Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
October 7
October 8
October 9
Whiskey Tasting Tour
Raise a glass to history and community during this tour and tasting event at Elkhart County’s only woman-owned distillery. Learn the story behind Dragon Mouth’s award-winning spirits, understand the choices behind the local grains and water they source, and taste four of their unique products. Must be 21+ to participate. Registration closes at 10/9 by noon. Cheers!
October 10
Fall Dog Walk
Enjoy a casual evening walk with your dog exploring the fall beauty of Bonneyville Mill County Park. You and your furry, best friend will experience the many sounds, sights, and smells the park has to offer and get to know other dogs and their walkers, too. Directional signs will lead the path for anyone wishing to go ahead or stay behind the main group. Water and doggy bags will be available for participants. All dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times.
October 13
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 Dam Parking Lot in River Preserve County Park, located one mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen (Directions Here). This hike is weather-dependent. Check this page for updates before heading out.
*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 14
Bonneyville Art Show
Display your family painting/art (no photos) featuring Bonneyville Mill. All art must be framed or matted and wall hangable. Frames cannot exceed 24 inches by 24 inches. The art show is limited to the first 50 registered selections. All selections will be on public display from October 14 to October 19 in Bonneyville Mill. Selections must be registered and delivered to Bonneyville Mill by October 10 during our open hours. The Mill is open Tuesday thru Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration, liability, and display forms must be filled out during drop-off. Don’t miss this opportunity to display your Bonneyville Art during this unique event.
October 16
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 16
October 16
Yoga in the Museum
Flow with history during this all-levels guided yoga class. Certified teacher Amanda of Innate Yoga will lead us through an empowering practice in the Museum’s gallery space. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats and water bottles. A limited number of mats will be available for use.
October 17
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 17
Benton 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, a disappearing ghost trick and other optical illusions. Meet at the Benton Dam parking lot in River Preserve County Park (Directions Here).
October 18
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 Dam Parking Lot in River Preserve County Park, located one mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen (Directions Here). This hike is weather-dependent. Check this page for updates before heading out.
*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 20
October 21
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. Join us this month at Corson Riverwoods County Park to learn about our parks, meet new people and let the fun begin. This hike has mostly flat terrain and is about 1 mile in length.
October 22
October 24
Halloween Campfire & Hayrides
The ever-popular Halloween Campfire & Hayrides are back for two nights of autumn delights. Bring your friends and family to experience exciting craft and activity stations, delicious food trucks, spooky décor, touch-a-truck, face painting, a hayride in the dark and more. Admission is $5/person and will be paid upon entry to the park instead of online. All hayrides are first-come, first-served, and will run throughout the event hours, with the last ride at 9:45 pm.
October 25
Halloween Campfire & Hayrides
The ever-popular Halloween Campfire & Hayrides are back for two nights of autumn delights. Bring your friends and family to experience exciting craft and activity stations, delicious food trucks, spooky décor, touch-a-truck, face painting, a hayride in the dark and more. Admission is $5/person and will be paid upon entry to the park instead of online. All hayrides are first-come, first-served, and will run throughout the event hours, with the last ride at 9:45 pm.
October 28
October 28
Grief Walk: Loss & Remembrance
Come together for a peaceful Grief Walk — a time to remember loved ones, offer mutual support, and find healing in the quiet embrace of nature. Co-sponsored by Elkhart County Parks, Elkhart County Health Department, Middlebury Public Library and Ryan’s Place Children’s Grief Support Center.
