If you’re looking up fun things to do in Jasper IN in fall, you’ve definitely come to the right place! The area is filled with family friendly fun and cool things to do for girlfriend and couples getaways as well. From free art museums to farmers markets to fall decoration classes here are 20+ things to do in Jasper Indiana and Dubois County in autumn.
20+ Fun Things to Do in Jasper IN and Dubois County IN in Fall
Let me start off with this: I love the state of Indiana for travel, no matter what time of year. Additionally, I especially love visiting spots in Indiana that I have never visited before. Recently, I packed up the car and hit the road with my daughter to find out exactly what Dubois County is all about and found a gorgeously-refreshing getaway for the bigger cities.
If you’ve never heard of Dubois County, for reference it’s:
126 miles (2 1/2 hours) away from Indianapolis
169 miles 3 hours) away from Anderson, IN
250 miles (4 1/2 hours) away from Fort Wayne, IN
21 miles (30 minutes) away from Santa Claus, IN
Alright, let’s get into it!
Disclosure: I was graciously hosted by the fine folks at Visit Dubois County to give you a firsthand experience on fun things to do in Jasper and vicinity in fall. All opinions are my own!
Ride the Spirit of Jasper Luxury Train
One of the coolest, if not THE coolest, things to do in Jasper is to take a ride on the Spirit of Jasper Luxury Train. Not only is it a gorgeous two-hour ride through both woodsy areas and the countryside of the county, many of the excursions offer a fun themed dinner. During ours, it was pizza and beer night, so the train stopped about halfway along the route to pick up fresh pizza for all of us to enjoy.
Pretty Bird Farms
Pretty Bird Farms is a hidden gem in Dubois County. A full-on family business, the farm grows dozens of types of both wild and domestic flowers. If you love learning a new hobby, head to the farm in autumn and try your hand at fall floral arranging. They provide the vase and flower snips, so the hardest part is deciding what flowers to choose
Shop Around Jasper Courthouse Square
If you love mom and pop shops like I do, grab your wallet and head down to the square around the Jasper Courthouse to check out some really cool finds. There are plenty of clothing shops for both men and women and some quirky ones you’ll want to check out as well.
One my favorites, Chocolate Bliss and Kitchen Essentials, had everything you need to stock your kitchen with utensils plus a massive case of homemade fudge and chocolate truffles.
Huntingburg League Stadium
As a movie buff, I love stopping at locations where movies have been filmed. Happily, Dubois County has a filming location from one of my favorite 90’s movies of all time at Huntingburg League Stadium, “A League of Their Own”.
If you know the movie, you’ll definitely be familiar with the Rockford Peach gals and their home stadium. In addition to seeing antique advertising billboards that are still standing, make a point to check out movie memorabilia including lockers from the locker room and a mini walk of fame.
Check out Huntingburg’s Historic 4th Street
Downtown Huntingburg is one of those cool, quaint, and downright adorable spots that’s perfect for small business shopping, especially on historic 4th Street. With music being pumped along the streets (trust me that’s a good thing), 4th Street is packed with cool restaurants, vintage shops, and modern clothing.
Shop at the Jasper Farmer’s Market
I adore supporting local farmers and growers, so the Jasper’s Farmers Market is definitely worth a visit. In the library parking lot in downtown Jasper, every Saturday from Memorial Day (for 20 Sundays) locals put up their tents and sell their goodies.
During our visit, we purchased heirloom pumpkins from an Amish family, test drove some homemade cookies, and simply enjoyed the outdoor ambience and beautiful weather.
Learn about the Alexander One Room Schoolhouse
Also next to the Jasper Library parking lot is the most adorable one-room schoolhouse you’ll ever see. Offering free admission, when the Alexander Schoolhouse is open you can spy exactly what it was like to go to school in the county during the early 19th Century. We loved trying out the mini school desks and perusing the antique books.
See Beauty at Jasper City Mill & Gift Shop
Just across the street from the farmer’s market is the Jasper City Mill. Hit the timing right and you can try out homemade corn muffins with homemade F.R.O.G. Jelly (fig, raspberry, orange, and grape). The third mill to be built on that spot, this one’s over 2,000 square feet and authentically grinds corn to sell in the market.
Additionally, feel free to mosey around and check out beautiful craftsmanship in its outdoor furniture collection.
Learn a New Hobby at Family Roots Nursery
Another successful, family-owned business in Dale, Indiana, Family Roots Nursery is an awesome spot for buying pumpkins, fall plants and flowers, grabbing a bite to eat, and then getting down to business by learning how to make an autumn centerpiece.
On our visit, we learned so much about succulents and how to make a pumpkin centerpiece with them that it’s not only gorgeous, but will last for weeks and can be replanted.
Dubois County Museum
The Dubois County Museum, and I’m not kidding when I write this, is absolutely giant! If you like stats, it’s the largest county museum in Indiana and has over 65,000 pieces to view.
Once you play the small admission fee, you can wander through the extensive exhibits for hours, and I mean hours, if you’d like. As I’m a sucker for vintage vehicles, I oo’d and ahh’d at the massive warehouse filled with them.
And if you love taking a trip through time, make it a point to really look in the recreated vintage shops that are packed with items from that period. and if you’re looking for something you’d never expect to find in Indiana, the Wildlife Adventures Room has a taxadermic Polar Bear!
Thyen Clark Cultural Center
Another place to visit for free is the Thyen Clark Cultural Center and its multi-room art exhibit. Featuring local artists, if you fall in love with a piece during your visit, happily, most pieces are for sale.
Visit Monastery Immaculate Conception & Sisters of St. Benedict
No matter what your belief or religion, the Monastery Immaculate Conception is a beautiful respite from city noise. Founded in 1867, the monastery is still home to nuns both in service and retired, and it was a real honor to tour and learn about the property.
If you are a fan of trying new treats, head to the monastery gift shop for its famous Springerle cookies (with a touch of anise) and religious gifts.
Ferdinand Antique Emporium
One of the top antique shops in the area, and 13,700 square feet of fun, if you like browsing for old school finds, you’ll have no problem finding some fun ones at Ferdinand Antique Emporium.
When we checked it out, there were tons of antique jewelry pieces, Halloween items, vintage clothing, and even sewing and knitting supplies from way back.
Jasper Art Center
Located in Vincennes University, Jasper Art Center has a rotating show list that’s both impressive and affordable. If you love live shows, makes sure to check out the official website for the latest schedule.
For us, as we’re both Shakespeare fans, having a chance to see Hamlet’s Big Adventure (prequel) was both entertaining and hilarious. In a Monty Python meets Hamilton style, it was really cool to see three actors play all of the parts.
Where to Eat in Jasper and Dubois County IN
If you love mom and pop restaurants, there’s definitely not a shortage in Jasper and Dubois County. Here are my top picks:
Midwest Cafe
Really good salad. Tasty smoothies. And seasonal soups. While that describes Midwest Cafe and Market in a nutshell, it’s far more than that. Prices are very affordable and its homemade muffins are in such demand that if you aren’t there early enough to grab some, you’re out of luck until the next morning.
Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse
If you love Italian food, Mama T’s is a must. The menu has all the popular Italian dishes you’d expect. It has a full bar and an impressive wine list, and if I had to give my picks of what you had to eat on a visit, you can’t go wrong with the Chicken Parmesan or the Salmon.
But if we’re talking desserts, Mama T’s cheesecake is one of the best I’ve ever eaten. It nearly fills an entire dessert plate, and it somehow manages to meld a light, airy texture with decadence.
Schnitzelbank Restaurant
A local restaurant favorite, Schnitzelbank feels like walking into the German pavilion in Epcot at Walt Disney World. With its all in German theme, and menu, you can’t go wrong with fried chicken or schnitzel platters.
For me personally, I really enjoyed the salad bar as it was well rounded and included soups and a chocolate dessert, along with several types of salads.
St. Benedict’s Brew Works
St. Benedict’s Brew Works is a great place to pop in before our trip on the Spirit of Jasper. Grab an appetizer like some bread sticks with cheese or a giant pretzel and a beer or two.
Cafe Piña
Cafe Piña is a super hip place for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The avocado toast is really delicious, but if you wanna try something a little unusual, go for the piña colada pancake stack.
Los Bravos
If you’re a fan of authentic Mexican food, put Los Bravos on your short list. The fajitas come out sizzling hot, but if you’re a fan of seafood, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp fajita quesadilla.
Where to Stay in Jasper
Days Inn Jasper
A no frills type of hotel. Days Inn Jasper is quiet, clean, and comfortable. And while we stayed there for only a night during our visit, I have zero complaints. The free breakfast buffet was plentiful, free parking a nice perk, and the comfy beds gave us a good night’s rest.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Jasper
I really love what Fairfield Inn & Suites is doing with their properties by making them unique when they’re able (think the Fairfield property that looks like a barn in Northern Indiana). This property is particularly fun in the fact that if you get a river view, you’ll be able to spy the Jasper City Mill and pretty water below.
I loved everything about this property: it was only a few steps from the Jasper Train, St. Benedict’s Brew Works, and Cafe Piña, and is literally across the street from the library and farmer’s market. The beds were super comfy, our guest room clean, and the pool lovely in the fact that it was non chlorinated but instead treated with saline.