2026 Update: The Apple Works Is Closed for the Season

The Apple Works will remain closed to the public for the 2026 season.

The family behind The Apple Works shared that they are prioritizing their family at this time and will provide updates as plans are made. They have also asked for understanding and support from the community during this time.

Find More Central Indiana Apple Orchards Here

Because The Apple Works will not be open for visitors this season, the information below reflects what families have experienced at the orchard in previous years. We’ll update this guide when The Apple Works announces plans for reopening or future seasons.

The Apple Works has been a fall tradition for Indianapolis-area families for decades. Located in Trafalgar, Indiana, this beautiful orchard and farm is an easy day trip from Indianapolis and a favorite place to shop for Indiana-grown apples, enjoy the countryside, and celebrate fall with the kids.

The Apple Works changed ownership a few years ago after longtime owners Sarah and Nick Brown retired. Lauren Dunbar, along with Paul Galloway, purchased the orchard and took over the property with plans to continue many of the traditions families have loved for years.

The Apple Works has announced that it will not open for the 2026 season.

Visit The Apple Works in Trafalgar

The Apple Works
8157 S. 250 W.
Trafalgar, Indiana 46181

Current posted hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Hours and available activities can change throughout the season, so check with The Apple Works before making the drive.

One change for families who have visited in previous years is that The Apple Works has announced that its flower and plant greenhouse will not open for the 2026 season.

Apples at The Apple Works

Of course, apples are the star of the show here.

The Apple Works grows dozens of apple varieties, making it especially fun to visit several times throughout the late summer and fall as different apples ripen. Visitors can stop inside the farm market to see which varieties are currently available and find apples for snacking, baking, applesauce, pies, and other fall recipes.

The Apple Works has traditionally offered complimentary tastes of available varieties, which makes this a fun opportunity to convince the kids to try an apple they have never tasted before.

One important distinction if you’re specifically searching for an apple-picking orchard: The Apple Works is not currently a U-pick apple orchard. Apples are harvested and sold in the farm store. Indy with Kids’ current apple orchard guide also lists The Apple Works as a location where apples are picked and sold in the store rather than picked by visitors.

Depending on what’s available when you visit, you’ll also find plenty of other reasons to wander through the market. Apple cider, baked goods, caramel apples, apple dumplings and other seasonal treats have all been part of the Apple Works experience.

See the Animals at Apple Works

The animals have always been one of my kids’ favorite reasons to visit The Apple Works.

Families have traditionally been able to see animals including goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and other farm animals while exploring the grounds.

And if you’ve been to The Apple Works before, you probably remember the goats. The goat structures and animals have been one of those quirky little things that make a visit here memorable for kids.

Give yourself time to wander rather than treating this as a quick stop to buy apples. Part of the appeal of The Apple Works is getting outside, exploring the property, seeing the animals and enjoying a slower fall afternoon.

Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival Fun

Fall is when The Apple Works really comes alive.

In recent seasons, October weekends have included festival-style activities such as pumpkin picking, a farm playground, petting zoo, train rides, live music and food vendors. The 2025 season included special Fall Festival weekends as well as additional activity days during local fall break.

The pumpkin patch is especially popular with families who want the classic experience of heading out to the field to choose a pumpkin.

Because activities, admission policies, and schedules can change from year to year, I recommend checking The Apple Works’ current announcements before promising the kids a specific attraction. As of August 2026, the complete 2026 fall festival schedule and activity pricing do not appear to have been publicly posted yet.

For reference, during recent October festival days, Festival Country Indiana listed a $5 per-car admission, $5 playground tickets, and $10 wristbands that included unlimited train rides and playground access. Weekday admission was free but did not include festival activities. These are previous-season prices and should not be assumed to be the 2026 rates.

Make a Day of Your Visit

One reason we continue to recommend The Apple Works is that you don’t necessarily need a packed schedule.

Grab apples and treats inside the market, see the animals, let the kids explore, take fall photos, and enjoy being outside for a while.

During peak fall weekends, plan for a busier experience and additional activities. If you’re more interested in apples and a quieter visit, a weekday may be a better fit.

When people ask me which Indianapolis-area pumpkin patch or apple orchard they should visit, I always tell them there isn’t one perfect answer for every family. Choose somewhere close to home, find a farm with activities your kids will enjoy, or make a day of driving somewhere new.

Sometimes it’s fun to return to the same orchard every fall until visiting becomes part of your family’s story. Other years, it’s just as much fun to try someplace completely new.

For many Central Indiana families, The Apple Works has already earned its place in those fall memories.

Address
8157 South 250 West
Trafalgar
indiana

Visit 2026 Update: The Apple Works Is Closed for the Season

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