The weather is getting colder and pumpkin-flavored everything is back, making it officially fall. But if you’re an IU student, you might be missing the fun fall activities you used to do at home. Or, maybe you’re eagerly anticipating Halloweekend, which is fast approaching. No matter the reason, if you are looking for an easy day trip to enjoy fall or Halloween activities, here are three places perfect for you.
Indy Scream Park
The popular Indianapolis scream park returns every year around the fall. The Scream Park consists of six different haunted attractions including a prison, circus and factory. The new attraction for 2023 is called “Lockdown,” a sort of choose-your-own-adventure haunted house — you will be able to make decisions that decide the outcome for your group. If you love terror-fueled fun and are looking to hit multiple haunted experiences in one place, Indy Scream Park is only an hour and a half away. This haunted location is at 5211 S. New Columbus Road, Anderson, Indiana. The general admission ticket prices vary from $30-40 depending on the day’s proximity to Halloween. The Indy Scream Park website has more details about each haunted experience available until Nov. 4.
Nashville, Indiana
If jump scares and clowns aren’t your thing, no worries. There’s a Gilmore Girl’s-esque fall location only 30 minutes away from campus – Nashville, Indiana. Brown County is known for its beautiful fall foliage and fun seasonal activities. You can hike through the many beautiful trails, shop at unique boutiques in downtown Nashville or go to Kelps Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch. If you are interested in decorating your living space with fall decor or even spending a night carving pumpkins with your friends, you will be able to find the perfect pumpkin or gourd for you. For those who prefer a cozy autumn day to Halloween scares, Nashville is the perfect spot. To look at images or reviews of this picturesque fall city, visit the Brown County website.
Holiday World
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, check out Holiday World’s Halloween-themed amusement park. Holiday World’s campus is split into four different holiday themes: Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Fourth of July. Here, you can ride Halloween roller coasters like the Scarecrow Scrambler, try the Goblin Burgers and play games like the Monster Ball Madness. These are just a few of Holiday World’s creative Halloween-themed rides and food. In total, Holiday World has six roller coasters and 40 other fun rides to try, plus six different restaurants to choose from. The park’s Halloween attractions only last until Oct. 29, so if you would prefer to have an adrenaline rush from a roller coaster rather than a haunted house, this could be your best destination. Holiday World is located at 452 E. Christmas Blvd., Santa Claus, IN, and the general admission tickets cost $63. For more information on the spooky festivities, check out Holiday World's website.
Bloomington is near many exciting fall and Halloween destinations and now is the perfect time to take advantage of them. Grab a group of friends and visit one of these locations to make memories you won’t forget. Whether you want the aesthetic small town of Nashville or the rush from a haunted house or roller coaster, there are plenty of spots for a fun day trip near Bloomington.
