By Lauren Bobbitt
Summer in Indiana is the perfect time to take advantage of the food and farm experiences our state has to offer. The growing Hoosier agritourism industry means that nearly every part of the state provides opportunities to combine food, farming, and fun. From picking apples or berries to shopping a farmers market or visiting a play-focused farm, the options for connecting with Indiana’s agricultural roots abound!
Indiana boasts at least 70 orchards, where visitors will find fresh-for-the-picking fruits at their fingertips. Most orchards include u-pick options, so bring a basket!
Apples typically begin ripening in late August, but orchards often offer produce and fun throughout the summer and fall seasons!
Orchards
Don’t miss…
Tuttle Orchards
Greenfield, IN
For 90 years, Tuttle Orchards has provided central Indiana’s premiere fruit farm experience. The 200 acre farm in Greenfield boasts over 8,000 apple trees with more than 30 varieties. Over four generations the Tuttle’s have diversified their farm to a year-round operation that includes a pumpkin patch, an extensive farm store, tours for all ages, and farm-fresh produce.
Ruth Ann Roney, the Retail & Marketing Manager and fourth generation Tuttle family member, knows why customers have loved Tuttle’s for so many years: “We are known
for quality. We grow award-winning apples, and our apple cider recently received second place in the National Sweet Cider Competition. And our sweet corn often wins 1st place at the Indiana State Fair.” Be sure to try the Tuttle family favorite apple variety – the Gold Rush! www.indianapolisorchard.com
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are a wonderful way to find the freshest, most unique Indiana foods while putting a face to the farmers and producers who fill our plates.
Most operate late spring through fall, and nearly all Indiana counties have at least one weekly market.
Don’t miss…
Bloomington Community Farmers Market
Bloomington, IN
The crunchy Bloomington vibe is alive and well at its popular market. An abundance of farm vendors offer local produce, meat, eggs, and dairy, along with dozens of other artisan booths. Soak up the thriving local arts & culture spirit, too, through live music, ballet, traditional dance, musical petting zoos, city leader conversations, and more each week. https://bloomington.in.gov/ farmers-market
“An outstanding destination for taking out-of-town guests, friends and family, a date, or
solo. excellent variety and quality from the farm stands, as well as prepared food bakery and restaurant stalls. an absolute highlight to Bloomington!” – Lucy Wortham, Bloomington
Historic Newburgh Farmers Market
Newburgh, IN
Travel south for an intimate farmers market experience in the small historic town of Newburgh on the banks of the Ohio River. Over 40 vendors gather at the water’s edge to provide local produce and artisan goods, just blocks from the historic homes and shops of downtown Newburgh. Thanks to grants and community partnerships, this market offers a variety of active experiences for all ages, including live music, kids’ activities, cooking demos, and free exercises classes like family yoga. www.newburghfarmersmarket.org
Find an Indiana farmers market near you: http://www.localfarmmarkets.org/INfarmmarkets.php
Play on the Farm
Piney Acres
Fortville, IN
This farm experience in the heart of Hancock County is best known as a pine tree farm during the holidays, but its 73 acres have plenty to offer throughout the year. Beloved for its simple, family-focused atmosphere, Piney Acres embodies owners Rex and Janice Zenor’s dream to foster memory-making moments outdoors.
The petting zoo, play area, bounce pad, and scavenger hunts are popular during the summer and fall. Beginning in September, enjoy seasonal activities like a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, haunted excursions, and an elaborate Kids Zone for farm-themed play. www.pineyacresfarm.com.
“I personally love the real farm scene. It’s nice to have a not overly crowded place to take my daughter to visit farm animals. the bounce pad is a huge plus as well as the hayrides, moo train, movie nights & bon res. from the well maintained grounds to the amazing & sweet sta , this place is a favorite of ours.” – Taylor Lontz, Indianapolis
Lark Ranch
Loogootee, IN + Greenfield, IN
With an eight-acre corn maze, train, rides, zip line, hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and much more, Lark Ranch definitely caters to the tourism side of agritourism and offers just about every farm-fun activity imaginable. Owned and run by the Lark family, the ranch has two locations. Although Lark Ranch is geared towards fall and holiday activities, select special events, like a County Fair, keep the summer months lively as well. https://larkranch.com
Berry Farms
Picking sun-warmed berries by hand is an iconic summertime experience, and there are plenty of berry farms around the state to stain fingers and fill pails. June is strawberry season, while late-summer berry farm excursions reward Hoosiers with blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
Find blueberries from the northern part of the state, like Fritts Berry Farm in Demotte, all the way to Bryant’s Blueberries down south in New Salisbury. In between are dozens of farms with other berries and, in most cases, additional seasonal fruits and produce. Add u-pick vegetables to your berry picking experience at farms like Waterman’s Farm Market in Indianapolis and Berry Best Farm in Nabb.
