Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
August 14
Perseids Party
Looking for a good place to watch the meteor shower? We can help! Bring the family, pick a spot to spread a blanket, and enjoy some space-themed snacks on us. Information and guidance on telescope use and how to spot constellations will also be offered during this stellar event.
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the program.
August 16
Virtual Deerfly Dash
This year’s Deerfly Dash is going virtual! Beginning Aug.16, participants have one week to complete a 5K run (or walk) at the Elkhart County Park of their choice! All eligible Deerfly Dashers that complete the 5K challenge and share photos of their experience will receive a commemorative prize.
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Register online and complete the 5K challenge (3.1-miles) in any Elkhart County Parks property during the week of Aug.16-22.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a photo/video of your clocked time, or a shot of a cool feature you noticed in the park during your dash. Share using the hashtag #DeerflyDash2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- SNAG A PRIZE: All eligible Deerfly Dashers that share their experience will earn an awesome event tumbler to commemorate the virtual challenge.
- REGISTER ONLINE: Sign up by Aug. 22 to take part in the virtual challenge.
August 17
Virtual Deerfly Dash
This year’s Deerfly Dash is going virtual! Beginning Aug.16, participants have one week to complete a 5K run (or walk) at the Elkhart County Park of their choice! All eligible Deerfly Dashers that complete the 5K challenge and share photos of their experience will receive a commemorative prize.
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Register online and complete the 5K challenge (3.1-miles) in any Elkhart County Parks property during the week of Aug.16-22.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a photo/video of your clocked time, or a shot of a cool feature you noticed in the park during your dash. Share using the hashtag #DeerflyDash2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- SNAG A PRIZE: All eligible Deerfly Dashers that share their experience will earn an awesome event tumbler to commemorate the virtual challenge.
- REGISTER ONLINE: Sign up by Aug. 22 to take part in the virtual challenge.
August 17
Trail Trekkers: Prairie
Outdoor explorers, ages 6–9, are invited to hike through Boot Lake Nature Preserve and learn what plants and animals call the prairie home. The 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 event.
August 18
Virtual Deerfly Dash
This year’s Deerfly Dash is going virtual! Beginning Aug.16, participants have one week to complete a 5K run (or walk) at the Elkhart County Park of their choice! All eligible Deerfly Dashers that complete the 5K challenge and share photos of their experience will receive a commemorative prize.
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Register online and complete the 5K challenge (3.1-miles) in any Elkhart County Parks property during the week of Aug.16-22.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a photo/video of your clocked time, or a shot of a cool feature you noticed in the park during your dash. Share using the hashtag #DeerflyDash2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- SNAG A PRIZE: All eligible Deerfly Dashers that share their experience will earn an awesome event tumbler to commemorate the virtual challenge.
- REGISTER ONLINE: Sign up by Aug. 22 to take part in the virtual challenge.
August 18
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: Boot Lake Nature Preserve
- Trail Terrain: Mostly flat with a few hills (2.5 miles)
NOTE: Participants are required to register in advance, wear a face covering, and practice social distancing (6 ft apart) during the hike.
August 19
Virtual Deerfly Dash
This year’s Deerfly Dash is going virtual! Beginning Aug.16, participants have one week to complete a 5K run (or walk) at the Elkhart County Park of their choice! All eligible Deerfly Dashers that complete the 5K challenge and share photos of their experience will receive a commemorative prize.
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Register online and complete the 5K challenge (3.1-miles) in any Elkhart County Parks property during the week of Aug.16-22.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a photo/video of your clocked time, or a shot of a cool feature you noticed in the park during your dash. Share using the hashtag #DeerflyDash2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- SNAG A PRIZE: All eligible Deerfly Dashers that share their experience will earn an awesome event tumbler to commemorate the virtual challenge.
- REGISTER ONLINE: Sign up by Aug. 22 to take part in the virtual challenge.
August 19
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. Now, the schoolhouse is opening 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.
August 20
Virtual Deerfly Dash
This year’s Deerfly Dash is going virtual! Beginning Aug.16, participants have one week to complete a 5K run (or walk) at the Elkhart County Park of their choice! All eligible Deerfly Dashers that complete the 5K challenge and share photos of their experience will receive a commemorative prize.
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Register online and complete the 5K challenge (3.1-miles) in any Elkhart County Parks property during the week of Aug.16-22.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a photo/video of your clocked time, or a shot of a cool feature you noticed in the park during your dash. Share using the hashtag #DeerflyDash2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- SNAG A PRIZE: All eligible Deerfly Dashers that share their experience will earn an awesome event tumbler to commemorate the virtual challenge.
- REGISTER ONLINE: Sign up by Aug. 22 to take part in the virtual challenge.
August 21
Virtual Deerfly Dash
This year’s Deerfly Dash is going virtual! Beginning Aug.16, participants have one week to complete a 5K run (or walk) at the Elkhart County Park of their choice! All eligible Deerfly Dashers that complete the 5K challenge and share photos of their experience will receive a commemorative prize.
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Register online and complete the 5K challenge (3.1-miles) in any Elkhart County Parks property during the week of Aug.16-22.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a photo/video of your clocked time, or a shot of a cool feature you noticed in the park during your dash. Share using the hashtag #DeerflyDash2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- SNAG A PRIZE: All eligible Deerfly Dashers that share their experience will earn an awesome event tumbler to commemorate the virtual challenge.
- REGISTER ONLINE: Sign up by Aug. 22 to take part in the virtual challenge.
August 22
Virtual Deerfly Dash
This year’s Deerfly Dash is going virtual! Beginning Aug.16, participants have one week to complete a 5K run (or walk) at the Elkhart County Park of their choice! All eligible Deerfly Dashers that complete the 5K challenge and share photos of their experience will receive a commemorative prize.
- HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Register online and complete the 5K challenge (3.1-miles) in any Elkhart County Parks property during the week of Aug.16-22.
- SHARE YOUR STORY: Post a photo/video of your clocked time, or a shot of a cool feature you noticed in the park during your dash. Share using the hashtag #DeerflyDash2020 on Instagram or Facebook. Make sure your account’s posts are public or we won’t be able to see your efforts!
- SNAG A PRIZE: All eligible Deerfly Dashers that share their experience will earn an awesome event tumbler to commemorate the virtual challenge.
- REGISTER ONLINE: Sign up by Aug. 22 to take part in the virtual challenge.
