Creatures of the Night: Spiders

As night falls, the places we spend time outdoors can feel like a very different place. Familiar trails melt into shadows, and the daytime soundscape is replaced with things that go bump in the night as nocturnal creatures come out to play. Join the Elkhart County Parks as we lift night’s veil to reveal the hidden lives of these creatures of the night, from spiders weaving webs to bats on the wing.

In September — We’ll step out to find one of the creepiest of crawlies – the spider. Come brave the dark and see this fascinating, phobia-inducing creature in action on a spider-seeking night hike. Join a team of naturalists to identify and share fascinating facts about this eight-legged creature and watch it literally wrap up our 2026 Creatures of the Night Season!

⚠️☔ This program is weather-dependent. ➠ Check the event page for updates before heading out.

• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike, starting at the Benton Dam in River Preserve County Park.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Hiking shoes, flashlight/headlamp, and extra layers (if it’s a cooler night).