The 16th Annual Fall Farm Fest returns to Lost Creek Reserve on October 11–12, 2025, from 12–5 p.m. each day. Set on 457 acres of farmland, trails, and the historic Knoop Homestead, this free, family-friendly festival captures the essence of an Ohio autumn.

Where: 2385 E. State Route 41, Troy, OH

When: Oct 11–12, 2025 · 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

Admission: Free (some activity fees)

Host: Miami County Park District

What to Expect

Visitors can experience an array of interactive attractions that celebrate farm life and fall traditions.

Corn Maze & Corn Cannon: Test your sense of direction and aim at these festival favorites.
Scarecrow Lane: Ride a wagon or walk among dozens of creative scarecrows crafted by locals — and vote for your favorite!
Kids’ Events & Demos: Watch cider pressing, horse demos, rope-making, and visit friendly farm animals.
Live Music: Enjoy local bands performing by the pond throughout the afternoon.
Vendors & Food: Sample homemade treats and browse handcrafted goods from regional artisans.

The Spirit of Lost Creek Reserve

Once part of the Knoop family estate, Lost Creek Reserve stands as a living museum of Miami County’s agricultural roots. Its historic barns, woodlands, and trails offer a serene glimpse into rural heritage while inviting visitors to enjoy nature firsthand.

Why It Matters

Fall Farm Fest is more than a day in the country — it’s a celebration of connection, learning, and community pride.

Education: Encourages families to learn about farming and sustainability.
Support Local: Features area vendors and nonprofits.
Preservation: Honors the Knoop family’s gift and stewardship legacy.
Accessibility: Free admission ensures everyone can participate.

Tips for Attending

Arrive early — the corn maze and hayrides get busy later in the day.
Bring cash — no ATM onsite for food and activities.
Dress for the weather — fields can be muddy and breezy.
Check the official site for weather updates and shuttle info.

Plan Your Visit

Find event maps, parking, and volunteer information at miamicountyparks.com/fall-farm-fest .

Featured Festival

The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival: A Tangy Celebration in the Heart of Waynesville

Each October, historic Waynesville, Ohio turns into a two-day celebration of fermented flavor, handmade craft, and small-town community spirit.

Waynesville, Ohio Second full weekend of October Free admission

From Humble Beginnings to Midwest Icon

What started in 1970 as a sidewalk sale with a single kraut dinner has grown into one of Ohio’s signature fall festivals. The inaugural event drew roughly 1,500 visitors and served just over 500 pounds of sauerkraut. Today, crowds top the hundreds of thousands, and nearly seven tons of kraut are dished up in classic and creative forms. Organized by the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the festival remains proudly community-run and nonprofit-powered.

1970 First festival

350,000+ Annual visitors

7 tons Of sauerkraut served

450+ Artisan & food booths

The Many Flavors of Kraut

The star is fermented cabbage—but the menu goes far beyond brats and Reubens. Expect tradition and invention: sauerkraut pizza, mac & cheese, burritos, and even brownies and pie. The cult-favorite “German Sundae” stacks mashed potatoes, kraut, cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream, crowned with a green olive.

Pro tip: Many vendors rinse and drain the kraut to mellow the tang. If you’re kraut-curious, start with a Reuben, then branch out to a sweet surprise.

Beyond the Food: Crafts, Culture, Community

The festival is as renowned for its juried artisans as it is for its food. More than 450 makers—from jewelers and woodworkers to glass artists and fiber designers—line Waynesville’s historic Main Street. Live music, friendly volunteers, and small-town charm round out a weekend that doubles as a homecoming for many visitors.

When & Where

Location: Downtown Waynesville, Ohio

Timing: Second full weekend in October (2025 dates: October 11–12)

Hours: Saturday 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sunday 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Good to know: Admission is free. Look for clearly marked shuttle lots and signage. Most food items run about $2–$10.

A Festival with Heart

Nearly every booth is operated by a local nonprofit, church, or civic group, with proceeds supporting scholarships and community programs. In a landscape of commercial mega-events, Waynesville’s Sauerkraut Festival stays intentionally homegrown—celebrating heritage, creativity, and the simple joy of gathering together.

Plan Your Visit

For maps, vendor lists, parking, accessibility, and updates, consult the official site: sauerkrautfestival.waynesvilleohio.com.

Featured Park

Sugarcreek MetroPark

🌿 Discover Sugarcreek MetroPark

4178 Conference Road, Bellbrook, OH • Open daily 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Just south of Dayton, Sugarcreek MetroPark is a 618-acre retreat of rolling hills, prairies, and ancient trees. With trails for hikers, horseback riders, and families, it’s a peaceful getaway close to the city.

🚶 Trails & Activities

Green Outer Loop (3.2 mi) — Creek crossings, woods, and moderate terrain.
Orange Trail (1.8 mi) — Easy walk past the famous Osage Orange Tunnel and the “Three Sisters” oak trees.
Equestrian Trails — Over 8 miles of bridle paths through varied landscapes.
Paved Prairie Loop — An accessible trail great for families, strollers, and nature play.

🌟 Highlights

Three Sisters Oaks: White oaks estimated at 550 years old — a living link to Ohio’s past.

Osage Orange Tunnel: A natural archway of twisting branches that forms one of the park’s most iconic views.

Prairies & Wildflowers: Black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and bee balm bloom from summer into fall.

Scenic Creek Crossings: Trails wind alongside Sugar Creek and offer peaceful rest spots.

🧭 Visitor Tips

Arrive early on weekends — parking fills quickly.
Wear sturdy shoes; some trails get muddy after rain.
Bring bug spray and water, especially near creeks and prairies.
Dogs welcome but must be on leash at all times.
Trail maps posted at trailheads — mix and match loops for your ideal hike.

Park Info Trail Maps

Tip: October is one of the best times to visit — fall colors, crisp air, and migrating birds make the park especially magical.

Spooky Things!

👻 Haunted Houses & Attractions Around Dayton

Where to get your thrills this spooky season

Dayton Scream Park

4040 Wrightway Road, Dayton, OH • Fri & Sat nights, Sept 12 – Nov 1

Four terrifying attractions in one walkthrough, updated sets, and roaming monsters. Free parking available.

Admission: $25 general, VIP upgrades available.

Visit Dayton Scream Park →

Hell’s Dungeon

3866 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH • Fully indoor haunt

Dayton’s only all-indoor haunted attraction, themed around “what lies beneath.” Great rain-or-shine option.

Visit Hell’s Dungeon →

Land of Illusion Haunted Scream Park

8762 Thomas Rd, Middletown, OH • Multi-attraction park

Huge haunt with multiple themed houses and mazes: Temple of Terror, Killer Klowns, Dr. Psycho’s, Phobia and more.

Visit Land of Illusion →

Nightmare on Valley Street

4355 Valley Street, Dayton, OH • Outdoor haunted trail

Sprawling 22-acre outdoor trail with ~25 scenes, mazes, and fright zones. About a 30-minute experience.

Nightmare on Valley Street Info →

The Lewisburg Haunted Cave

Lewisburg, OH (short drive) • Underground haunt

Haunted attraction set 80 feet below ground in a real limestone cave. One of the longest underground haunted attractions in the U.S.

Visit Haunted Cave →

Tips Before You Go:

Most haunts run only on Friday & Saturday nights.
Check ticket options—VIP lines can save time.
Dress for the weather if outdoors (trails & caves can be muddy/chilly).
Indoor option: Hell’s Dungeon is fully enclosed.

Recipe of the Week

🍝 Johnny Marzetti Casserole (Ohio Classic)

Serves 6–8 • Prep 20 min • Bake 35–40 min

This hearty pasta casserole has been a Midwestern staple for decades. Named after a Columbus restaurateur’s brother-in-law in the early 1900s, it spread across Ohio as the ultimate potluck and family favorite. With ground beef, noodles, tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s pure comfort food.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or egg noodles)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Drain excess fat.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella.
Spread mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Dayton Tip: Swap half the cheddar for local smoked cheese for a richer flavor.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Leftovers: Keeps 3 days refrigerated or freezes well for up to 2 months.

Variation: Add sliced mushrooms, black olives, or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth.

Home Tips

🔥 Indoors & Comfort

Chimney Check-Up: Schedule a sweep before you light your first fire — creosote build-up is a major fire hazard.
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Switch the blade direction to clockwise to push warm air down into rooms.
Humidifier Ready: Dry winter air is tough in Ohio — clean and prep humidifiers now for healthier indoor air.
Test Detectors: Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before heating season.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The Dayton Engineering Laboratories Company (DELCO), founded in 1909 by Charles Kettering and Edward Deeds, pioneered automotive innovations like the electric starter and grew into a key division of General Motors.