Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
October 1
Sunrise 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 Museumβs gallery space. A limited number of mats will be available for use.
β’ Suggested Gear: Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats and water bottles.
October 2
October Bike Ride
Our final bike ride of the season will be a scenic 45-minute ride each way along the beautiful, mostly flat and paved Pumpkinvine Bike Trail. Bikers will meet at Abshire Park trailhead and ride to Mooeyβs Ice Cream for a sweet treat (weather & seasonal hours permitting). Please bring money for ice cream, a helmet, a water bottle, and your bike.
October 3
Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast
The Elkhart County Parks is celebrating fall by serving up some delicious pancakes made with our own buckwheat flour. The breakfast will include buckwheat pancakes, sausage, syrup, butter, and drinks. Come out and join us any time between 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m to enjoy this delicious breakfast under the Feedlot shelter roof. The Mill will be open for tours and demonstrations at 8:30 a.m. Bonneyville Mill flour and gift items will be available for purchase. There will be one-pound flour bag giveaways every 30 minutes. Donβt miss out!
October 3
Witness Trees of Elkhart County
Experience the story of Elkhart County through the eyes of some of its oldest residents: trees! Our 100, 200, and 300+ year old trees have been witnesses to centuries of history and change. They also support their own unique ecosystems and play a special role in the habitats where they grow. Join this caravan driving and hiking tour to see, touch, and admire some of Elkhart Countyβs biggest and oldest trees.
β’ What to Expect: Participants must provide their own transportation β carpooling is encouraged! Restrooms and water only available at some stops.
October 6
October 6
Lights Off Walking Club
Each Tuesday evening in October and November join us for a unique nighttime adventureβno flashlights allowed! Let your eyes adjust as you explore the park under the natural glow of the moon and stars. This guided hike heightens your senses, inviting you to listen closely, move mindfully, and experience the sights and sounds of the night in a whole new way.
October 7
Wed. Bird Walk: Marsh Meander
Spend the morning at Elkhart Bog and Boot Lake as we search for shorebirds, waterfowl and migrating songbirds. Weβll meet at Elkhart Bog (directions here) for a prairie and marsh meander, then head over to Boot Lake (15 min away) with our spotting scopes for some laid-back waterbird watching. Binoculars and scopes will be available for use.
The group will head out at 8 a.m. β please plan travel time accordingly.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: This tour includes two locations (15 min apart). Come prepared to carpool/caravan.
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Hiking boots & weather-ready layers (binoculars will be available for use).
October 7
October 9
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 Saint 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 the 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.
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: 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.
October 13
October 13
Trail Running Club (Corson)
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.
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
October 13
Lights Off Walking Club
Each Tuesday evening in October and November join us for a unique nighttime adventureβno flashlights allowed! Let your eyes adjust as you explore the park under the natural glow of the moon and stars. This guided hike heightens your senses, inviting you to listen closely, move mindfully, and experience the sights and sounds of the night in a whole new way.
October 15
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.
October 15
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 the 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 16
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.
October 16
Weird Indiana
Michiana is saturated with interesting, haunted facilities and stories of the supernatural and strange creatures. During this presentation, participants will learn about area hauntings, strange creatures and bizarre circumstances. Feel free to bring your own stories as well. Afterwards get ready for an optional moonlight hike through the park.
October 19
Trail Trekkers: Fall Colors
Nature explorers (ages 6-9) are invited to join a naturalist on a fun, fall hike to discover the beautiful colors of autumn leaves! Kids will walk the trails, spot red, orange, and yellow trees, and learn why leaves change colors in the fall as the seasons change.
Meet at the 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).
October 20
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 October we’ll meet at Lieber Nature Preserve north of Bristol. The trail is well packed with very little elevation change. The hike will be almost one mile in length. Check out the Elkhart County Parks 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. Parking is very limited, so please carpool if possible.
β’ π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Hiking apparel
October 20
Lights Off Walking Club (Corson)
Each Tuesday evening in October and November join us for a unique nighttime adventureβno flashlights allowed! Let your eyes adjust as you explore the park under the natural glow of the moon and stars. This guided hike heightens your senses, inviting you to listen closely, move mindfully, and experience the sights and sounds of the night in a whole new way.
October 20
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 the 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 21
Curiosity Club: Libraries
Tap into your preschoolerβs natural curiosity as we visit the Bristol Public Library! Join in the fun and learning with an exploration of everything the library has to offer, a story, craft, and snack. All Curiosity Club classes in 2026 will have a civics component. Letβs learn together about the helpers in our community!
β’ πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: We will meet at the Elkhart County Historical Museum and then walk (or drive!) to the Bristol Public Library across the street.
October 23
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 decor, touch-a-truck, face painting, and a hayride in the dark. 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.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor – Interra Credit Union!
Epic Dance Studios will be joining us this year for a few amazing student performances of Thriller by Michael Jackson.Β You won’t want to miss it!
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 decor, touch-a-truck, face painting, and a hayride in the dark. 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.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor – Interra Credit Union!
Epic Dance Studios will be joining us this year for a few amazing student performances of Thriller by Michael Jackson.Β You won’t want to miss it!
October 27
October 27
Lights Off Walking Club (Bonneyville)
Each Tuesday evening in October and November join us for a unique nighttime adventureβno flashlights allowed! Let your eyes adjust as you explore the park under the natural glow of the moon and stars. This guided hike heightens your senses, inviting you to listen closely, move mindfully, and experience the sights and sounds of the night in a whole new way.
