Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
August 1
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.
August 2
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 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.
August 2
Bug Night
They’re creepy, they’re crawly and they’re back at this insect enthusiasts’ event! Look at a grasshopper through a lens, tromp through the grass in search of a firefly and taste a chocolate-covered cricket! There will be crafts and activities for all ages. Bring the entire family for an evening of buggy fun! Snacks will also be for available for sale.
August 6
August 7
Wed. Bird Walk: Little Birds on the Prairie
Step out for an adventurous hike seeking out birds, blooms, butterflies, and everything in-between! We’ll spend the morning exploring the sunflower-filled prairie, stopping to listen for the chattered calls of Sedge Wrens and the hiccups of Henslow’s Sparrows along the way. Then, head over to the wetland boardwalk to set up the spotting scopes, scan for waterbirds, and (with luck) see a show-stopping Osprey
dive for fish! Participants are encouraged to wear breathable bug-resistant layers and bring plenty of water to stay refreshed on this special extended walk. The group will head out at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike.
𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Water, hiking boots, and breathable bug-resistant layers.
August 7
August 9
August 10
Forest Bathing
Experience a two-hour guided forest bathing walk with certified guide, Juli. A series of guided, meditative invitations to find your own authentic way of interacting with the land will be offered. There is no right or wrong way to do it….just be yourself. All are welcome in the forest.
August 10
Volunteer Day: Corson Riverwoods 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 8/10, work with park staff to clean up in the woods of our newest park property. Plan to bring water, work gloves, and insect repellant. Snacks will be provided. Advanced registration required.
Meet at Corson Riverwoods County Park (Directions here).
August 13
Historic Goshen Walking Tour
Enjoy this historical walking tour as museum staff guide you through the streets of the Goshen, the seat of Elkhart County. Explore the interesting history of the city with stories of its buildings, businesses, and events. Guides will use historic images to illustrate how the Goshen has changed over its nearly 200-year history.
𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗔𝗧: East side of County Courthouse square in Goshen, IN (Directions here)
August 15
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.
August 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.
August 15
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.
August 16
River Greenway Bike Hike
Spend a relaxing hour riding your bicycle on the beautiful River Greenway bicycle trail along the Elkhart River in Elkhart. We will begin at the Ox Bow Haus shelter in Ox Bow County Park and ride along the MapleHeart Trail to meet up with the River Greenway near the Elkhart Environmental Center. Please bring your bike, a helmet and your favorite water bottle.
August 19
August 20
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 6pm. Join us this month at Boot Lake Nature Preserve. Learn about our parks, meet new people and let the fun begin. This hike has mostly flat terrain and is about 2.5 miles in length.
August 22
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.
August 23
August 24
Cast Iron Cookout & Swap Meet
Experience Northern Indiana’s Premier cast iron cooking event! Dutch oven enthusiasts and spectators are invited to come out to swap recipes, sample dishes, and learn cast-iron cooking tips from the experts at the annual Dutch Oven Gathering. Don’t miss this unique event!
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🥘 ~ . 𝗘 𝗩 𝗘 𝗡 𝗧 . 𝗦 𝗖 𝗛 𝗘 𝗗 𝗨 𝗟 𝗘 . ~ 🥘
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► 𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗣 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 (4-7 p.m.)
Buy/sale/trade cast iron cookware.
▹Cost for a swap meet space is $15 (Register by Aug 22)
▹To reserve your space, please call the Mill at 574-825-9324
► 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 (4-7 p.m.)
Sample delicious kettle soup and fresh Bonneyville Mill cornbread. Visitors can also sample delicious cookout creations at the Dutch Oven Gathering.
► 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡 𝟭𝟬𝟭 𝗦𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 (4:30 p.m.)
Learn the basics of cast iron cookware and care.
► 𝗗𝗨𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 (5-7 p.m.)
Visitors will see cast iron cooks in action during the Dutch Oven Gathering while local cast iron enthusiasts will gather and prepare a variety of dishes.
August 29
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.
August 29
Creatures of the Night: Moths
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. Who are these fragile night wanderers? These moonflowers of August’s darkness? Join us as we discover the irresistible color combinations and lives of these nocturnal butterflies with professor of entomology Andy Ammons. NOTE – Due to the fragile nature of the species, this program may not be suitable for younger children.
What to Expect: Come prepared for extended time outdoors. This program is weather-dependent. Please check the event page for updates before heading out.
Suggested Gear: Hiking shoes, breathable layers for buggy conditions, and a headlamp/flashlight.
Meet At: Feedlot Shelter at Bonneyville Mill County Park, 53373 C.R. 131 in Bristol. Directions here.
August 30
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.
