In 1978, amidst the growing landscape of Marion County, Bruce and Carol Waterman established Waterman’s Farm Market, building upon their family’s homestead of over 50 years. Their vision was simple yet impactful: to offer the freshest produce directly to the community, eliminating the complexities of middleman distribution. Even then, Waterman’s Family Farm was pioneering the farm-to-table experience for the Indianapolis metro area, emphasizing quality and direct connection to the source.
Over four and a half decades, Waterman’s Family Farm has flourished, becoming synonymous with Hoosier-grown excellence. They are celebrated for their bountiful harvests of strawberries, tomatoes ripened under the sun, sweet corn that defines summer, and a wide array of other seasonal crops. As a family-run operation, their commitment to meticulous harvesting ensures peak freshness, optimal nutrition, and genuine value for every customer. Beyond their own crops, Waterman’s also supports fellow growers, providing a platform for Michigan berries, Georgia peaches, and local artisans who craft handmade quilts, flavorful jams, and savory sauces.
The agricultural scene in Indiana has undergone significant transformations over the past century. As Marion County evolved with advancements in technology, logistics, and higher education, Waterman’s Family Farm stood firm, becoming a cherished landmark among the dwindling number of independent farms. While surrounding farmlands gave way to expanding neighborhoods, busy roads, and commercial development, Waterman’s Family Farm has steadfastly dedicated itself to preserving a vital piece of Hoosier agricultural heritage. They remain a consistent source of fresh, locally-grown produce for a diverse community seeking authentic farm experiences.
A beloved tradition for over 40 years, Waterman’s Family Farm introduced the now-iconic Fall Harvest Festival, a seasonal highlight that runs annually from late September through October. What began as simple hayrides to the pumpkin patch has blossomed into an almost five-week extravaganza, drawing families from across the Midwest. The Fall Harvest Festival offers an array of family-friendly activities, including pumpkin picking directly from the vine, navigating a fun and engaging corn maze, enjoying live music performances, sampling delicious offerings from food trucks, interacting with animals at the petting zoo, and participating in numerous other kid-friendly attractions.
The Fall Harvest Festival at Waterman’s Family Farm has become a deeply cherished experience for generations of Midwestern families. It exemplifies Waterman’s Family Farm’s enduring commitment to evolving and innovating, ensuring they remain a vibrant destination for the future, rather than just a memory of the past.
Dates: Through October 31; festival closed on Mondays (except for being open on Oct. 14)
Location: Waterman’s Family Farm, Raymond St. Location – 7010 E. Raymond St., Indianapolis.
Cost: Weekdays $13; weekends $15. Family packages and season passes available.
