Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
June 2
June 3
Wed. Bird Walk: Countryside Nesters
Summer birds are moving into our area and beginning to nest! Stretch your wings and see countryside birds on an easy-paced hike along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Summer nesting species we may encounter include bluebirds, mockingbirds, and meadowlarks. Step out to see some of these unique birds setting up summer homes on this special extended bird walk.
The group will head out at 8 a.m. – please plan travel time accordingly. Please meet at the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail (CR 43 Trailhead), located 2 miles NW of Middlebury, off of IN-13, and a 1/2 mile north of CR 16.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Walking shoes, water, and breathable layers.
June 3
June 5
The North American Beaver
Hike with a naturalist in search of the beaver lodge built into the bank and the craftsmanship that only a beaver can produce all along the trail. Using a taxidermy beaver, we will also look at the amazing adaptations of the beaver to better understand how and why they have made the park their home.
June 6
St. Joseph River Kayak Trip
Paddle through the past and navigate through nature on this excursion down a stretch of Elkhart County’s largest waterway. We’ll begin our journey at Congdon Park in Bristol and float about 2 hours to Six Span Bridge at County Road 17. Along the way, learn about historical sites on the river and the ecosystems and wildlife we observe. At the finish line, enjoy a sweet treat!
Each participant must wear a life jacket or have one on board their kayak. Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles are available to rent if needed. Participants bringing their own kayaks will drop their boats off at Congdon Park (where they will be supervised), drive their vehicle(s) to Six Span Bridge, and be shuttled back to the starting point by Parks staff. Renters will park at Congdon Park and be shuttled back to their vehicles at the conclusion of the program.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, dry bag
June 6
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 Ox Bow Haus Shelter before setting off together for a 24-mile ride along the MapleHeart & Pumpkinvine trails. Don’t forget your bike, helmet, water bottle, and some money for your lunch and sweet treat.
June 8
Flour Paint
Are you looking for an easy kids’ activity that you can make from your everyday supplies at home? Come check out our flour paint! A simple activity that could keep your kids entertained for hours. The best part is that since this paint is made from flour it is non-toxic so even your littlest can enjoy it!
June 9
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
June 11
June 12
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.
June 12
Wag & Walk
Enjoy a casual evening walk with your furry companion exploring the beauty of Boot Lake Nature Preserve. You and your dog will experience the many sounds, sights and smells the park has to offer and get to know other dogs and their walkers too. Water and doggy bags will be available for participants. All dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times.
June 13
Elkhart County Stand Down
Join Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Veteran Affairs, Goshen City Parks, Elkhart City Parks, Elkhart County Health Department, and the Elkhart County Parks in a resource fair for veterans and their families. Veterans will be able to connect with VA resources, talk with their county veteran service officer, and learn more about what the community has to offer, including fun activities for kids and families. Activities will be held at the Lower Field in Ox Bow County Park.
June 13
Feature Grain Day – Emmer
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. Emmer is the feature grain for June. Emmer is an ancient variety of wheat that was gathered from the wild by humans in the Fertile Cresent area of the Middle East. Emmer flour is commonly used for cookies, pasta and zucchini bread. Bonneyville Mill will grind Emmer on June 13 and 2lb bags of the flour will be available for purchase. We will also offer free baked samples made with Emmer from 11am-2pm.
June 15
June 16
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 June we meet at Ox Bow County Park. The Trail is packed with some elevation change. The hike will be a little over a 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
June 18
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.
June 19
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.
June 19
June 20
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.
June 25
Creatures of the Night: Coyotes
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.
Join Urban Wildlife Biologist Jessica Merkling (IDNR) for a “Coyote Walk and Talk,” an engaging program that separates myth from fact about one of our most adaptable native animals. Learn about coyote natural history, behavior, and coexistence tips, then head onto the trail to look and listen for coyotes in their natural habitat. Perfect for anyone curious about the wild neighbors living right in our communities.
NOTE: Parking is VERY limited so we will meet at the Elkhart Historical Museum and carpool to the site 5 minutes away. Please plan travel time accordingly.
⚠️☔ This hike is weather-dependent. ➠ Check the event page for updates before heading out.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a hike in uneven terrain.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Bug spray and hiking shoes.
June 29
Nature Explorer Day Camp
Young nature explorers are invited to experience the forest, wetland, and prairie through games, shelter-building, swamp tromps, and LIVE animals! The camp is for three days, with each day exploring a different natural habitat with a fun mix of activities centered around that theme.
June 30
Nature Explorer Day Camp
Young nature explorers are invited to experience the forest, wetland, and prairie through games, shelter-building, swamp tromps, and LIVE animals! The camp is for three days, with each day exploring a different natural habitat with a fun mix of activities centered around that theme.
June 30
The Miami Origin Story
Dive into Indigenous history with Logan York, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Logan will share the Miami’s very first story and talk about its significance to Miami people today, including the role water plays in Miami culture. The program will take place at Island Park in Elkhart, an important site in early Miami history and confluence point of the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers.
