for something fun to do!
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Perhaps the best part - other than the fall color and memories, of course - is just how affordable the journey is.
You'll find all kinds of fun and interesting events year-round, like historic wild-west rides, magical Christmastime rides, and much more. Whitewater Valley is a rolling history museum with passionate volunteers who truly enjoy sharing the fascinating history of one of Indiana's oldest train lines with curious guests.
No matter what time of year you visit, you're sure to leave with a lot more knowledge about Indiana train rides than you arrived with - and we wouldn't have it any other way!
For the most up-to-date event information, ticket sales, reservations, and much more visit the official Whitewater Railroad website.
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So what do you think? Do you plan on taking a scenic train ride in Indiana this year? Tell us your plans in the comments! And if you need some more exciting things to do in fall in Indiana, take a look at Airbnb experiences. There may be some things to do that you hadn't even imagined.
Spring is such an elegant time of year, don’t you think? Everything is blooming and blossoming; the flora and fauna are bursting back to life after an entire winter season of being hunkered down. And we believe it’s the best time of year to get outside and enjoy the beauty of life. Plus, there are always all sorts of amazing things to do in Indiana in spring. For example, did you know there’s an annual peony festival in Noblesville that’s the single most perfect way to celebrate both spring and Indiana’s state flower? Yep! Even though it’s relatively new, it might just take over as the best spring festival in Indiana. Check it out!
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The photos are idyllic, but not even they do the whimsy and wonder of this amazing event any justice.
The (somewhat new!) annual Indiana Peony Festival takes place in the beautiful small town of Noblesville, and it's a celebration of not JUST the state flower, but of all the things we love about spring.
There will be plenty to see and do, like browsing the plentiful vendors and artisans that will have booths set up.
Other notable things to do include kid-friendly activities, horticulture classes, food, spirits, and more. We're not sure about you, but nothing sounds better to us than sipping on sweet wine surrounded by thousands of stunning, brilliantly-colored peonies.
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The majority of the festivities will take place at the historic Seminary Park, which is right in the heart of Noblesville.
And it's appropriate: The Peony Festival, now in its fourth year, is quickly becoming a symbol of not just Noblesville but of all of Indiana during the spring. It is a truly beautiful experience.
Throughout the whole month of May, the Peony Trail will remain active, with more than 1,000 amazing plants to admire along the way. There will be several stops, all of which will teach you to appreciate Indiana's state flower just a little more with every one.
This year's festivities will take place on May 18th, 2024, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.; it's a daylong affair!
Wear comfortable walking shoes and show up early - you won't want to miss a single moment!
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For more information about the most vibrant spring festival in Indiana, including vendor information and all the stops on the Peony Trail, be sure to check out the Indiana Peony Festival official website. Have you ever attended the Indiana Peony Festival? Do you plan to? Did you even know we HAD a state flower? Let us know!
If you plan on spending the night after the festival, we found a great hotel in Noblesville that is within minutes of the event. Plus, it has an indoor pool and free breakfast!
Christmas is such a beautiful time; they aren't kidding when they say it's the most wonderful time of the year! Unfortunately, it also happens to be an outrageously chilly and even snowy time of year, and that can make it tough to decide what to do. Well, how about you get bundled up and take the family - or your special someone - to one (or all) of these awesome Christmas lights displays in Indiana? I was wondering about the best Christmas lights near me, and I figured I might as well write 'em down and let you guys know, too - at least one of these ought to be nearby, wherever you are!
This world-famous holiday lights display in Indiana is back for another amazing season - this time, for an epic 18 days! Even if you've been to the Wellfield Gardens many times, you've never seen it like this. It's incredibly beautiful, and better still, it keeps the zoo open just a little later. Be sure to visit the official Wellfield Gardens website for all the dates, times, and events planned for these Christmas lights in Elkhart, Indiana.
So, did you know that there's actually an incredible Christmas town in Indiana that goes all-out every year - so much so that the whole town is named after the big guy in red? It's true - Santa Claus, Indiana is more than just some town with a funny name; it is THE Christmas capital of Indiana, and it's a can't-miss this year. Check out the Santa Claus Land of Lights, an enchanting 1.2-mile drive-through that's sure to charm the whole fam. 2023's theme is the story of Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. Come out and enjoy! I'm pretty sure there's nothing like Christmas lights in Santa Claus, Indiana - it's a unique thing and it's all ours.
With two amazing miles of lights and decor to drive thru, you'll find plenty to love at Blue Jacket's Fantasy of Lights, one of the best places for Christmas lights in Fort Wayne. In that two miles, you'll find more than 160 lit-up scenes, all of which are sure to delight. There's also a scavenger hunt to get the kids in on while you're here, so be sure to ask about Elsie the Elephant when you arrive. Check out the official Blue Jacket website for dates, times, and themes!
Shipshewana is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful little towns in Indiana, and the folks who live here absolutely know how to do Christmas - and all the holidays - right! Shipshewana Lights of Joy is a wondrous experience perfect for a family night, date night, or even a solo holiday adventure. With almost two miles of amazing, synchronized lights set to music, this is one holiday lights display in Indiana that you can't pass up on. Christmas lights in Shipshewana, Indiana, are always special - but when paired with events and good company, they're irresistible! Visit the Lights of Joy website to learn more about dates, times, admission, and everything else you'll need to know before you go.
Psst, here's a secret: there are lots of winter wonderlands all over Indiana, and the beautiful town of Charlestown is adorable and worth a visit. The annual Christmas in Charlestown festivities draw in visitors from all over the state, with tons of things to do for everyone in the family. The opening night ceremony is a must-do, with food trucks, vendors, and, of course, the lighting ceremony. Other events include a mystery dinner party, wreath making classes, holiday parties, and more! You'll never see the Christmas lights in Charlestown, Indiana, the same way again - you'll associate them with fun from now on.
The small city of Marion is a cute little place where the holidays really come to life. Every year, the city puts on its annual Walkway of Lights, an adventure of Christmas lights in Marion, Indiana, you won't soon forget. Like all the items on this list, the kids will love it, too. Did you know that Marion's lights are so impressive that the town has earned the nickname Christmas City, USA? Yep! It's true - come out and see why.
Christmas at the Zoo is an amazing, traditional display of Christmas lights in Indianapolis that can't be beaten - or compared to anything else. For more than 55 years, this tradition has lit up the hearts and souls of Hoosiers everywhere. If you've never experienced it, what better time to try than now? Come out and meet Santa Claus, explore the White River Gardens all lit up, come visit Mrs. Claus's kitchen (yum), and so much more. For dates, hours, and tickets, be sure to visit the official Indianapolis Zoo website for all the details.
Winterland Lights in the Park is a Danville tradition that everyone's welcome to get in on. If you've never heard of the Christmas lights in Danville, Indiana, it's time you have - and it's time you come visit! The whole town is a wonderland during the winter season, but during Winterland, it's especially magical. You'll love the warm, cozy holiday vibes, and the kids will love meeting with Santa. visit the City of Danville website for the most up-to-date hours, events, and more.
Last, but certainly nowhere near least, we'll take a look at another breathtaking display of Christmas lights in Indianapolis, this time downtown and oh-so-incredible. Truly, no photographs or videos will ever do this one justice; it's something you absolutely need to experience in person at least once. For more than 60 years, this awesome tradition has gone on rain, snow, or shine - and it shows no signs of slowing down. Check out the official website for Downtown Indianapolis to get all the details about this year's Christmas festival in Indy.
So there you have 'em: nine amazing Christmas lights displays in Indiana to bring the kids out for - or anyone else! Planning to head out and need to know what to bring along? Check out our handy-dandy winter packing list to get some ideas. I'm pretty glad I looked up the best Christmas lights near me - now we all know what we're doing this year!
