11 Outdoor Things To Do This Fall In Richmond Indiana
Autumn is a great season to explore as the colder weather brings the changing leaves, cozy sweaters, and fall festivities. Grab the family and take a weekend getaway to enjoy these Outdoor Things to do in Richmond, Indiana, this fall.
This post is in partnership with Visit Richmond, IN to highlight great new destinations and attractions.
Where Is Richmond, Indiana
Richmond/Wayne County is located in eastern Indiana, just off I-70, on the Indiana/Ohio state line. It is roughly an hour and a half drive from Cincinnati, OH, and Indianapolis, IN.
Get Out In Nature At Hayes Arboretum
Hayes Arboretum is an ideal spot to take in the crisp fall air while admiring the changing of the season. From taking a scenic auto tour to tackling the mountain bike trails, there is a way for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors at Hayes Arboretum.
The Arboretum consists of 466 acres with 16 miles of hiking trails. Let imaginations run wild at the Nature Playscape or participate in one of their many educational programs. Ensure to check their website for events and updates on hours.
Take the blue trail to complete a fun Critter Friends Scavenger Hunt. Download your Hayes Arboretum Scavenger Hunt Form before hitting the trail. During your hike, record your Critter Friends’ names and follow the instructions on your scavenger hunt list to claim your prize.
Tips Before Visiting Hayes Arboretum
- The Arboretum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9-5 pm. However, the Eastside Trailhead is accessible every day from morning to dusk.
- The Auto Tour is the perfect way to enjoy the foliage without leaving the comfort of your car.
Address: 801 Elks Road, Richmond, IN 47374
Pick A Bouquet at The Barn at Helm
Venture off the beaten path for a remarkable experience. The Barn at Helm is a gorgeous flower farm that is the lifelong dream of owners Julie and Tim. Julie’s passion for flowers is contagious, just like her smile. She ensures that every visit is memorable and that you leave with the perfect bouquet.
The farm is charming, with plenty of darling backdrops to capture that idyllic Instagram photo. Stroll through the thousands of blooms while deciding which ones to fill your vase. For the fall, fill your pumpkin! Julie offers a variety of floral workshops throughout the year in their rustic antique barn. Other events include concerts in the garden and more. Visit the Barn at Helm to start planning your visit.
Find more great things to do in Centerville, Indiana, with this awesome Getaway Guide.
Address: 5544 Helm Rd Williamsburg, IN 47393
Go Wine Tasting at Pilgrimage Wine Company
I have never been a huge fan of Indiana or Ohio wine, mainly because it is often too sweet for my liking. However, when I heard that the couple at Pilgrimage Wine Company was growing a new authentic old-world-style wine grower, I had to go and check it out.
Inspired by their time in Italy while serving in the military, they wanted to bring some of that back to the Midwest. Don’t expect sweet wines here, think drier varieties that can be grown in Indiana. My personal favorite was the Blanc!
Do a tasting to find your favorite, then get a glass or bottle to enjoy on the patio overlooking the rows of vines.
Experience Dougherty Orchard and Petting Zoo
A visit to Indiana’s oldest family-owned orchard is a must during the fall. This is a must with pre-picked and U-pick apples (seasonally), a petting zoo, and a cold glass of apple cider. The petting zoo offers visitors the opportunity to feed the animals. Purchase your cone of food before entering.
Dougherty Orchard also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, wine tasting, and more.
Note: The U-Pick Apples are dependent on the harvest and weather. In some years, a frost earlier in the year can destroy an entire year’s harvest, such as in 2020.
Tackle The Corn Maze at Today’s Harvest
Can you escape the 25-acre corn maze at Today’s Harvest? This local favorite has been keeping kids of all ages busy for hours. Besides tackling the corn maze, indulge in other fall favorites such as Caramel Apples and hot cider, pick out a pumpkin, and get beautiful mums. Kids will love all the fun fall activities, such as a massive Connect Four, putt-putt, wooden train, and more. Don’t forget to grab one of their delicious donuts!
Hike to Thistlethwaite Falls In Richmond, Indiana
Thistlethwaite Falls is a scenic, easy-to-visit falls located in Richmond, Indiana. These human-made waterfalls have a parking area just beyond the bridge. A trail leads to the top of the falls, and a stairway leads down to the base. To add a little more adventure, hike the 3.5 trail that takes you along the river through Whitewater Gorge Park.
The falls are full of ancient fossils just waiting to be discovered. However, the waterfall will dry up after long periods of drought.
Address: Waterfall Road Richmond, IN 47374
Experience more Great Things To Do In Richmond, Indiana.
Find The Perfect Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch
For a quick fall stop, turn into the Pumpkin Patch, an Amish farm selling everything you need for the season. It is the locals’ best-kept secret, with great deals on pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks, and mums. The Pumpkin Patch is closed on Sundays, and don’t forget to bring cash.
Address: 5905 Morgan Creek Rd. Williamsburg, IN 47393
Take A Self-Guided Tour Along Murals Trail
Richmond is a vibrant small town that has teamed up with local artists to bring enchanting, colorful murals to historic buildings. More than 80 murals are to be discovered throughout Richmond, so be sure to download your Mural brochure to find them all. The murals define and capture the community’s beauty, history, and culture, from hidden alleyways to busy streets.
Stroll the Sculpture Garden
Seven contemporary works of art are on display on the campus of Indiana University East. Take a leisurely walk through campus while enjoying this eclectic exhibit.
Address: 2325 Chester Blvd. Richmond, IN 47374
Discover The Preble County Covered Bridges
Discovering the covered bridges in Preble County, Ohio, is a beautiful scenic drive to add to your bucket list. Eight bridges are throughout the beautiful countryside dotted with charming small towns. Here is a complete Guide to the Covered Bridges In Preble County.
Cope Environmental Center
Experience more great outdoor activities in Richmond, Indiana, by heading to the Cope Environmental Center, which offers over three miles of hiking trails. The trails take visitors through various landscapes, including hardwood forests, grasslands, over 12 acres of prairie, three wetlands, two ponds, and a significant collection of conifers.
The Cope Environmental Center is a hub for teaching, offering various educational programs and events. There are endless opportunities to visit from toddler time, Family Maple Syrup Day, and a Bird-a-thon.
Excellent Restaurants In Richmond Indiana With A Patio
Soak in the last few weeks of patio season by enjoying a delicious meal at one of these great restaurants with a patio!
Firehouse BBQ and Blues
Situated in the heart of Richmond, this unique BBQ joint can be found in Richmond’s oldest firehouse! You can even see the fire pole inside with other fun firehouse memorabilia.
Start your BBQ feast with pulled pork nachos or maybe their smoked wings. Then grab a Smokin Hog (a hot dog stuffed with pulled pork) or one of their signature sandwiches! With live music scattered throughout the week it is one spot you don’t want to miss!
Their patio is a good size, with tables extending onto the sidewalks to accommodate more guests outdoors.
Little Sheba’s
Found right around the corner from Firehouse BBQ and Blues, Little Sheba’s has been serving up family classics for years. With a wide variety of menu items, it is easy for everyone to find their perfect entree. Our recommendations: You can’t go wrong with the Sheba Burger and the Gyro! Delicious!
The patio area is fenced in with lovely flower beds throughout. The patio is mostly covered with fans for air circulation.
Galo’s Italian Grill
Splurge on the best Italian in Richmond with a visit to Galo’s. As numerous mouth-watering dishes make their way out of the kitchen, it will make choosing what to order more difficult. Split a bottle of wine with a wood-fired pizza or indulge in one of the many scratch-made classic Italian dishes.
The patio area at Galo’s is on the smaller side, so be prepared for a wait if you visit during peak dinner times.
Sweet Spots in Richmond Indiana
A visit to Richmond isn’t complete without a little something sweet. The Chocolate Trail offers guests the opportunity to experience the sweetest side of Richmond. Grab the Chocolate Trail Passport to start to gather your chocolate samples. From chocolate ice cream, candles to candies, this is one tempting trail. Here are a few other spots to grab some of the best sweet treats Richmond has to offer.
Ullery’s Ice Cream
For a sweet ending to your evening in Richmond, stop into Ullery’s Homemade Ice-Cream Parlor. The sweet smells of freshly baked waffle cones drift through the window as your order suddenly changes from one scoop to two. They have a massive assortment of flavors to choose from, so be sure to ask for samples before deciding on one!
Bismarck Coffee & Donuts
When you can’t pick just one, you choose a dozen! Bismarck Coffee & Donuts are serving fresh-made donuts daily. With all the tempting donuts created onsite, it is no surprise that lines start early!
Where To Stay In Richmond Indiana
Richmond is home to many charming Airbnb’s that offer great value and plenty of space! During our most recent visit, we had the opportunity to stay at an upcoming Airbnb located on the South of Elkhorn Farm. This darling guest house has been renovated from an old barn and is full of country charm. It is a perfect spot to escape for the weekend with the family or a romantic getaway.
The guest house on South of Elkhorn Farm has two-bedrooms, a luxury bathroom with heated tiles, a cozy living space, and a large kitchenette. Little touches such as games, children’s books, and festive seasonal decor made our stay more enjoyable.
The guest house is part of a farm with goats, dogs, barn cats, and chickens that my daughter just adored. Sit out by the lake, lounge in the garden, or take an evening walk through the meadow. The guest house is the perfect place to relax and leave your worries at the doorstep.
Other great places to stay in Richmond, Indiana, are the Cottage on Abington Pike, Lavender & Sage Airbnb, and the Starr Loft.
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