Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
July 4
Bonneyville Bake Day
Bonneyville Mill will offer samples of baked products made with Soft White Wheat Flour during normal Mill hours. Samples will be issued upon request and distributed via the flour sales window. Sanitary precautions will be taken to ensure visitor safety.
NOTE: Participants are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the event.
July 7
Nature Nuts: Turtles
Preschoolers will learn about the many kinds of turtles who live here. We will go on a hike looking for good habitat and a few different species. Live turtles will be included.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 7
Yoga in the Parks
Drop in with 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.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 8
Nature Nuts: Turtles
Preschoolers will learn about the many kinds of turtles who live here. We will go on a hike looking for good habitat and a few different species. Live turtles will be included.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 9
Firefly Flashdance Tour
As fireworks light up the night skies in July, another spectacular light show is sparking to life in our forests. Walk down a woodland path on one of these nights, and you may begin to feel like a Hollywood star on the red carpet, surrounded by sparkling lights. Come watch these firefly fireworks on a special night program at River Preserve County Park. Our group will take our time watching and learning about these bioluminescent beings on an easy-paced hike along the trails. Participants are encouraged to dress for an evening hike. Meet at Benton Dam parking lot [Directions here]. The group will head out at 10 p.m., so please plan travel time accordingly.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 13
Trail Trekkers: Spotting Wildlife
Outdoor explorers, ages 6-9, are invited to learn a few tips & tricks on how to spot wildlife while hiking. Entire program is outdoors, so please dress for the weather.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 15
Open House at the School House
Just down the road from Bonneyville Mill, the historic Baldwin One-room Schoolhouse stands as a reminder of a time when one room was enough to make a school. Beginning this July, the schoolhouse will open it’s doors once again for monthly open house tours. Grab your schoolbooks and catch a glimpse of what life was like for the average student of the mill valley over a century ago.
NOTE: Participants are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the event.
July 16
Bristol Walking Tour
The history of Bristol dates back to the beginning of Elkhart County. Learn about the lost village of Sydneyham, Hillbish Hall, the Opera House, and much more as you hear and see the history of Bristol.
- Tour Session 1 (7/16)
- Tour Session 2 (7/17)
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 17
Bristol Walking Tour
The history of Bristol dates back to the beginning of Elkhart County. Learn about the lost village of Sydneyham, Hillbish Hall, the Opera House, and much more as you hear and see the history of Bristol.
- Tour Session 1 (7/16)
- Tour Session 2 (7/17)
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 17
Hiking with Apps
Learn about a few of the incredible identification apps available right on your phone! Join a naturalist as they show you some of the best free and paid apps available for identifying birds, plants, and mushrooms. The program will conclude with a guided hike demonstrating how to incorporate these tools into any adventure.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
July 21
Hiking Club
Hiking Club is a great way to get to know all of the Elkhart County Parks and experience the variety of hiking trails within. On the third Tuesday of each month March – October The Elkhart County Parks Hiking Club meets at one of our many parks to have a trail hiking experience. Meeting areas are large enough to practice social distancing and hikers are encouraged to spread out on the trail. There will be a short introduction at each meeting by Hiking Club Leader Courtney Franke. The trail is well marked and hiking will be on your own.
- Hike Location: Stable Shelter Trailhead at Ox Bow County Park
- Trail Terrain: Mostly flat with a few hills (1.4 miles)
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the event.
July 25
Exploration Packs
Sign up to borrow a park exploration pack for the afternoon. Packs will include items like a magnifying glass, binoculars, notebooks, and plenty of games, and activities to do in the park. Packs can be picked up any time after 1 p.m. at the Ox Bow Gatehouse, but they must be returned by 4 p.m.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the event.
