Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
September 1
September 1
September 2
Wed. Bird Walk: Fallout
A feathery invasion is dropping into our parks this month as migration kicks into high gear. Witness the migratory magic at River Preserve on a special extended bird walk. Tracing the Elkhart River corridor, the 350-acre preserve provides a crucial stopping point for south-bound birds to rest and refuel. Our group will follow the path of songbirds moving along the Elkhart River corridor, and watch them weave their way through the trees, snatching insects as their fast food. Seasonal specialties, like Olive-sided Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Vireo, along with 20 different warbler species are all likely to be seen. Let’s give these beautiful birds a proper send-off. Before you know it, they’ll be gone faster than you can say, “So long and thanks for all the flies”.
The group will head out from Benton Dam at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers
September 2
September 8
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
September 11
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.
September 11
Restore & Remember Volunteer Day
Join park staff for a 9/11 Day of Service, honoring and remembering through action by removing invasive species and restoring the park’s natural beauty. Plan to bring work gloves, a water bottle and wear long pants. Advanced registration is required. We will meet at the Upper Field Parking Lot.
September 12
Bonneyville Bird Fest
Join us for a birdy celebration with everything feathered, flying and fabulous! There will be bird associations and organizations to chat with, vendors to purchase birding accessories, bird walks and talks, bird-inspired games and activities, food, and more! Bring the entire family and spread your wings for some birdy fun!
September 15
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 September we meet at Lookout Shelter in Bonneyville Mill County Park. The Trail is packed soil with the most elevation change we’ll see this season. The hike will be a little over one 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
September 16
Curiosity Club: Firefighters
Tap into your preschooler’s natural curiosity as we visit the Bristol Fire Department! Join in the fun and learning with a tour of the firehouse, story, craft, and snack.
All Curiosity Club classes in 2026 will have a civics component. Let’s learn together about the helpers in our community!
September 17
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.
September 17
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.
September 18
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.
September 18
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 Abshire Park parking lot before setting off together for a 13-mile ride along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Don’t forget your bike, helmet, water bottle, and some money for your sweet treat.
September 19
Feature Grain Day – Khorasan
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. Khorasan is the feature grain for September. Khorasan is an ancient variety of wheat that contains measurably higher nutritional values compared to modern wheat. The flour is commonly used for bread, cakes and pastries. Bonneyville Mill will grind Khorasan on September 19 and 2 lb bags of the flour will be available for purchase. We will also offer free baked samples made with Khorasan from 11am-2pm.
September 19
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.
September 21
September 22
September 23
Pedal into the Past
Hop on your bike for a journey beside the beautiful Elkhart River! Along the way, learn about the natural and cultural history of the river, some of the wildlife that call it home, and the people whose lives it has touched. To add to the sweetness of our trip, we’ll enjoy a treat together at the halfway point. Presented in partnership with the Elkhart Environmental Center.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: This out-and-back trip covers about 3 miles on the River Greenway Trail between the Elkhart Environmental Center and Studebaker Park. The ride will begin at the River Greenway Trailhead.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Helmet & Water Bottle
September 24
Creatures of the Night: Spiders
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 September — We’ll step out to find one of the creepiest of crawlies – the spider. Come brave the dark and see this fascinating, phobia-inducing creature in action on a spider-seeking night hike. Join a team of naturalists to identify and share fascinating facts about this eight-legged creature and watch it literally wrap up our 2026 Creatures of the Night Season!
⚠️☔ This program is weather-dependent. ➠ Check the event page for updates before heading out.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike, starting at the Benton Dam in River Preserve County Park.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Hiking shoes, flashlight/headlamp, and extra layers (if it’s a cooler night).
September 25
Flying Wild Educator Workshop
Educators who work with upper elementary and middle school aged kids are invited to take part in this training all about birds. Participants will receive the Flying Wild curriculum book, which is an educator’s guide to celebrating birds. The book contains 43 example lessons, service-learning ideas, a bird festival planning guide, and adaptations for younger students. CEUs are also available. More info on the Flying Wild program can be found at https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild/flying-wild.
September 25
Streams of Power
Elkhart County is nourished by abundant natural sources of water. In this program, explore how water flows through the history of Elkhart County from the earliest Indigenous creation stories to settlers in the time of Edward Bonney and even into the 21st century. Participants will visit the banks of the St. Joseph River, be immersed in a new exhibit in the Elkhart County Historical Museum that focuses on water, and tour the 1830s Bonneyville Mill, a functioning water-powered flour mill. Participants will engage their senses; understand the power of water to shape lives and communities; taste baked goods made with Bonneyville flour; and receive a souvenir water bottle and bag of freshly-ground cornmeal.
• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Begin at the Elkhart County Historical Museum for the first half of the program, then travel to Bonneyville Mill County Park 10 minutes away. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. Portions of this program take place outdoors and include traversing paved paths and uneven ground.
September 25
September 29
September 29
North Woods Book Discussion
In Daniel Mason’s 2023 novel North Woods, we follow the story of one home and its inhabitants – human and otherwise – in the New England wilderness over the course of centuries. Journey into this sweeping story at the DeFries Homestead, which itself has stood for generations and served as a home to many. If we’re lucky, we’ll even get to sample a famous Osgood Wonder apple.
