The Inside Scoop on Brown County’s Favorite Season
If you’re like us, you can’t wait for fall! Colorful leaves, cool air, apple cider, bonfires, pumpkin everything…there’s no better place to enjoy all these things and so much more than in Brown County! After all, when you have some of the most stunning foliage in the whole Midwest (if not the nation), fall is sure to be a pretty big deal!
Besides spectacular autumn scenery, a charming little downtown Village, and endless outdoor opportunities, Brown County lots of fun fall festivities, attractions, and events planned specially for the season. Whether it’s an annual tradition or a brand-new adventure, it’s high time you get to planning your fall getaway to Brown County!
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Courthouse Lawn -
Michael’s Flowers -
Brown County State Park
Here are some helpful tips to get you here…and the inside scoop on what to do once you arrive! Happy fall ya’ll!
Top Travel Tips to Get You Here:
Keep tabs on the Leaf Cam to plot the perfect time to come!
Sitting high atop one of our scenic overlooks, the famous Leaf Cam offers sprawling views of Brown County’s beautiful forest. Watch fall roll in as the Leaf Cam captures a real-time, daily look at the leaves. Coordinate your day, weekend, or week in Brown County with the changing foliage! Click here to see the Leaf Cam!
Wanting to stay overnight? Book in advance!
With all the hustle and bustle that fall brings, booking your room in advance is a must! Don’t wait until you’re already here…plan ahead and find the perfect place to stay before you visit! Click here to explore our quaint, cozy and oh-so-unique lodging options! You can always call the Visitors Center at 812-988-7303 for some extra help and to check availability.
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Abe Martin Lodge -
Robinwood Inn -
Relaxation Station
Do some research ahead of time!
Since we have SO many great things to offer…we suggest spending some time scrolling our website! Check out what you can taste and do, as well as where you can stay and shop. Be sure to take a look at our event calendar to see what will be happening during your visit and read up about all things Brown County on our blog!
Dress appropriately…think comfort, not chic!
Let’s be honest, Brown County is laid-back and relaxed. No need to get all dressed up around here! You’ll feel right at home in a pair of jeans no matter where you go. The main thing to remember is to dress for comfort…and for the forecast! You should be just fine with a good pair of walking shoes, rain gear, and some layers!
Get ready for the drive. Do: Admire the leaves. Don’t: Get lost!
It doesn’t matter which direction you’re coming from, the drive to Brown County is sure to be beautiful! As the fall colors intensify the closer you get…traffic will likely do the same. Instead of stressing about it, just take some extra time to admire the leaves! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to bypass the traffic, consider taking some beautiful back roads. Let these scenic driving routes show you the way!
Know this to avoid going hungry!
During your visit, eating out is most likely on the agenda. A helpful tidbit of info to know is that during the fall, most restaurants do not take reservations. So be sure to plan ahead! Give yourself plenty of time for dining and be patient. Trust us…it’s worth the wait! Pick out a place to eat before it’s actually time to dine and consider chowing down at odd times. P.S. There’s always snacking throughout the day too to tide you over!
What to See, Taste, and Experience During Your Visit:
You made it! Now what should you do? Here’s a rundown of some of our top fall happenings, attractions, and absolute musts for a memorable getaway!
Visit the Brown County State Park and snap a pic at Hesitation Point!
The largest state park in Indiana must have plenty of leaves to see, right? Heck yeah! Plenty of great colors, trails, vistas, lookout towers, and more too!Whether you go on a hike, a mountain bike ride, a horseback ride, or simply a drive, there will be tons of chances to see the bold colors of Brown County. Be sure to check out Hesitation Point, the park’s most beloved vista. It’s great for snapping a scenic pic and catching the sunset! P.S. Go in the North Gate and you’ll get to drive through a covered bridge!
Get off the beaten path!
There’s more to Brown County than meets the eye! Take a break from the car or from the Village crowd and go on a real, off the beaten path adventure! Each of our smaller “neck of the woods” neighborhoods have some pretty cool things to see (and some pretty silly names too)! Spend the afternoon at the historic village of Story, admire some art in Belmont at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, visit Gnaw Bone for tasty baked goods and local libations (Bear Wallow Distillery and Brown County Winery), head to Gatesville for lunch at the Farmhouse Café or gold panning at the Gatesville Country Store, hike at Trevlac Bluffs in Helmsburg, make a stop at the Bean Blossom Overlook, Bean Blossom Covered Bridge, or Bill Monroe Music Park in Bean Blossom…the list of fun goes on and on!
Check out the Back Roads Studio Tour!
Another great way to get off the beaten path is on the Back Roads of Brown County Studio Tour! For the whole month of October, you can get a glimpse into the life of a local artist. Visit 19 home studios, featuring the work of nearly 30 artists. Meet the creators and watch them work during this free, self-guided tour. Driving along the back roads will provide some magical fall scenery too!
Visit a local brewery, winery, or distillery (…or several of them)!
Did you know that Brown County is home to two distilleries, one brewery, and four winery tasting rooms? That’s right, there are plenty of places to wet your whistle with some local libations. Spend the afternoon touring and/or tasting. Who knows…you may even find some creative fall cocktails, mulled wine, and pumpkin beer along the way!
Do something active!
What better way to admire the leaves than getting outside in the middle of them! Home to a state park, state forest, and a national forest, Brown County is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. Hike, mountain bike, go on a horseback ride, zip line, kayak and canoe, go on an ATV tour, play some paintball, go golfing or fishing…our outdoor adventure is endless! Get active this fall and you’re guaranteed some gorgeous views!
Dig into some sweet treats and savory fall flavors!
A fall visit to Brown County wouldn’t be complete without some tasty food! From home cooking and pub style fare to cute cafés and some finer dining options, anywhere you eat is going to be great. Save room for snacks! Grab some salty popcorn and nuts or satisfy your sweet tooth in one of the many Village treat shops. Savoring the flavors of fall will be easy…you’ll find pumpkin, persimmon, apple, and cinnamon goodies at every turn!
Well there you have it…the inside scoop on how to do fall in Brown County! Come discover why we’re the Midwest’s best fall destination and stay tuned for even more great fall blogs!