Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
November 1
Ofrenda Comunitaria/Community Ofrenda
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by leaving an offering to honor and memorialize a deceased loved one. Offerings may include photos, nonperishable food, small decorations including flowers, water, battery-operated candles, etc. The ofrenda is open when the Museum is open: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.
November 1
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.
November 1
Corn Husk Dolls
Corn husk dolls were a favorite among the pioneer and Native American children. These dolls were made exclusively of corn husks and string. People still make these dolls today as a hobby! Please join us as we replicate this early art form. All materials will be provided, and an instructor will guide you each step of the way. This program requires a lot of tight knots and is probably not suitable for very young children.
November 2
Ofrenda Comunitaria/Community Ofrenda
Celebrate Día de los Muertos by leaving an offering to honor and memorialize a deceased loved one. Offerings may include photos, nonperishable food, small decorations including flowers, water, battery-operated candles, etc. The ofrenda is open when the Museum is open: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.
November 2
Holiday at the Mill
Horse-drawn carriages, cookies, and crafts are just a sampling of what visitors can look forward to at this free holiday celebration. Visitors can sample baked goods made with Bonneyville Mill flour at the One-Room Schoolhouse, snag some free recipes, as well as purchase their own for holiday baking. Kids will have the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and personally deliver their lists (from 10 am-2 pm). Seasonal crafts, carriage rides (weather permitting), and grain milling demonstrations will keep the whole family entertained. We will have LIVE REINDEER this year from 11-1. Don’t miss out on the celebration – come be a part of Holiday at the Mill – the perfect start to your holiday season!
November 2
November 5
November 6
Wed. Bird Walk: Corson Hike
Come hike at our newest park property – Corson Riverwoods! Our group will spend the morning birding along the river, woods, and prairies of this beautiful park colored by fall. Birds we’re likely to encounter include Pileated Woodpeckers, American Kestrels, and Swamp Sparrows. The group will head out at 8 a.m. — please plan travel time accordingly.
• What to Expect: Come prepared for a 1.5-mile hike
• Suggested Gear: Hiking boots and weather-ready layers
• Getting There: Corson Riverwoods is located north of Middlebury at the corner of C.R. 12 & 37 (12773 C.R. 12) – [ View Map Directions ]
November 6
November 16
Volunteer Day: Boot Lake Bittersweet Removal
Learn new skills, care for the environment, meet new friends, and be a part of something big — sign up for a Volunteer Day! On 11/16, assist park staff in removing the tangled vines of bittersweet from the park. Plan to bring water, work gloves and loppers (if you have them). Advanced registration required.
November 16
Crossroads Collections Tour
Experience the Museum’s leading exhibition, The Crossroads of Elkhart County, in a whole new way! This guided tour focuses on the objects and their stories as part of a museum collection. How do we know the mammoth tusk belonged to a male? What’s the mystery of the bog iron stove? Why did the Curator of Collections have to suffocate a stone pillar before putting it on display? Join us for this focused look at the collections on exhibit in Crossroads.
November 16
Mushing 101
Heartland Mushers Association Inc. is partnering with Elkhart County Parks once again to offer a two-hour crash course on dog mushing. Dog owners are invited to bring their canine companions and see if they have what it takes to mush through a series of dryland training techniques and try their hand on a temporary dryland trail. Dogs must be at least 15 pounds to participate.
November 18
November 19
Hiking Club Awards Night
Members of the Elkhart County Parks Hiking Club are invited to celebrate the 2024 season with an evening sharing snacks, stories, and awards at this annual wrap-up party. Attendance awards will be presented to members and hiking stick medallions will be available to those in attendance.
November 23
November 23
Sandhill Crane Trip
Experience the awe and majesty of the largest concentration of Sandhill Cranes in Indiana on a naturalist-led trip to Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in Medaryville, IN. During migration, there could be up to 25,000 cranes congregated and you don’t want to miss it. After a short talk in the shelter, participants will travel from Ox Bow County Park to see these amazing birds in all their glory. Binoculars and cameras are highly recommended. We will provide transportation for the first 10 participants wanting a ride. All others will need to provide their own transportation.
