Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
October 3
October 4
Wednesday Bird Walk: Woodpeckers
Knock, knock…who’s there? This month, we’re tapping into the lives of those curious headbangers known as “woodpeckers”. From the diminutive Downy to the powerful Pileated, come along for a hike seeking out all seven woodpecker species found in our state. Along the way, we’ll learn about their unique adaptations, easy ways to tell them apart by sight and sound, and other fascinating facts
You’ll leave with a head full of so much woodpecker wisdom, it’ll feel like you’re the one bashing your head into a tree.
The group will head out at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
October 4
October 5
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200hr YTT) will take cues for nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available. Bring your own if you have one.
October 7
Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast
Pancakes never tasted so good! Start your day with a delicious breakfast of buckwheat pancakes and sausage and see the old grist mill in action as it grinds grain into flour. Breakfast will be prepared and served under the Feedlot Shelter, across the street from the Mill. There will be one-pound flour bag giveaways every 30 minutes, so don’t miss out!
October 7
Fall Bike Ride
Pump up your tires and put your helmets on for a family-friendly bike ride along the picturesque Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. Join a naturalist for a 12-mile ride through the beautiful countryside enjoying the fresh air, the birds and the blooms along the way. Bikers will start at Abshire Park, travel 6 miles to CR 20 intersection and turn around for 6 miles back to Abshire Park. Please bring a bicycle and helmet! Come for the adventure, ride for the fun!
October 7
October 11
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 12
Beginning Backpacking Clinic – Session One
Interested in wilderness backpacking, but aren’t sure where to start? From trip planning to choosing equipment, join outdoor enthusiast, Clark Richardes, to discover the joy of backpacking in one or both of this two-session clinic. Topics covered in each session will be determined by registrant interest.
Common questions addressed: Where are my nearest options to hit the trail? How do I stay safe and comfortable far from civilization? What gear to get?
October 12
History Detective: Advertising Alka Seltzer
Get an in depth look at the exhibit Advertising Alka Seltzer: The Marketing that Made Miles. Alka Seltzer, developed in Elkhart, is one the most iconic medicines an American history. Much of the success of Alka Seltzer came from the now famous marketing campaigns. Learn about how these advertisements became part of American culture.
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 Spillway Shelter in River Preserve County Park, located one mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen.
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
October 16
October 17
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.
This month, hikers will enjoy a hilly 1.25 miles hike through the beauty of Bonneyville Mill County Park. Meet at the Briar Patch Shelter, located on the south side of the park, on C.R. 8.
October 20
Dog Walk
Enjoy a casual evening walk with your dog through Bonneyville Mill County Park. You and your dog will experience the many sights, sounds, and smells the park has to offer, and get to know other dog walkers, too. Water and doggy bags will be available for all participants. All dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times.
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 Benton Spillway Shelter in River Preserve County Park, located one mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen.
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
Volunteer Day: Museum 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 10/21, work with park staff put the museum flowerbeds to bed for the winter. Plan to bring water, work gloves and your favorite garden tools. Advanced registration required.
Meet at the Elkhart Historical Museum, located at 304 West Vistula St. in Bristol (Directions here).
October 26
Beginning Backpacking Clinic – Session Two
Interested in wilderness backpacking, but aren’t sure where to start? From trip planning to choosing equipment, join outdoor enthusiast, Clark Richardes, to discover the joy of backpacking in one or both of this two-session clinic. Topics covered in each session will be determined by registrant interest.
Common questions addressed: Where are my nearest options to hit the trail? How do I stay safe and comfortable far from civilization? What gear to get?
October 27
Halloween Campfire & Hayrides
The ever-popular Halloween Campfire & Hayrides are back for two nights of autumn delights with a few new twists. 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 are first-come, first-served, and will run throughout the event hours, with the last ride at 9:45 pm.
All the latest details and updates here.
Thanks to event sponsors Interra Credit Union and Thor Industries.
October 28
Halloween Campfire & Hayrides
The ever-popular Halloween Campfire & Hayrides are back for two nights of autumn delights with a few new twists. 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 are first-come, first-served, and will run throughout the event hours, with the last ride at 9:45 pm.
All the latest details and updates here.
Thanks to event sponsors Interra Credit Union and Thor Industries.
