Brown County, Indiana, is my family’s favorite fall destination; only five hours from metro Detroit, it’s the perfect spot for a long weekend escape. But what is there to do in Brown County and is fall a good time to visit? Read on to find out — and check out our full City Guide to Brown County, too.
Brown County, Indiana is a beautiful fall destination
Smooth, slowly curving roads slice through a forest that has traded its greens for yellows and golds. Brown County isn’t a place visitors get to by accident. They are pulled by its charming shops, miles of hiking and biking trails, and the promise of a poet’s pace of life.
It’s best to arrive in October when the acres of forests are a chorus of colors. Bring hiking boots and cardigans. Leave devices and to-do lists.
In our City Guide, discover the best things to see and do…
- Mountain biking in Brown County
- Exploring Brown County’s art scene
- Exploring the haunts of Brown County
Why families visit Brown County
1. The woods
Brown County is home to Brown County State Park, Yellowwood State Forest, and parts of the Hoosier National Forest. Ninety percent of Brown County is forestland, and well-loved trails make thousands of acres of woodlands accessible to families.
The Seven Vista Challenge in Brown County State Park is a fun way to see the 16,000-acre park. Freckled throughout the park are seven magnificent locations from which families can view a septet of unparalleled autumn landscapes. Try this fun challenge: take a family picture at each spot to earn a gift at the Brown County Visitor’s Center.
2. Covered bridges
Brown County has two covered bridges: Beanblossom Covered Bridge and Ramp Creek Covered Bridge. They are part of the Indiana Covered Bridge Loop, which includes seven more bridges in nearby counties.
The Ramp Creek Covered Bridge, built in 1838 by Henry Wolf, is located at the north entrance to Brown County State Park and is the oldest covered bridge in Indiana.
Mathias Gilbert built the Beanblossom Covered Bridge in 1880. This sturdy little bridge stretches over Bean Blossom Creek. It no longer accommodates cars, but hikers and photographers visit it often.
3. Horses!
Is there a horse lover in your family? Brown County Saddle Barn inside Brown County State Park is the most popular spot to saddle up. Here, guests of all ages enjoy nightly hayrides, pony rides and 2-mile and 3-mile guided trail rides.
Grandpa Jeff’s Trail Rides is another popular option with families. Grandpa Jeff is a real person who is passionate about sharing his love of horses with kids of all ages. Guests can sign up for 45-minute rides, one-hour 45-minute rides, half-day rides and full-day rides.
4. Art galleries and studios
Theodore Clement “T.C.” Steele, one of Indiana’s most famous artists, built his home and studio at the top of one of Brown County’s hills. Steele and his wife, Selma, named their home House of the Singing Winds. Today, their home is a popular tourist spot that offers interactive tours and workshops for children and adults.
Our Little World Studio is a maker space that has found its perfect home in downtown Nashville, Ind., where nature and art combine perfectly. Guests of all ages can visit to make anything from a friendship bracelet to a hand-poured candle.
5. The water
Monroe Lake (11,000 acres) and Lake Lemon (1,650 acres) are popular hubs for fishing, boating, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and water sports of all kinds. Monroe Lake is Indiana’s largest inland lake.
Visit Simply Fitness to book a guided paddle-boarding experience. Don’t worry about having gear. Paddle boards, life jackets — and a kind instructor are all included. There is no better way to view the fall foliage than from on top of the shimmering water on a warm fall day.
6. Mountain biking
With more than 28 miles of award-winning trails (for every skill level), Brown County has become a Midwestern hub for mountain biking.
Mountain biking families will love the 2.4-mile Limekiln Trail. This kid-friendly trail rides like a gentle roller coaster. It’s a thrill ride for beginners and is right next to a campsite.
Never hit the trails on a bike? Check out Brown County Bikes for everything from bike rental to mountain bike instruction.
How do you get to Brown County, Indiana?
A 5-hour drive from metro Detroit takes visitors down I-75 South toward Toledo. There, merge onto I-475 West. Continue on I-475 to I-69 West, following the signs toward Indianapolis. Take IN-46 West to Nashville, Indiana, then into Brown County from there.
Even in the most comfortable back seats, five hours is a long time for kids to sit. Here are our three favorite pit stops along the way:
- Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a dreamy pit stop. More than a thousand animals are spread across it. In the African Journey, visitors can feed giraffes, and the Australian Adventure puts guests up close with kangaroos. But, it’s the zoo’s Indonesian Rainforest and its relaxing river ride that is my family’s absolute favorite. This zoo is compact, easily navigable and as impressive as Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando. Seriously! This little pit stop might become a pit stay-a-day.
- Conner Prairie in Westfield is my favorite museum for preschool and elementary-aged children. It delivers immersive, hands-on history through interactive exhibits like Prairietown, where visitors can experience life in 1836. The 1859 Balloon Voyage gives guests the chance to soar above the museum in a tethered hot-air balloon. With its many outdoor play areas, living history interpreters and engaging science exhibits, Conner Prairie is the perfect spot to stop and play.
- WonderLab in Bloomington puts the AWE in awesome. Interactive science exhibits will delight the whole family. There is the Bubble-Airium, where kids (and their parents) can experiment with bubbles of all sizes, and the How Things Work gallery explores physics principles through hands-on activities, like the bed of nails. Head upstairs for the live animal and insect exhibits featuring an ant castle and real-life honey bee hive. With its focus on hands-on learning and various activities for all ages, WonderLab provides educational fun and a great energy break during a road trip. It will keep little ones, teenagers, and grandparents entertained.
Family-friendly places to stay
The Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park is the place to stay if you like the idea of being in the middle of the state park and having access to a thrilling aquatic center.
My family loved staying in one of the newly renovated family deluxe cabins. These two-story cabins gave us plenty of room to spread out. The downstairs offered a full bath, expansive living and dining space with large windows, a flat-screen television and a fireplace. There was even a queen-size Murphy bed. The kitchen was fully stocked so that we could make every meal homemade if we wanted to. There was even a gas grill on the large deck out back. Upstairs, there was a main bedroom with a queen-size bed and another bedroom with queen-size bunk beds.
Story Inn is the 15-room answer to a ghost town-sized problem. The Village of Story was founded in 1851 but abandoned after the Great Depression. Now, everything that used to be the town — the village store, post office, schoolhouse and so on — is part of the eclectic Story Inn. Guests who love a good ghost story will enjoy staying here.
Great places to eat
Once home to legendary photojournalist Frank Hohenberger, Olde Bartley House Coffee and Doughnuts is Brown County’s newest cafe. However, it isn’t just a cafe. It’s a visually captivating meeting space that pays tribute to Hohenberger and the town. This is a must-stop spot for a hot cup of expertly crafted coffee before hitting the trails.
For the best brunch in town head to Bird’s Nest Cafe. Tucked within a fairy-tale-like garden is this charming breakfast and lunch spot. The food is just as thoughtfully crafted as the space- comforting, surprising and wonderful!
The Nashville House has been serving guests Hoosier-style food since 1927. My family loved the warm homemade biscuits and fresh apple butter. The food is hearty and delicious, and the service is welcoming. The owners’ mother’s paintings of Brown County throughout the seasons decorate the walls. They are beautiful and a popular topic of conversation amongst the diners.
Big Woods Pizza is a large, busy pizzeria perfect for families. Pizza, salad and sandwiches are perfectly paired with Brown-County brewed craft beer, Quaff on!
Story Inn Restaurant and Still Tavern is not a run-down place to grab a beer and a burger, although it looks that way from the front. Don’t be shy. Walk inside to one of Indiana’s best. Winner of the James Beard Award, this eclectic dining experience will have the family completely satiated and wondering about booking a room so every meal can be eaten here.
Plan your family road trip to Brown County, Indiana
There is something restorative about visiting a place that is so grounded in its appreciation of nature, art and community. In Brown County, the pace is slower, making space for a deeper connection with family. There are many reasons to visit this beautiful place, especially in autumn, but the best reason is that peace, connection and inspiration are sure to follow you home.
Be sure to check out our full City Guide to Brown County to find great family biking trails, haunts your kids will love and a thriving art scene.
Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Learn more at buyfordnow.com. Find more road trip guides and full city guides at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.