Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
August 18
Hiking Club
Explore the many hiking opportunities within the Elkhart County Parks. Meet new people and hike with the group every third Tuesday of the month at 6 pm. In August we meet at Cobus Creek County Park. The Trail is packed gravel with very little elevation change. The hike will be a little one and a half miles in length. Check out the Elkhart County Parks Hiking Club Facebook Page for reminders and announcements. See you at the hike!
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Hiking a marked trail with a group
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Comfortable shoes
August 18
August 20
Open House at the Schoolhouse
Grab your schoolbooks and step back a century as you explore the One-room Schoolhouse at Bonneyville Mill County Park. Imagine yourself a student sitting in one of the small wooden desks, practicing your handwriting on the heavy slate boards, while keeping warm next to the wood-burning stove. As you catch a glimpse of what life was like for the average run-of-the-mill student, staff will be on-site to answer any questions you may have during these open hours.
August 20
Yoga in the Park
Join Registered Yoga Teacher Amanda for an hour of empowering yoga in the parks. Enjoy guided practice welcoming of all skill levels in a relaxing park environment. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring water and their own mats – a limited number of mats will be available for use. Participants must register in advance.
August 20
History of Camping in Elkhart County
Gather βround the fire for the story of camping in Elkhart County through history. Learn the lore behind popular sites such as Ebyβs Pines and Prairie Camp and discover how the RV industry here has shaped camping around the world. In true camping fashion, weβll cap off our time with a round of sβmores and campfire songs.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Enjoy the outdoors with us – rain or shine!*
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Camp chair or blanket to sit on
*Rain location: Cottonwood Shelter at Ox Bow County ParkΒ
August 21
Streams of Power
Elkhart County is nourished by abundant natural sources of water. In this program,Β explore how water flows through the history of Elkhart County from the earliest Indigenous creation stories to settlers in the time of Edward Bonney and even into the 21st century. Participants will visit the banks of the Saint Joseph River, be immersed in a new exhibit in the Elkhart County Historical Museum that focuses on water, and tour the 1830s Bonneyville Mill, a functioning water-powered flour mill. Participants will engage their senses; understand the power of the water to shape lives and communities; taste baked goods made with Bonneyville flour; and receive a souvenir water bottle and bag of freshly-ground cornmeal.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Begin at the Elkhart County Historical Museum for the first half of the program, then travel to Bonneyville Mill County Park 10 minutes away. ParticipantsΒ are responsible forΒ their own transportation. Portions of this program take place outdoors and include traversing paved paths and uneven ground.Β
August 21
August 27
Creatures of the Night: Moth Rave
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 August β Who are these fragile night wanderers? These moonflowers of Augustβs darkness? Join us as we discover the irresistible color combinations and lives of these nocturnal butterflies with professor of entomology, Andy Ammons.
β οΈβ This program is weather-dependent. β Check the event page for updates before heading out.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Come prepared for extended time outdoors.
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Hiking shoes, breathable layers for buggy conditions, and a headlamp/flashlight.
August 28
Spokes & Scoops Bike Ride
Hop on your bike and join us for a fun ride to The Chief with our naturalist team! Weβll meet at Ox Bow Haus Shelter before setting off together for a 10-mile ride along the MapleHeart Trail. Donβt forget your bike, helmet, water bottle, and some money for your sweet treat.
August 29
Cast Iron Cookout
Experience Northern Indianaβs Premier cast iron cooking event!
An introduction to cast iron cooking sessions will give visitors cast iron care and use tips. Instructional session will take place at 4:00 p.m. Buy cast iron cookware from vendors selling a large variety of cookware items from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Real Kettle Soup and Bonneyville Cornbread will be available 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A cast Iron DOG Dutch Oven Gathering will begin at 5:00pm during which local cast iron enthusiasts will be preparing a variety of dishes in cast iron. Sampling will be available from 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Anyone interested in cast iron cooking should attend this unique event!
August 31
August 31
In the Company of the Trees
Join a naturalist at Benton Dam to explore the diverse trees growing around the spillway. Discover identification tips, fun tricks, and the natural history behind several common species.
