COVID-19 Update

This page will be updated as more information evolves and becomes available.

Announcement Date: Apr. 13, 2021

If you’re thinking about visiting the Elkhart County Parks and trails, remember services are limited and CDC Guidelines are still in effect. Stay informed about Indiana’s state-wide and local Covid-19 risk levels and restrictions. Park services and amenities will be limited and are subject to change based on these guidelines and safety measures. Find the most up-to-date information on local Covid-19 restrictions and advisories by visiting the Elkhart County Health Department website here.

A PDF version of the following Elkhart County Parks update can be read here.

Key changes include:

• Indoor facilities reservations remain CLOSED until further notice (includes: One-Room Schoolhouse, Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Briar Patch Shelter, Museum Auditorium).
• Recreation/Athletic Field Reservations OPEN for Reservation with permission from Park Board and review of Covid-19 safety procedures (county must be in an advisory level blue for contact sports, social distancing & masks required)
• Restrooms OPEN
• Water Fountains CLOSED for 2021.
• Bonneyville Mill OPEN May 1 to October 31 – Wednesday thru Sunday (Social distancing and masks required)
• Park public programming and field trips OPEN for reservations in limited capacity or virtual (Social distancing & masks required)

Stay Safe in the Parks!

THINGS TO PACK:

• Water.
• Face Mask
• Hand Wipes/Sanitizer
• Tablecloth (For Picnics)
• Insect Repellent

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Wash Hands Frequently
• Stay 6 Feet from Others
• Avoid Touching Face
• Keep Dogs on a Leash!

Announcement Date: Feb. 15, 2021

If you’re thinking about visiting the Elkhart County Parks and trails, remember services are limited and CDC Guidelines are still in effect. Stay informed about Indiana’s state-wide and local Covid-19 risk levels and restrictions. Park services and amenities will be limited and are subject to change based on these guidelines and safety measures. Find the most up-to-date information on local Covid-19 restrictions and advisories by visiting the Elkhart County Health Department website here. A PDF version of the following Elkhart County Parks update can be read here.

Social Gathering Size Limit

*Please follow the current county metrics and requirements of the Covid-19 Safety Plan for group gatherings. If you expect more guests than the current gathering size limit, you are required to submit a Plan to the Elkhart County Health Department 21 days before your rental (go here for information on the Safety Plan or call 574-523-2283.)

Parks & Trails

OPEN: All parks and trails.

Shelter Reservations

OPEN: Outdoor Shelter Reservations (*Please Follow Current Covid-19 Safety for Group Gatherings).
CLOSED: Indoor Shelter Reservations until further notice (Facilities include: One-Room Schoolhouse, Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Briar Patch Shelter, Museum Auditorium)

Recreation/Athletic Field Reservations

CLOSED: All athletic fields until further notice.

Playgrounds & Towers

OPEN: Remember to sanitize hands before and after play!

Disc Golf

OPEN

Sledding Hills

OPEN: Respect social distancing.

Disc Golf

OPEN

Restrooms

OPEN: Modern Restrooms
CLOSED: Latrines

Water Fountains

CLOSED

Ox Bow Gatehouse

OPEN: Park admission is $3/Day or $25/Annual Pass.

Administrative Office

OPEN: Mask Required.

Historical Museum

OPEN: Effective February 16 (Mask Required).

Bonneyville Mill

CLOSED: For the winter season (OPEN May to October).

Park Public Programs

OPEN: For reservation in limited capacity or virtual.

Outdoor Field Trips

OPEN: For reservation in limited capacity or virtual.

Museum & One-Room Schoolhouse Field Trips

Virtual Programs available. In-person field trips CLOSED until further notice.

Stay Safe in the Parks!

THINGS TO PACK:

• Water.
• Face Mask
• Hand Wipes/Sanitizer
• Tablecloth (For Picnics)
• Insect Repellent
• Go before you go (remember that latrine restrooms are not open).

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Wash Hands Frequently
• Stay 6 Feet from Others
• Avoid Touching Face
• Keep Dogs on a Leash!

Announcement Date: Nov.23

Update on the status of Elkhart County Parks amenities.

Parks and trails remain open. Key changes include:

• All restrooms closed.
• Administrative office closed to public. 
• Elkhart County Historical Museum closed. 
• All public programming and field trips will be virtual. 

Announcement Date: Jul.7

Updated following the governor’s July 1st announcement of delaying progress to Stage 5.

Announcement Date: Jun.15

Back on Track chart updated with reopening of playgrounds.

Announcement Date: Jun.9

Back on Track chart updated with indefinite closure of playgrounds per governor’s May 21 order.

Announcement Date: May 22

Announcement Date: Apr.13

To combat the spread of COVID-19, we are following CDC guidelines and are implementing some changes to promote a healthy environment for our staff and visitors. We look to the parks as a place of refuge in difficult times – we also need your help to keep it that way. We ask individuals to follow the social distancing guidelines of Indiana’s Stay-At-Home Order, linked here.

Temporary Closures/Cancellations

The following closures are effective through May 31, 2020, or until further notice.

Programs

Public programs and events are canceled. Refunds will be processed for all current registrants.

Museum

The Museum is currently closed. Connect on our blog and on Facebook to explore the Museum and Elkhart County’s history at home.

Shelter Reservations

Shelter reservations are discontinued until further notice.

Admin Office

To protect the health of our community, the Administrative Office at 211. W. Lincoln in Goshen is closed to the public until further notice. Staff are also available to respond to your inquiries via email, Facebook, and phone 574-535-6458 (Mon-Fri) 8 a.m.‒4:30 p.m.

Take Care Out There

We urge all visitors to take protective measures against COVID-19 and make informed travel decisions. Social distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting – we’re here to help you explore new ways to connect with nature and local history. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for new experiences with the Elkhart County Parks.

Announcement Date: Mar.26

Parks

• All Elkhart County Parks are presently OPEN. For your safety, park services and amenities will be limited during this period, so please adjust travel plans accordingly.
• Park amenities unavailable at this time include restrooms, playgrounds, buildings, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and seasonal parking lots.

BEFORE VISITING THE PARK:

• If you are ill, please stay home.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Bring hand sanitizer or wipes along.
• Go before you go (remember that park restrooms and other amenities are not open).

DURING YOUR VISIT:

• Plan for short trips only (remember that park restrooms are not open).
• No social gatherings such as: field trips, play dates, picnics, or group activities.
• Take the trail less traveled and avoid crowds whenever you can.
• Always respect the 6 ft. rule when passing by another visitor.

Announcement Date: Mar. 25

• Trails are open within the Elkhart County Parks at the present time. Visitors are expected to walk or bike with individuals and family units. No field trips, play dates, picnics, or social gatherings. Visitors should respect the 6-foot social distancing method when passing each other on trails.
• Restrooms, playgrounds, water fountains, picnic areas, and some seasonal parking lots are closed. Visitors should plan trips accordingly and bring hand sanitizer.
• Elkhart County Parks Administrative Office at 211. W. Lincoln in Goshen is open with restrictions. All other buildings within the parks are closed until further notice including the Ox Bow Gatehouse and Elkhart County Historical Museum.
• All public programs have been cancelled until at least April 30 or until further notice.
• No shelter reservations can be made at this time until at least April 30 or until further notice.

Announcement Date: Mar.16

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Elkhart County Parks public programming is canceled through the end of April. Refunds will be processed for all current registrants. We appreciate your patience in this challenging time. Stay tuned at elkhartcountyparks.org and our Facebook page for future program announcements and ways to connect with local history and nature online.