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Events

Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!

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July 1

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 1 at 1:00 PM

More info Cost: $4/person at the door (Free for ages 12 & under) Ages: All
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Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 1 at 1:00 PM

Walk through our Crossroads of Elkhart County exhibit with the museum staff who developed it! Staff will take you through this national award-winning exhibit that examines how our area got the name “Elkhart,” the contributions of the Miami and Potawatomi, the impact of European nations on the region, and influence the railroads have had on the community for over 170 years. 

July 5

Wednesday Bird Walk: Rainbow Bingo

July 5 at 8:00 AM

Location Cobus Creek
More info Cost: Free Ages: 8+
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Wednesday Bird Walk: Rainbow Bingo

July 5 at 8:00 AM

Start the day off seeking out a spectrum of vibrant birds at Cobus Creek. We’re adding some fun to this rainbow tour with a birding bingo challenge. Let’s see how many our group can spot on a walk along woodlands, waterways, and meadows seeking out the colorful bird life hidden within. Some vibrant birds we’re likely to encounter include Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, and Yellow Warbler. 

The group will head out at 8 a.m. – please plan travel time accordingly. 

July 5

Nature Nuts: Turtles

July 5 at 9:30 AM

Register By July 3
Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: $4/child (Limit 12) Ages: 3-5
Learn more Register now

Nature Nuts: Turtles

July 5 at 9:30 AM

From a tiny painted turtle hatchling to the impressively, large snapping turtle, these shelled reptiles are fascinating and fun.  Preschoolers (ages 3-5) will meet live turtles, make a cute craft, and immerse themselves into the life of a turtle for the morning. 

July 7

Books and Boots

July 7 at 1:00 PM

Location Ox Bow  >  Cottonwood Shelter
More info Cost: Free Ages: 9-12
Learn more Register now

Books and Boots

July 7 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, The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver by Thornton Burgess. 

July 8

Volunteer Day: Ox Bow Trail Maintenance

July 8 at 10:00 AM

Register By July 7
Location Ox Bow  >  Cottonwood Shelter
More info Cost: no fee Ages: All
Learn more Register now

Volunteer Day: Ox Bow Trail Maintenance

July 8 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 7/8, work with park staff to spread mulch, trim edges and remove invasive species along well traveled trails. Plan to bring water and work gloves. Insect repellant, sunscreen and long pants are recommended. Advanced registration required.  

Meet at the Cottonwood Shelter in Ox Bow County Park, located at 23033 C.R.45 in Dunlap. Park admission will be waived for all participants. 

July 8

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 8 at 1:00 PM

More info Cost: $4/person at the door (Free for ages 12 & under) Ages: All
Learn more

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 8 at 1:00 PM

Walk through our Crossroads of Elkhart County exhibit with the museum staff who developed it! Staff will take you through this national award-winning exhibit that examines how our area got the name “Elkhart,” the contributions of the Miami and Potawatomi, the impact of European nations on the region, and influence the railroads have had on the community for over 170 years. 

July 8

Sweet Cycle Ride

July 8 at 6:00 PM

Register By July 7
Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: Free (Limit 15) Ages: All (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
Learn more Register now

Sweet Cycle Ride

July 8 at 6:00 PM

What could be better than a nice summer ride with friends, family, and delicious ice cream?  If this sounds tempting, join us for one of our Sweet Cycle rides on the 2nd Saturday of each month this summer. This month’s ride will begin at Ox Bow County Park and will follow the Maple Heart Trail to the Vanilla Bean Creamery for a cool, refreshing treat.  Cyclists will return to Ox Bow giving riders a total of 11 sweet cycling miles. 

July 11

Adventure Bike Camp

July 11 at 12:00 PM

Register By July 7
Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: $50/person (Limit 15) Ages: 9 -13
Learn more Register now

Adventure Bike Camp

July 11 at 12:00 PM

Embark on an adventure along bike-friendly trails at our cycling camp this summer. Each day will bring new discoveries for cyclists, ages 9-13, as we seek out fun destinations and activities together. Each day will also have different start and end locations where we will swim, eat sweet treats and experience the fun and adventure Elkhart County has to offer. All you need is a bike, helmet, water bottle, backpack, and sense of adventure!

Adventure Bike Camp runs 7/11-13, 12 -4 p.m. (daily).

July 12

Open House at the Schoolhouse

July 12 at 10:00 AM

More info Cost: Free Ages: All
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Open House at the Schoolhouse

July 12 at 10:00 AM

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.

July 12

History Detective: House Histories

July 12 at 2:00 PM

Register By July 12
More info Cost: Free Ages: 14+
Learn more Register now

History Detective: House Histories

July 12 at 2:00 PM

Become a history detective! Guided by the museum’s Curator of Collections, learn how to research houses and other buildings using the resources available in the Elkhart County Historical Museum’s library and archives. Learn about other research resources around the county as well. Registration is free but space is limited. Us the link below or call (574) 848-4322.

July 12

History Detective: House Histories

July 12 at 6:00 PM

Register By July 12
More info Cost: Free Ages: 14+
Learn more Register now

History Detective: House Histories

July 12 at 6:00 PM

Become a history detective! Guided by the museum’s Curator of Collections, learn how to research houses and other buildings using the resources available in the Elkhart County Historical Museum’s library and archives. Learn about other research resources around the county as well. Registration is free but space is limited. Us the link below or call (574) 848-4322.

July 15

Family Foraging Walk

July 15 at 10:00 AM

Register By July 15
More info Cost: no fee Ages: All
Learn more Register now

Family Foraging Walk

July 15 at 10:00 AM

Join us for a family-friendly walk to forage, or gather, the wild and deliciously, edible bounty of the forest.  

In partnership with Elkhart County Parks, Middlebury Public Library will offer monthly programs from May-September that focus on spending time (and appreciating the) outdoors, connecting with family and friends, and experiencing the beautiful natural wonder in our county’s parks. 

No fee and all ages are welcome.  

July 15

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 15 at 1:00 PM

More info Cost: $4/person at the door (Free for ages 12 & under) Ages: All
Learn more

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 15 at 1:00 PM

Walk through our Crossroads of Elkhart County exhibit with the museum staff who developed it! Staff will take you through this national award-winning exhibit that examines how our area got the name “Elkhart,” the contributions of the Miami and Potawatomi, the impact of European nations on the region, and influence the railroads have had on the community for over 170 years. 

July 17

Trail Trekkers: Orienteering

July 17 at 1:30 PM

Register By July 14
Location Ox Bow  >  Stable Shelter
More info Cost: $2/child (Limit 15) Ages: 6-9
Learn more Register now

Trail Trekkers: Orienteering

July 17 at 1:30 PM

Youth (ages 6-9) will discover the fun and adventure of using a compass to find their way through interactive games, hikes and other exciting activities with Brandon Blackmer, Bonneyville Mill Interpreter.  Compasses will be provided. 

July 17

Creatures of the Night: Fireflies

July 17 at 9:30 PM

Location Benton Spillway in River Preserve County Park
More info Cost: Free Ages: All
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Creatures of the Night: Fireflies

July 17 at 9:30 PM

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. 

Delight in the nostalgic evening bliss of catching and releasing fireflies. Meet at the Benton Spillway to learn about their fun lifecycle, how and why they flash, and why we want more of them around.  Participants will also try out their citizen scientist skills as we enter our findings into the Firefly Watch Community Science Project that monitors firefly populations throughout our country.   

July 18

Hiking Club

July 18 at 6:00 PM

Register By July 17
Location Dairy Queen Parking Lot in Middlebury (416 N Main St, Middlebury)
More info Cost: Free Ages: All
Learn more Register now

Hiking Club

July 18 at 6:00 PM

Hiking Club plus a potential ice cream treat is a great way to spend a Tuesday evening. Meet the Hiking Club at the Dairy Queen parking lot in Middlebury. The hike will follow the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail for an out and back adventure. When the hike is finished participants are welcome to treat themselves to an ice cream treat. The hike is 3 miles long. It is all flat and a paved surface.   

July 18

Eco Board Game Night

July 18 at 6:00 PM

Register By July 11
Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: no fee (Limit 20) Ages: 10+
Learn more Register now

Eco Board Game Night

July 18 at 6:00 PM

Love board games and nature?  Join us for a night of fun, community and learning at one of our board game nights this summer. Learn about habitats, food webs, water and animals through gaming. Board games and instruction will be provided. 

July 19

Yoga in the Park

July 19 at 6:00 PM

Register By July 19
More info Cost: $5/person Ages: 14-17
Learn more Register now

Yoga in the Park

July 19 at 6:00 PM

Join Registered Yoga Teacher Amanda for an hour of empowering yoga geared towards teens. Enjoy guided practice welcoming of all skill levels in a relaxing park environment. Yoga benefits for teens: physical stamina, emotional regulation, stress reduction and confidence. 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.

July 20

Yoga in the Park

July 20 at 6:00 PM

Register By July 20
More info Cost: $5/person Ages: 18+
Learn more Register now

Yoga in the Park

July 20 at 6:00 PM

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.

July 21

Bike Hike

July 21 at 6:00 PM

Register By July 20
Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: Free Ages: All
Learn more Register now

Bike Hike

July 21 at 6:00 PM

Pump up your tires and put on your helmets for a bike hike along the Maple Heart and Elkhart River Greenway trails from Ox Bow County Park.  Families, friend groups or individuals are invited to join a naturalist for a 10-mile ride through the woods and along the river as you experience this urban oasis. Riders must provide their own bike, helmet and water bottle. 

July 22

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 22 at 1:00 PM

More info Cost: $4/person at the door (Free for ages 12 & under) Ages: All
Learn more

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 22 at 1:00 PM

Walk through our Crossroads of Elkhart County exhibit with the museum staff who developed it! Staff will take you through this national award-winning exhibit that examines how our area got the name “Elkhart,” the contributions of the Miami and Potawatomi, the impact of European nations on the region, and influence the railroads have had on the community for over 170 years. 

July 29

Feature Grain Day

July 29 at 11:00 AM

Location Bonneyville Mill
More info Cost: Free Ages: All
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Feature Grain Day

July 29 at 11:00 AM

On July 29, visitors to Bonneyville Mill will have the opportunity to watch our granite millstones grind white corn into white cornmeal and white grits. Baked samples made from white cornmeal will be available for sampling. 

July 29

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 29 at 1:00 PM

More info Cost: $4/person at the door (Free for ages 12 & under) Ages: All
Learn more

Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour

July 29 at 1:00 PM

Walk through our Crossroads of Elkhart County exhibit with the museum staff who developed it! Staff will take you through this national award-winning exhibit that examines how our area got the name “Elkhart,” the contributions of the Miami and Potawatomi, the impact of European nations on the region, and influence the railroads have had on the community for over 170 years. 

July 31

Native Plant ID

July 31 at 5:00 PM

Register By July 28
More info Cost: no fee (Limit 20) Ages: All
Learn more Register now

Native Plant ID

July 31 at 5:00 PM

Join us for an evening full of native plant identification and hiking with Pheasants Forever and the Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District.  Learn some tips and tricks on how to identify, what kinds of native plants are out there and why they are so important.

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