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Best places to leaf peep around Indy

Autumn is coming — and so are the fall colors we all love. Find the most stunning foliage at these spots.

INDYtoday: INDY_Holcomb Gardens Butler University fall leaf peeping_SEPT24

Holcomb Gardens was completed in 1950 and has been delivering views like this ever since.

Photo by @illig

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a Hoosier in need of the best fall leaf peeping, must go to Brown County.

But let’s face it: Not all of us have the time and energy to take on a road trip right now. So where can you catch the fall foliage around Indy instead? We’ve put together an unbe-leaf-able array of places you can go to watch autumn blossom... err, fall.

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Believe it or not, this is a bird’s eye view of Eagle Creek Park in October.

Photo by @siduloid

Eagle Creek Park
With 3,900 acres of woods, meadows and ponds to explore, there’s no shortage of fall colors here. Looking for a specific type of foliage? Check out this map to help you identify trees around the Earth Discovery Center.

Fort Harrison State Park
This historic state park calls itself “the last forested corner left in Marion County.” Pro tip: While you’re here, stop by the Museum of 20th Century Warfare to view exhibits about the soldiers who once marched the grounds.

Crown Hill Cemetery
The turning of the leaves also means winter is inevitably on its way, which makes us want to cry. And what better place to cry than at the cemetery? From the top of the hill, you’ll have an excellent view of the fall colors in the neighborhood.

Holliday Park
After creek stomping season and concerts are over, the park will turn a million shades of red + orange. Stop by the Nature Center for more info on which trees you can expect to see during your visit.

Holcomb Gardens
Explore 20 acres of trees and scenic surprises like lakes, waterfalls, gazebos, statues, and memorials.

Here are a few tips to help you capture the most beautiful foliage views:

  • Keep up with color predictions with this map.
  • Stick to early mornings + sunny days for vibrant color in photographs.
  • Look down — sometimes the most beautiful leaves are at your feet.
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