Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
May 2
May 4
May 5
May 6
Wed. Bird Walk: Migration Mania
Get ready for the greatest show on earth: spring migration! This month, we’re ramping things up with a full morning of birding at River Preserve’s best migration-magnet hotspots. All flavors of spring migrants can be expected this time of year here, including tanagers, vireos, and warblers. With luck, we’ll find over 60 species – all before lunch! We’ll get an early start at 7:30 am at the Benton Dam, then speed-bird our way through the preserve with short site-to-site carpooling and hikes. The exact route and pacing will be up to the discretion of the leaders based on target species and bird activity, so be ready to move at peregrine speed!
The group will head out at 7:30 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared to speed-bird in a series of site-to-site hikes.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers.
May 6
May 8
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.
May 8
May 9
Dogapalooza
Bring your canine companions out for a day of dog and people-friendly activities! We have partnered with the Humane Society of Elkhart County to make this fun festival even better with food trucks, a 5K run, 1 mile walk, live music, local doggy vendors, dog rescues, and much more. Bark your calendars for a paws-itively great day!
This event takes place at the Lower Athletic Field in Ox Bow County Park.
May 9
Feature Grain Day – Einkorn
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. Einkorn is the feature grain for May. Einkorn is an ancient variety of wheat that humans may have first started using 30,000 years ago. The flour is commonly used for muffins, pancakes and even yeast bread. Bonneyville Mill will grind Einkorn on May 9th and 2lb bags of the flour will be available for purchase. We will also offer free baked samples made with Einkorn from 11am-2pm.
May 10
Wild Edibles
Spring always provides such a bountiful display of delicious wild edibles, if you know what to look for. Please join us as we experience mother nature at her best through a sampling of these delicious springtime delicacies. Prepared dishes will include fried dandelions, wild leek with bacon, stinging nettle soup rich in vitamin C, Sassafras tea, and more. Come for the food, stay for the hike.
May 12
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.
May 16
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.
May 16
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.
May 16
May 17
Revolutionary War Graves Driving Tour
There are five known Revolutionary War veterans buried in Elkhart County. Follow museum staff on a caravan tour to visit their gravesites and learn about the life, death, and service of each of these patriots. We’ll cover about 43 miles on this trip, beginning at Elkhart County Historical Museum and ending at Bonneyville Cemetery.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Parking is limited at some locations; carpooling is encouraged! Restrooms and water only available at Elkhart County Historical Museum.
May 18
May 19
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 6pm. In May we meet Boot Lake County Park. The Trail is well packed with very little elevation change. The hike will be almost two miles 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
May 20
Curiosity Club: Mail
Who doesn’t like getting a letter from a friend in their mailbox?! Let your preschooler experience the joy of writing a letter, addressing an envelope, and sending a piece of mail – to themselves! Together we’ll learn all about mail through history, visit the Bristol Post Office, and, of course, enjoy a story and snack.
All Curiosity Club classes in 2026 will have a civics component. Let’s learn together about the helpers in our community!
May 21
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.
May 21
May 22
Cobus Family Campout
Bring your friends and family on an overnight adventure. Enjoy an evening wildlife hike, treats over the fire, and other naturalist-led activities for all ages. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. Tents are available to borrow, if needed. The event runs 6 p.m. Friday – 1 p.m. Saturday.
May 28
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.
May 28
Creatures of the Night: Bugs of the Underworld
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.
Discover some of nature’s gnarliest macroinvertebrates lurking just beneath the surface of our creeks and ponds. Pull on your muck boots and grab a headlamp as we step into the shallows and take a closer look at the alien world of aquatic insects. Decide for yourself which are dragons and which are damsels.
This hike is weather-dependent. Check the event page for updates before heading out.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a short hike in muddy terrain.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Rainboots, waterproof layers, and a headlamp/flashlight.
