Events

Community Ofrenda

November 1 at 9:00 AM

Celebrate Día de los Muertos by leaving an offering to honor and memorialize a departed loved one. Offerings may include photos, nonperishable food, and small decorations such as flowers, water, and battery-operated candles.

Día de los Muertos Family Day

November 1 at 1:00 PM

Observe Día de los Muertos with us at this family-friendly event full of music, dancing, crafts, traditional Mexican treats, and more! Enjoy all of these activities: 

• Live performance by Mariachi ECo – Elkhart County’s own multi-generational mariachi band (2:00 pm)
• Mexican folkloric dance by Tierra Viva (2:30 pm)
• Food Truck
• Craft stations – including the chance to make your own papel picado banner
• Community ofrenda
• Pan de muerto & sugar skull candy treats

Nature Nuts: Food Chains

November 4 at 9:30 AM

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) are invited to learn all about local food chains and how energy is passed along them. We will introduce predator and prey relationships, and learn about which animals are which through story, animal mounts, and games.

Wed. Bird Walk: Corson Hike

November 5 at 8:00 AM

Come hike at our newest park property – Corson Riverwoods! Our group will spend the morning birding along the river, woods, and prairies of this beautiful park colored by fall. Birds we’re likely to encounter include Pileated Woodpecker, American Kestrel, and Swamp Sparrow. The group will head out at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.

• What to Expect: Come prepared for a 1.5-mile hike.
• Suggested Gear: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers.

Nature Nuts: Food Chains

November 5 at 9:30 AM

Preschoolers (ages 3-5) are invited to learn all about local food chains and how energy is passed along them. We will introduce predator and prey relationships, and learn about which animals are which through story, animal mounts, and games.

Animated Pull Toy Workshop

November 7 at 5:00 PM

Looking for a unique gift idea? Build an animated wooden dog toy. All parts are pre-cut allowing for easy assembly at the program. Completed toy stands approximately 6 inches tall and 12 inches long. The legs move up and down and the ears sway as the toy is pulled by a cord across the floor.

Holiday at the Mill

November 8 at 10:00 AM

Horse-drawn carriages, cookies, and crafts are just a sampling of what visitors can look forward to at this free holiday celebration. Visitors can sample baked goods made with Bonneyville Mill flour at the One-Room Schoolhouse, snag some free recipes, as well as purchase their own for holiday baking. Kids will have the chance to meet and personally deliver their lists to Santa and Mrs. Claus (from 10 am-2 pm). Seasonal crafts, carriage rides (weather permitting), and grain milling demonstrations will keep the whole family entertained. We will have LIVE REINDEER this year from 11-1. Don’t miss out on the celebration – come be a part of Holiday at the Mill – the perfect start to your holiday season!

Books & Boots

November 14 at 1:00 PM

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.

Old-Fashioned Candy Making

November 14 at 5:00 PM

Learn the many ways humans have satisfied their sweet tooth throughout history. Experience the joy of old-fashioned candy making and try your hand at pulling taffy, whipping up potato candy, forming popcorn balls and other treats from scratch. This is a fun program for the whole family!

Volunteer Day: Boot Lake Bittersweet Removal

November 15 at 10:00 AM

Learn new skills, care for the environment, meet new friends, and be a part of something big — sign up for a Volunteer Day! On 11/15, assist park staff in removing the invasive bittersweet vines to make room for the native species which have more ecological significance.  Plan to bring water, work gloves and wear long pants. Advanced registration required. 

Blacksmith Flint Striker

November 15 at 10:00 AM

Take a trip back to yesteryear and join us for a blacksmithing demonstration. During this demonstration, you’ll witness the age-old craft of forging flint strikers—essential tools used for fire starting before the age of matches and lighters.

Trail Trekkers: Clay Pots

November 17 at 1:30 PM

Join a naturalist to learn how to make your own pot from clay. Participants will also discover the history of how some Native Americans used pottery to store their belongings.

Hiking Club Awards Night

November 18 at 6:00 PM

Members of the Elkhart County Parks Hiking Club are invited to celebrate the 2025 season with an evening sharing snacks, stories, and awards at this annual wrap-up party. Attendance awards will be presented to members and hiking stick medallions will be available to those in attendance.

Curiosity Club: Harvest

November 19 at 10:00 AM

Tap into your preschooler’s natural curiosity as we find out how people have celebrated the harvest through history. Join in the fun and learning with a physical activity, story, craft, and snack.

Yoga in the Museum

November 20 at 6:00 PM

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.

Mushing 101

November 22 at 1:00 PM

Heartland Mushers Association Inc. is partnering with Elkhart County Parks once again to offer a two-hour crash course on dog mushing. Dog owners are invited to bring their canine companions and see if they have what it takes to mush through a series of dryland training techniques and try their hand on a temporary dryland trail. Dogs must be at least 15 pounds to participate.

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).