Welcome to the ‘ber months! As September arrives and summer begins to give way to crisp mornings, changing leaves and cozy afternoons, there’s no better time to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year at Minnetrista, and a picnic is the perfect way to take it all in.

Grab a blanket, pack your favorite seasonal snacks and find a spot to settle in across Minnetrista’s 40-acre campus. Whether you’re looking for colorful fall foliage, an open lawn for the kids to stretch out or a peaceful place to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature, there’s a picnic spot waiting for you.

Picnic Among the Fall Foliage

For those who want to surround themselves with the colors of the season, head toward the wooded Nature Area. As the leaves begin to change, the trees create a beautiful autumn backdrop and offer a chance to experience fall in a more natural, wooded setting.

Pack a picnic to enjoy before taking a walk through the Nature Area, or make an afternoon of it by exploring the trails after your meal. Keep an eye out for the changing colors overhead and the small signs of the season along the way. The Nature Area is an especially lovely place to visit as fall progresses and the landscape transforms from summer greens into shades of red, orange and gold.

It’s a great spot for a quiet picnic with a good book, a conversation with a friend or simply a chance to enjoy the sounds of nature around you.

Settle In on the East Lawn

If an open, scenic picnic is more your style, make your way to the East Lawn and Rain Garden. This area offers a beautiful place to spread out a blanket and enjoy your meal while taking in the surrounding landscape.

One of the highlights of the area is the beautiful weeping willow tree, which provides a picturesque focal point for your fall afternoon. As the season changes, the landscape around the Rain Garden takes on its own autumn character, making it a lovely place to sit, relax and watch the day unfold.

Bring the whole family, pack a few outdoor games or simply enjoy a leisurely lunch beneath the open sky. With plenty of room to stretch out, the East Lawn is an easy choice for a relaxed fall afternoon.

Pack a Picnic Basket Full of Fall Favorites

Of course, no picnic is complete without something delicious to eat. Fall is the perfect excuse to trade summer picnic staples for cozy seasonal favorites.

Pack a basket with apple slices and caramel, a hearty sandwich, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, or your favorite baked goods. A thermos of warm apple cider or hot chocolate can make a cool autumn afternoon feel even cozier. If you need the perfect fall drink to round out your picnic, the Orchard Shop is now selling fresh-pressed cider for the season!

And don’t forget the essentials: a blanket to sit on, reusable utensils and napkins, plenty of water and a few extra layers. Indiana weather can change quickly, so coming prepared will help you make the most of your time outdoors.

Make Your Picnic Part of a Full Day at Minnetrista

Your picnic doesn’t have to be the whole adventure. Before or after your meal, take some time to explore the rest of Minnetrista’s campus. Wander through the gardens, explore an exhibit, or check out what programs and events are happening during your visit.

Fall also brings its own calendar of activities to Minnetrista, so there’s always a reason to make a return visit. You might come for a picnic one afternoon and come back another weekend for a special event, workshop, or seasonal program.

Don’t Forget Your Camera

Fall is a photographer’s dream, and Minnetrista offers plenty of opportunities to capture the season. Photograph the changing leaves in the Oakhurst Gardens, the beautiful gazebo in the Rose Garden, or the little details you discover as you explore campus.

And, of course, take a photo of your picnic! Whether you’re documenting a family afternoon, a date with someone special, or a solo day outdoors, these simple seasonal moments are worth remembering.

Make Time for a Fall Picnic

There’s something about fall that encourages us to slow down. The days begin to get shorter, the temperatures become more comfortable, and the landscape reminds us to appreciate the changing seasons.

So, this fall, pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at Minnetrista. Find a quiet place among the trees in the Nature Area, settle beneath the weeping willow on the East Lawn, or discover your own favorite spot along the way.

Bring something good to eat, invite someone you love, and give yourself permission to linger a little longer.

The ‘ber months are here—come enjoy them at Minnetrista.

Pack a Picnic and Enjoy Fall at Minnetrista