Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
May 1
Wed. Bird Walk: Migration Mania
Get ready for the greatest show on earth: spring migration! This year, we’re ramping things up with a full morning of birding at River Preserve’s best migration-magnet hotspots. All flavors of spring migrants can be expected this time of year here, including tanagers, vireos, and warblers. With luck, we’ll find over 60 species – all before lunch!
We’ll get an early start at 7:30 at the Benton Spillway, then speed-bird our way through the preserve with short site-to-site carpooling and hikes. The exact route and pacing will be up to the discretion of the leaders based on target species and bird activity, so be ready to move at peregrine speed! NOTE – As one of our most popular hikes of the year, please plan travel time accordingly — the group will head out at 7:30 a.m. sharp.
What to Expect: Come ready to speed-bird in a series of site-to-site hikes.
Suggested Gear: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers.
Meet at: Benton Spillway in River Preserve County Park, located 1 mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31. in Goshen (Directions here).
May 1
Ask A Curator
In recognition of National Preservation Week, the Elkhart County Historical Museum is partnering with area libraries to bring you “Ask a Curator” pop-ups around the County. Do you have questions about preservation, how you can best preserve their own treasures, are even just curious about what museums and archives do? Visit the pop-up closest to you for resources and to chat with us!
We will be meeting at the Elkhart Public Library.
May 1
Ask A Curator
In recognition of National Preservation Week, the Elkhart County Historical Museum is partnering with area libraries to bring you “Ask a Curator” pop-ups around the County. Do you have questions about preservation, how you can best preserve their own treasures, are even just curious about what museums and archives do? Visit the pop-up closest to you for resources and to chat with us!
We will be meeting at the Goshen Public Library.
May 2
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
May 2
Ask A Curator
In recognition of National Preservation Week, the Elkhart County Historical Museum is partnering with area libraries to bring you “Ask a Curator” pop-ups around the County. Do you have questions about preservation, how you can best preserve their own treasures, are even just curious about what museums and archives do? Visit the pop-up closest to you for resources and to chat with us!
We will be meeting at the Wakarusa Public Library.
May 2
Ask A Curator
In recognition of National Preservation Week, the Elkhart County Historical Museum is partnering with area libraries to bring you “Ask a Curator” pop-ups around the County. Do you have questions about preservation, how you can best preserve their own treasures,
are even just curious about what museums and archives do? Visit the pop-up closest to you for resources and to chat with us!
We will be meeting at the Nappanee Public Library.
May 3
Ask A Curator
In recognition of National Preservation Week, the Elkhart County Historical Museum is partnering with area libraries to bring you “Ask a Curator” pop-ups around the County. Do you have questions about preservation, how you can best preserve their own treasures, are even just curious about what museums and archives do? Visit the pop-up closest to you for resources and to chat with us!
We will be meeting at the Elkhart Public Library- Cleveland Branch.
May 3
Ask A Curator
In recognition of National Preservation Week, the Elkhart County Historical Museum is partnering with area libraries to bring you “Ask a Curator” pop-ups around the County. Do you have questions about preservation, how you can best preserve their own treasures, are even just curious about what museums and archives do? Visit the pop-up closest to you for resources and to chat with us!
We will be meeting at the Elkhart Public Library – Osolo Branch.
May 4
Volunteer Day: Cobus 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 5/4, assist park staff with cleaning and prepping the gardens for the growing season. Plan to bring water, work gloves and your favorite garden tools. Advanced registration required.
May 4
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tours
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.
May 4
Spring Plant Exchange
Do you have extra plants growing in your garden? Celebrate spring by bringing in your spare seeds, bulbs, and plants, and trade them with your fellow gardeners to bring home something new. Plants brought in for the exchange should be healthy, potted, and labeled. Exchange begins at 1pm, so be sure to arrive early to unload and sort plants.
May 4
Backpacking Trip
May the Forth be with us as we pack up our backpacks with everything needed to hike the 13-mile Bloodroot Trail at Salamonie State Park and Reservoir. Saturday we will load up the van and head to Bloodroot trailhead south of Andrews, IN. We will hike a few miles before setting up camp for the night on Salamonie Lake. Sunday we will hike the victory to trail completion. Survivors will receive an official Bloodroot Trail Patch. Limit 15 people. Priority will be given to those who have attended one or more of the Backpacking Clinic series.
We will be meeting at the Ox Bow County Park Service Center before heading off to Salamonie.
May 5
Wild Edibles
Spring always provides such a bountiful display of delicious wild edibles, if you know what to look for. Please join us as we experience mother nature at her best. A sampling of these delicious springtime delicacies will include fried dandelions, wild leek with bacon and stinging nettle soup rich in vitamin C and so delicious with wild mint tea. Come for the food, stay for the hike.
May 7
May 8
May 9
Baintertown History Hike
Baintertown Park has multiple layers of history. In this interpretive walk around the site, you will learn about Native American history; the Wyland family who came to the site in 1830s and developed the area; and the Bainters who arrived in the 1860s and operated several mills. Also, you’ll see the Hydroelectric Plant that was built by the Interstate Public Service Company in the 1920s. Come out to see your history in the parks!
We will be meeting at Baintertown Park in River Preserve County Park, located at 67380 Co Rd 29 in New Paris (Directions here).
May 11
Dogapalooza
Bring your canine companions out for 5 full hours of dog and people-friendly activities! We have partnered with the Humane Society of Elkhart County to make this fun festival even better with food trucks, a 5K run, 1 1-mile walk, live music, local doggy vendors, dog rescues, and much more. “Bark” your calendars for a paws-itively great day!
Want to take part in the Paws for a Cause 5k Run & 1m Walk? Register here!
Schedule of Events:
- 10:30am – Paws For A Cause 5K
- 10:45am – Strut Your Mutt 1-mile walk
- 11:00am – Food Trucks & Vendors Open
- 12:00pm – Doggy Yoga
- 12:30pm – Live Music
- 2:00pm – Low Stress Handling Demo
- 2:30pm – Dog/Owner Look-A-Like Contest
- 3:00pm – K9 Demo with Goshen City Police
- 3:30pm – Dog Costume Parade
May 11
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tours
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.
May 14
Herbalism
Take an in-depth look at wild plants: Stinging Nettle, Dandelion, and Mullein to see how these plants can support you in nutrition and wellness during this season of many changes. Learn how and when to harvest these plants common to our area. Be handed some tried-and-true recipes of each herb.
May 16
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
May 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 open hours.
May 16
P.O.W! – Camping
Parks Outdoor Women (P.O.W) gives women introductory experiences and instruction in various outdoor activities. Each month will focus on a different outdoor activity at an alternating Elkhart County Park. This group promotes friendship, leadership, adventure and enjoyment in the great outdoors.
May 17
Maple Heart Bike Hike
Pump up your tires and put on your helmets for a bike hike along the Maple Heart Trail that connects Elkhart and Goshen. Families, friend groups or individuals are invited to join a naturalist for a 12-mile ride from Ox Bow County Park to Abshire Park in Goshen and back again. Riders must provide their own bike, helmet and water bottle.
May 18
Hoosier Riverwatch Workshop
This basic training is an introduction to the Hoosier Riverwatch program and different hands-on water quality monitoring methods. Participants will learn about aquatic habitats and will be trained in chemical and biological assessment techniques. The session will be held in and out-of-doors. All interested persons, age 18 and over, are welcome to attend free of charge. No previous experience necessary.
May 18
Feature Grain Day
Barley is the feature grain this month. Barley flour has a mild flavor and is great for muffins, quick breads and pie crust. All feature grain days in 2024 will highlight a grain that is not a normal part of our line-up. The resulting flour/meal will be a LIMITED EDITION product available for a short time. Make sure to attend to get yours before it’s gone. Grinding demonstrations of Barley will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
May 18
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tours
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.
May 20
May 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 6 pm. Join us this month at DeFries Gardens in the River Preserve County Park. Learn about our parks, meet new people, and let the fun begin. This hike has mostly flat terrain and is less than 1 mile in length.
May 23
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
May 24
Cobus Family Campout
Bring your friends and family on an overnight adventure. Enjoy an evening wildlife hike, treats over the fire, and other naturalist-led activities for all ages. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday.
Tents are available to borrow, if needed. The event runs 6 p.m. Friday – 1 p.m. Saturday.
May 25
Volunteer Day: Benton Canal 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 5/25, work with park staff and paddling enthusiasts to clear fallen trees and debris for easier passage through the canal. Please bring a canoe or kayak, handsaw, pruners, loppers, or other tools. Plan to bring water and work gloves. Insect repellent and hats are recommended. Snacks will be provided. Advanced registration required.
Meet at the Benton Spillway parking lot in River Preserve County Park, located 1 mile south of U.S. 33 on C.R. 31 in Goshen (Directions here).
May 25
Tie-Dye T-shirts
We’re joining forces with the Middlebury Public Library to bring some fun, family programming again this year. At this program, participants will tie-dye shirts and take them home to wear all summer long. Just bring a lightly-colored shirt you are comfortable tie-dyeing and the dyeing supplies will be provided. For more information, visit https://mdypl.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
May 30
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tours
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.
May 30
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is done while seated or using a chair for balance. Naturalist Sarah (200RYT) will take cues from nature to guide participants in strengthening and stretching poses. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats are available, bring your own if you have one.
May 30
Yoga in the Park
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.
May 30
Creatures of the Night: Marsh Mammals
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. In May, join us for a walkabout at Waterford Wetlands scanning the marshy edges for beavers, muskrats, otters, and other bog-dwellers hidden within. Come experience the sounds of tail-slaps, critter chirps, and learn how to spot the signs of wetland mammals mucking about. NOTE – This program includes a 1.5-mile hike under quiet conditions listening for wildlife, and may not be suitable for younger children.
What to Expect: Come prepared for a 1.5-mile hike in muddy terrain. This hike is weather-dependent. Please check the event page for updates before heading out.
Suggested Gear: Rainboots and waterproof layers.
Meet At: Waterford Wetlands by the Mennonite Church lot – 65975 IN-15, Goshen, IN (Directions here)
