Haunted Orchard History
The Garwood Family has been farming land in LaPorte County for nearly 180 years including the very land where today's market and upick farm are located. This beautiful, quaint and active farm seems relatively harmless during the day. A great place to pick apples, bring the family, and enjoy the pleasures of fall. But there is a reason that everything closes before dusk. For years, the family has known that it isn't safe for upick customers to wander the orchard at night...

Some of the first settlers in this area, the Garwood family owned much of the farmland in this township. John and Jane Garwood were well known and liked and friends with everyone. Even the local Indians. In 1831, Indian encampments still existed in the area and while Jane, "Grandma Garwood", was known to be kind to the Indians (who were feared by many). She was known to trade with them and care for them. Those familiar with history may know that the old Sauk Trail ran through LaPorte County, not far from Garwood's. Early settlers were use to seeing Indian Warriors pass and repass on this trail. Many of these Warriors were part of the encampment which Jane cared for. They were a frightening bunch who often stole and killed to meet their needs. Yet, they loved "Grandma Garwood". The rumors of Indian uprising caused area settlers to run, build blockhouse forts, and to live in a constant state of fear. Many began to warn Jane of involvement with Indians, yet she showed no fear. Jane knew that many of these Indians were old, sick, and would likely soon be forced to leave this land. She showed sympathy and respect towards those who others feared. For this compassion, the Indians respected the Garwoods but not the white men of the area who seemed to look at them as less than human or as monsters. The Indians who were able were sent on a "March of Death" to Kansas. A march which many would never complete. Those who stayed were either killed or died of starvation. The last living former warrior swore to Jane Garwood who was doing her best to save them that while her family would be spared and their land remain "fruitful", his tribe and their spirits would "punish" those who entered their sacred ground.  The exact location of where the sacred Indian Burial Ground is located remains a mystery, however the Indian spirits and their thirst for revenge lives on...

This Indian Burial ground acts as a porthole for lost souls and good and evil spirits. Wolves and coyotes guard the path. Burial sites visible at night, vanish in the day. Screams can be heard of many lost souls while they meander the spirit world through this Indian porthole to the unknown...

OPENS OCTOBER 16 - CLOSES OCTOBER 31
Friday, Saturday, Sunday Only
First Wagon at 7pm  Last Wagon out at 9:30pm
Haunted Orchard closes at 10:00 pm