Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
September 4
Wed. Bird Walk: Fall Frenzy
A feathery invasion is dropping into our parks this month as migration kicks into high gear. Witness the migratory magic at River Preserve on a special extended bird walk. Tracing the Elkhart River corridor, the 350-acre preserve provides a crucial stopping point for south-bound birds to rest and refuel. Our group will follow the path of songbirds moving along the Elkhart River corridor, and watch them weave their way through the trees, snatching insects as their fast food. Seasonal specialties, like Olive-sided Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Vireo, along with 20 different warbler species are all likely to be seen. Let’s give these beautiful birds a proper send-off. Before you know it, they’ll be gone faster than you can say, “So long and thanks for all the flies”. 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: 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).
September 5
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.
September 7
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour
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. $4/person at the door (12 & under are free)
September 8
Gene Stratton-Porter Day
Indiana native, Gene Stratton-Porter, was an author and conservationist. Indiana flora and fauna were the source of inspiration for her well-known books of fiction and non-fiction alike, giving readers of any generation a description of 19th century landscape. On September 8, 1914, Gene Stratton-Porter documented a visit to the Elkhart River flats for botanical study. As we gather on the 110th anniversary of this excursion, we will head back in time to learn some history of Gene’s life and works. Participates will be encouraged to take their own Nature Notes of the day as a time capsule for generations to come.
September 10
September 10
Bonneyville Art Show
Display your family painting/art (no photos) featuring Bonneyville Mill. All art must be framed or matted and wall hangable. Frames cannot exceed 24 inches by 24 inches. The art show is limited to the first 30 registered selections. All selections will be on public display from September 10 to September 15 in Bonneyville Mill. Selections must be registered and delivered to Bonneyville Mill by September 8 during
our open hours. The Mill is open Tuesday thru Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration, liability and display forms must be filled out during drop off. Don’t miss this opportunity to display your Bonneyville Art during
this unique event.
September 11
September 12
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.
September 13
Summer Astronomy
Each season brings changes to the plants and animals around us, but don’t forget about the changes above our heads. Join a Park Naturalist in hearing about the interesting Greek & Roman mythology behind many of our amazing summer constellations. Participants will also enjoy snacks, make-n-take star chart and helpful tips on how to find the constellations. Sky viewing through a telescope will also take place depending on cloud cover.
September 14
Bonneyville Bird Fest
Join the Elkhart County Parks and Elkhart County Soil & Water Conservation District in a birdy celebration with everything feathered, flying and fabulous! There will be bird associations and organizations to chat with, vendors to purchase birding accessories from, bird walks and talks, bird-inspired games and activities, food and more! Bring the entire family and spread your wings for some birdy fun!
September 14
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour
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. Cost: $4/person at the door (12 & under are free)
September 16
September 17
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 Black Maple Shelter in Ox Bow County Park. Learn about our parks, meet new people and let the fun begin. This hike has slightly hilly terrain and is about 1.75 miles in length.
September 19
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.
September 19
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.
September 19
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.
September 19
P.O.W! – Photography
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.
September 20
Pumpkinvine Bike Hike
Pump up your tires and put your helmets on for a bike hike along the 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 Mooey’s Ice Cream Shop, enjoy a sweet treat and turn around trip for 6 miles back to Abshire Park. All riders must provide their own bike, helmet, water bottle and cash for ice cream.
𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗔𝗧: Abshire Park in Goshen, IN (Directions here)
September 21
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour
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. Cost: $4/person at the door (12 & under are free)
September 23
Tree ID Hike
Leaves are falling and now is a perfect time to join a naturalist to identify local tree species. From the mighty oak to the delicate red bud, each tree has unique characteristics and features, which will be explored during the hike.
We will meet at Benton Spillway in River Preserve County Park (Directions here).
September 26
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.
September 26
Creatures of the Night: Spiders
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 September, we’ll step out to find one of the creepiest of crawlies – the spider. Come brave the dark and see this fascinating, phobia-inducing creature in action on a spider-seeking night hike. Spider specialist, Linda Strain, will join us to identify and share fascinating facts about this eight-legged creature.
What to Expect: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike. This program is weather-dependent. Please check the event page
for updates before heading out.
Suggested Gear: Hiking shoes, flashlight/headlamp, and extra layers (if it’s a cooler night).
Meet At: Benton Dam in River Preserve County Park, located 1 mile south of US-33 on C.R. 31 in Goshen (Directions here).
September 28
The History of Apple Trees & Apple Science
We’re joining forces with the Middlebury Public Library to bring some fun, family programming again this year. At this program, we’ll learn about the history of apples in the United States, taste various apples, and do a fun experiment together. For more information, visit https://mdypl.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
September 28
Crossroads of Elkhart County Guided Tour
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. Cost: $4/person at the door (12 & under are free)
