Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
January 1
Wed. Bird Walk: 1st Day Hike
Get outdoors for your New Year’s Resolution and experience something new! Stretch your wings on a 1st Day Hike exploring River Preserve! The Preserve’s medley of wetlands, woodlands, canals, and open fields attract a number of seasonal specialties. From Horned Larks and Snow Buntings swirling over fields, to Bald Eagles and Rough-legged Hawks on the hunt, come see some of our county’s coolest winter birds.
The group will head out at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
What to Expect: Come prepared for a 3-mile hike.
Suggested Gear: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers.
Meet at: Benton Spillway in River Preserve County Park, located 1 mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen (Directions here).
January 1
January 2
January 3
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.
January 4
Christmas Bird Count
Help count birds today to help bring a brighter future for them tomorrow! Be a hero and join the 29ᵗʰ Annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count, part of a nationwide Audubon event centered on the protection and conservation of birds.
📋 How it Works
During the count, volunteers tally all the birds seen and heard within the survey area and help provide a one-day snapshot of bird populations across the county. The valuable data we collect helps fuel research and guide conservation action for birds in the years to come.
🐦How to Participate
Counters who live within the boundaries of the count circle are invited to participate by reporting the birds that visit their feeders and properties. Participants can choose to gather data all day or as little as one hour. Come be a part of this annual event!
⏳ Register By Jan 2, by 4 p.m.
🖐️ To Register EMAIL rdecaire@elkhartcounty.com or CALL (574) 535-6458 [ Hours: Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ]
January 4
Guided Gallery Experience
Join Museum staff for an in-depth discussion of an exhibit. This year-long series will be held the first Saturday of every month. Guided tours will range across the permanent and temporary exhibits. Follow along on Facebook (@ElkhartCountyHistoricalMuseum) to discover our monthly topic
January 7
January 7
January 8
January 10
Learn & Burn
Give your brain and your body a workout with this hybrid program! Together we’ll learn about historical perspectives on personal fitness and the rise of physical culture in the late 1800s. Then, Barb Welty of Elkhart County Health Department will lead a historically inspired workout with fitness routines drawn straight from the turn of the 20ᵗʰ century.
Note: Upon arrival, all participants must sign a waiver before taking part in the class.
January 21
January 24
Gilwood/Peterson Bluebird Box
Bluebird boxes have come a long way, and we are always striving to build the best nesting box possible. Two tried and true designs are the triangular shaped Peterson model and the Gilwood model with oval entrance. At this workshop, we will build a box that has features of both the Peterson and Gilwood boxes. All supplies will be provided for registrants to make and take a box for their property.
January 25
Dutch Oven Pizza Lunch
Join the Elkhart County Parks for a Dutch Oven Pizza Lunch. Sign up alone or with a group up to 5 to make and bake a simple pizza for lunch. Each person will assemble a pizza with provided toppings and then bake it in a Dutch oven for a hot fresh pizza lunch. Courtney Franke (Bonneyville Miller) will discuss Dutch oven camping tips while the pizza bakes.
