Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
August 1
Bug Night
They’re creepy, they’re crawly and they’re back at this insect enthusiasts’ event! Look at a grasshopper through a lens, tromp through the grass in search of a firefly and taste a chocolate-covered cricket! There will be crafts and activities for all ages. Bring the entire family for an evening of buggy fun! Snacks will also be for available for sale.
August 2
August 6
Wed. Bird Walk: Little Birds on the Prairie
Step out for an adventurous hike seeking out birds, blooms, butterflies, and everything in-between! We’ll spend the morning exploring the sunflower-filled prairie, stopping to listen for the chattered calls of Sedge Wrens and the hiccups of Henslow’s Sparrows along the way. Then, head over to the wetland boardwalk to set up the spotting scopes, scan for waterbirds, and (with luck) see a show-stopping Osprey dive for fish! Participants are encouraged to wear breathable bug-resistant layers and bring plenty of water to stay refreshed on this special extended walk.
The group will head out at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike.
𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Water, hiking boots, and breathable bug-resistant layers.
August 8
August 9
Forest Bathing
Experience a two-hour guided forest bathing walk with certified guide, Juli. A series of guided, meditative invitations to find your own authentic way of interacting with the land will be offered. There is no right or wrong way to do it…just be yourself. All are welcome in the forest. Bring a water bottle and blanket to sit on.
August 9
Sweet Cycle Ride
What could be better than a nice summer ride with friends, family, and delicious ice cream? Riders will meet at Abshire Park and will follow the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail to Mooey’s Ice Cream Shop for a cool, refreshing treat on us. Cyclists will return to Abshire giving riders a total of 12 sweet cycling miles.
August 14
August 15
Summer Astronomy
Each season brings changes to the plants and animals around us, but don’t forget about the changes above our heads. Join a Park Naturalist in hearing about the interesting Greek & Roman mythology behind many of our amazing summer constellations. Participants will also enjoy snacks, make-n-take star chart and helpful tips on how to find the constellations. Sky viewing through a telescope will also take place depending on cloud cover. If you have a telescope, you are welcome to bring that as well.
August 18
August 19
Hiking Club
Hiking Club meets once per month to hike for health, friends and fun. The hike takes place in a different location each month but is always on the third Tuesday of the month at 6pm. This out-of-county hike takes place at Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Cass County Michigan. Learn about our parks, meet new people and let the fun begin. This hike has some hilly terrain and is about 1.5 miles in length.
August 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.
August 21
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.
August 22
Hoop Embroidery & Tea
Get the tea on the historical art of embroidery as we enjoy some tea selections! Together we’ll learn about this traditional art form and practice it ourselves. All materials will be provided to create and take home a new hoop embroidery piece; or bring your own project to work on.
August 23
Cast Iron Cookout & Swap Meet
Experience Northern Indiana’s Premier cast iron cooking event. Buy/sell/trade cast iron cook wares at the swap meet that takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. Kettle soup of the day and Bonneyville cornbread will be available 4 to 7 p.m. A cast Iron DOG Dutch Oven Gathering will begin at 5 p.m. during which local cast iron enthusiasts will be preparing a variety of dishes in cast iron. Visitors will see cast iron cooks in action during the Dutch Oven Gathering. There will be a cast iron instructional session that will give visitors the basics of cast iron cook ware use and care. Instructional session will take place at 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss this unique event! To register for a swap-meet space please call Bonneyville Mill at 574-825-9324.
Experience Northern Indiana’s Premier cast iron cooking event! Dutch oven enthusiasts and spectators are invited to come out to swap recipes, sample dishes, and learn cast-iron cooking tips from the experts at the annual Dutch Oven Gathering.
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🥘 ~ . 𝗘 𝗩 𝗘 𝗡 𝗧 . 𝗦 𝗖 𝗛 𝗘 𝗗 𝗨 𝗟 𝗘 . ~ 🥘
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► 𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗣 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 (4-7 p.m.)
Buy/sale/trade cast iron cookware.
▹Cost for a swap meet space is $15 (Register by Aug 20)
▹To reserve your space, please call the Mill at 574-825-9324
► 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 (4-7 p.m.)
Sample delicious kettle soup and fresh Bonneyville Mill cornbread. Visitors can also sample delicious cookout creations at the Dutch Oven Gathering.
► 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡 𝟭𝟬𝟭 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 (4:30 p.m.)
Learn the basics of cast iron cookware and care.
► 𝗗𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 (5:30-7 p.m.)
Local cast iron enthusiasts will gather and prepare a variety of dishes.
August 25
August 28
Oak Ridge Cemetery Walking Tour
Dating to the 1870s, Oak Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of Bristol residents. Join Museum staff for a tour of one of Bristol’s most important historical sites. Together we’ll learn about the history of the cemetery and several of the burials within.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 1-mile walk
August 29
Summer 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.
