Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
October 1
October 2
Wed. Bird Walk: Pine Perchers
Summer birds may have left the scene, but a new group of birds is swooping in to take their place – the pine perchers! As winter approaches, mixed flocks of conifer seed-specialists – like siskins, kinglets, and nuthatches – move into our area in places where pines are abundant. Step into the evergreens to watch these charismatic birds, inch up trunks, pluck insects from treetop, and hang upside-down from pinecones as they fuel up for the cooler months to come. 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: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers.
October 2
October 3
Tales & Treats
Kick off spooky season with a visit to Elkhart County Historical Museum. Gather ’round and listen to area ghost stories, folklore, and creepy tales from the past during this lighthearted, family-friendly event. To make things extra spooky, bring a blanket or pillow from home and cozy up to our indoor “campfire.” Apple cider, donut holes, and s’mores snack mix served.
October 3
Owl Prowl
Join a naturalist to learn all about owls and other nocturnal creatures on a fun interactive night hike. Discover local owl species, nocturnal adaptations, and more as we experience River Preserve after dark. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and come prepared for a *2-mile hike. Meet at Benton Spillway Shelter in River Preserve County Park, located 1 mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen (Directions Here).
• What to Expect: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike in muddy terrain. ⚠️This hike is weather-dependent. Please check the event page for updates before heading out.
• Suggested Gear: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers.
*NOTE: This program is appropriate for ages 8 and up as it includes a 2-mile hike at night under quiet conditions listening for owls and may not be suitable for younger children.
October 4
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.
October 5
Bike Hike
Pump up your tires and put your helmets on for a bike hike along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Join a naturalist for a 12-mile ride through the beautiful countryside enjoying the crisp fresh air, the birds and the scenery along the way. Bikers will start at Abshire Park, travel 6 miles to CR 20 intersection and turn around for a 6-mile return back to Abshire Park. We will also stop at Mooey’s Ice Cream if they are still open.
October 5
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.
October 12
Volunteer Day: DeFries Garden Clean Up
Learn new skills, care for the environment, meet new friends, and be a part of something big — sign up for a Volunteer Day! On 10/12, assist park staff in putting many of the gardens to bed for the winter. Plan to bring water, work gloves and your favorite garden tools. Advanced registration required.
October 15
Hiking Club
Join our hiking club to explore a different park trail every month, make new friends, and glimpse the bounty of nature around every curve and corner. Hiking Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 pm, March thru October. In October, we will meet at the Cobus Creek Shelter in Cobus Creek County Park. The hike is 1.25 miles, and the terrain is mostly flat
October 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 opening hours.
October 18
Spooky Night Hike
October is a great time to think about what goes bump in the night and have fun exploring the park after dark. Join a naturalist on a spooky night hike and enjoy activities like watching your friend’s head disappear right before your eyes, fishing for the illuminated sunfish, and discovering the power of your eyes with magic illusions.
October 19
Feature Grain Day
Durum Wheat is the feature grain this month. Durum Wheat flour has a mild flavor and is great for making pasta. All feature grain days in 2024 will highlight a grain that is not a normal part of our line-up. The resulting flour/meal will be a LIMITED EDITION, product available for a short time. Make sure to attend to get yours before it’s gone. Grinding demonstrations of Durum Wheat will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
October 19
Owl Prowl
Join a naturalist to learn all about owls and other nocturnal creatures on a fun interactive night hike. Discover local owl species, nocturnal adaptations, and more as we experience River Preserve after dark. Participants are encouraged to arrive early and come prepared for a *2-mile hike. Meet at Benton Spillway Shelter in River Preserve County Park, located 1 mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen (Directions Here).
• What to Expect: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike in muddy terrain. ⚠️This hike is weather-dependent. Please check the event page for updates before heading out.
• Suggested Gear: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers.
*NOTE: This program is appropriate for ages 8 and up as it includes a 2-mile hike at night under quiet conditions listening for owls and may not be suitable for younger children.
October 21
Trail Trekkers: Owl Prowl
Young explorers, ages 6-9, are invited to go on an owl prowl this month. Learn the local owl species, hear their calls and search for pellets along the trail.
Meet at the Benton Spillway Shelter in River Preserve County Park (Directions Here)
October 25
Halloween Campfire & Hayrides
The ever-popular Halloween Campfire & Hayrides are back for two nights of autumn delights and fall adventure. Bring your friends and family to experience exciting craft and activity stations, delicious food trucks, spooky décor, thrilling night hikes, and a hayride in the dark. Admission is $5/person and will be paid upon entry to the park instead of online. All hayrides first come, first served, and will run throughout the event hours, with the last ride at 9:45 p.m.
October 26
Halloween Campfire & Hayrides
The ever-popular Halloween Campfire & Hayrides are back for two nights of autumn delights and fall adventure. Bring your friends and family to experience exciting craft and activity stations, delicious food trucks, spooky décor, thrilling night hikes, and a hayride in the dark. Admission is $5/person and will be paid upon entry to the park instead of online. All hayrides first come, first served, and will run throughout the event hours, with the last ride at 9:45 p.m.
October 28
Día de los Muertos Kickoff
¡Únete a nosotros para celebrar Día de los Muertos! Join us to celebrate the Day of the Dead! Learn about the cultural and historical significance of Día de los Muertos, leave an offering at the community ofrenda, and enjoy a special performance by Mariachi ECo, Goshen College’s youth mariachi band.
October 29
Ofrenda Comunitaria/Community Ofrenda
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by leaving an offering to honor and memorialize a deceased loved one. Offerings may include photos, nonperishable food, small decorations including flowers, water, battery-operated candles, etc. The ofrenda is open when the Museum is open: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.
October 30
Ofrenda Comunitaria/Community Ofrenda
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by leaving an offering to honor and memorialize a deceased loved one. Offerings may include photos, nonperishable food, small decorations including flowers, water, battery-operated candles, etc. The ofrenda is open when the Museum is open: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.
October 31
Ofrenda Comunitaria/Community Ofrenda
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by leaving an offering to honor and memorialize a deceased loved one. Offerings may include photos, nonperishable food, small decorations including flowers, water, battery-operated candles, etc. The ofrenda is open when the Museum is open: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.
