Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
September 8
Trail Running Club
Lace up for a supported group run in a beautiful county park! Whether you’re new to running or a career track racer looking to head off-road, all levels are welcome. Together we’ll share tips, offer encouragement, and explore scenic trails. Before we head-out we’ll cover a few historical notes about the park, giving context to our run.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 1-1.5 mile run at an easy pace, with the option to repeat.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: sturdy running shoes, layered clothing, water
September 11
Books & Boots
The Elkhart Public Library has teamed up with the Elkhart County Parks to offer a book club for kids! Each meeting will include a book discussion followed by a park-led activity exploring one of the book’s environmental themes. Activities could include hikes, live animals, and more.
Visit the Elkhart Public Library’s website to check out a copy of this month’s book.
September 11
Restore & Remember Volunteer Day
Join park staff for a 9/11 Day of Service, honoring and remembering through action by removing invasive species and restoring the park’s natural beauty. Plan to bring work gloves, a water bottle and wear long pants. Advanced registration is required. We will meet at the Upper Field Parking Lot.
September 12
Bonneyville Bird Fest
Join us for a birdy celebration with everything feathered, flying and fabulous! There will be bird associations and organizations to chat with, vendors to purchase birding accessories, bird walks and talks, bird-inspired games and activities, food, and more! Bring the entire family and spread your wings for some birdy fun!
September 15
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 September we meet at Lookout Shelter in Bonneyville Mill County Park. The Trail is packed soil with the most elevation change we’ll see this season. The hike will be a little over one mile in length. Check out the ELKHART COUNTY PARKS HIKING CLUB FACEBOOK PAGE for reminders and announcements. See you at the hike!
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Hiking a marked trail with a group
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Comfortable shoes
September 16
Curiosity Club: Firefighters
Tap into your preschooler’s natural curiosity as we visit the Bristol Fire Department! Join in the fun and learning with a tour of the firehouse, story, craft, and snack.
All Curiosity Club classes in 2026 will have a civics component. Let’s learn together about the helpers in our community!
September 17
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.
September 17
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.
September 18
Hoosier Riverwatch Workshop
This basic training is an introduction to the Hoosier Riverwatch program and different hands-on water quality monitoring methods. Participants will learn about aquatic habitats and will be trained in chemical and biological assessment techniques. The session will be held in and out-of-doors. All interested persons, age 18 and over, are welcome to attend free of charge. No previous experience necessary.
September 18
Spokes & Scoops Bike Ride
Hop on your bike and join us for a fun ride to Mooey’s Ice Cream with our naturalist team! We’ll meet at Abshire Park parking lot before setting off together for a 13-mile ride along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Don’t forget your bike, helmet, water bottle, and some money for your sweet treat.
September 19
Feature Grain Day – Khorasan
Our feature grain series continues for 2026 as we focus on Ancient Grains. Because ancient grains have not been genetically manipulated like modern grains, they are considered to be healthier for human consumption. Khorasan is the feature grain for September. Khorasan is an ancient variety of wheat that contains measurably higher nutritional values compared to modern wheat. The flour is commonly used for bread, cakes and pastries. Bonneyville Mill will grind Khorasan on September 19 and 2 lb bags of the flour will be available for purchase. We will also offer free baked samples made with Khorasan from 11am-2pm.
September 19
The Our Waters Experience
Immerse yourself in the history and nature of Elkhart County’s waters. This multi-sensory tour will take you to the banks of the St. Joseph River and through the Museum’s newly opened Our Waters exhibit. Participants will hear Indigenous creation stories, connect with a local river environment, and learn how water has played a role in shaping human, plant, and animal lives in Elkhart County.