Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
August 3
August 4
August 5
Wed. Bird Walk: Little Birds on the Prairie
Step out for an adventurous hike seeking out birds, blooms, butterflies, and everything in-between! Weβll 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. β please plan travel time accordingly.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike.
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Water, hiking boots, and breathable bug-resistant layers.
August 5
August 7
Bug Night
Theyβre creepy, theyβre crawly and theyβre 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 11
Trail Running Club
Lace up for a supported group run in a beautiful county park! Whether youβre new to running or a career track racer looking to head off-road, all levels are welcome. Together weβll share tips, offer encouragement, and explore scenic trails. Before we head-out weβll cover a few historical notes about the park, giving context to our run. We will meet at theΒ Benton Dam at River Preserve County Park.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Come prepared for a 1-1.5 mile run at an easy pace, with the option to repeat.
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Sturdy running shoes, layered clothing, water
August 14
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 bookβs environmental themes. Activities could include hikes, live animals, and more.
Visit the Elkhart Public Libraryβs website to check out a copy of this monthβs book.
August 14
Summer Astronomy
Each season brings changes to the plants and animals around us, but donβt 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 15
The Our Waters Experience
Immerse yourself in the history and nature of Elkhart Countyβs waters. This bilingual, multi-sensory tour will take you to the banks of the St. Joseph River and through the Museumβs 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.
August 17
August 18
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 6 pm. In August we meet at Cobus Creek County Park. The Trail is packed gravel with very little elevation change. The hike will be a little one and a half miles in length. Check out the Elkhart County Parks Hiking Club Facebook Page for reminders and announcements. See you at the hike!
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Hiking a marked trail with a group
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Comfortable shoes
August 18
August 20
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 20
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 20
History of Camping in Elkhart County
Gather βround the fire for the story of camping in Elkhart County through history. Learn the lore behind popular sites such as Ebyβs Pines and Prairie Camp and discover how the RV industry here has shaped camping around the world. In true camping fashion, weβll cap off our time with a round of sβmores and campfire songs.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Enjoy the outdoors with us – rain or shine!*
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Camp chair or blanket to sit on
*Rain location: Cottonwood Shelter at Ox Bow County ParkΒ
August 21
August 27
Creatures of the Night: Moth Rave
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.
In August β Who are these fragile night wanderers? These moonflowers of Augustβs darkness? Join us as we discover the irresistible color combinations and lives of these nocturnal butterflies with professor of entomology, Andy Ammons.
β οΈβ This program is weather-dependent. β Check the event page for updates before heading out.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Come prepared for extended time outdoors.
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Hiking shoes, breathable layers for buggy conditions, and a headlamp/flashlight.
August 28
Spokes & Scoops Bike Ride
Hop on your bike and join us for a fun ride to The Chief with our naturalist team! Weβll meet at Ox Bow Haus Shelter before setting off together for a 10-mile ride along the MapleHeart Trail. Donβt forget your bike, helmet, water bottle, and some money for your sweet treat.
August 29
Cast Iron Cookout
Experience Northern Indianaβs Premier cast iron cooking event!
An introduction to cast iron cooking sessions will give visitors cast iron care and use tips. Instructional session will take place at 4:00 p.m. Buy cast iron cookware from vendors selling a large variety of cookware items from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Real Kettle Soup and Bonneyville Cornbread will be available 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A cast Iron DOG Dutch Oven Gathering will begin at 5:00pm during which local cast iron enthusiasts will be preparing a variety of dishes in cast iron. Sampling will be available from 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Anyone interested in cast iron cooking should attend this unique event!
August 31
August 31
Tree Hike
Join a naturalist at Benton Dam to explore the diverse trees growing around the spillway. Discover identification tips, fun tricks, and the natural history behind several common species.
