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Events

Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!

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April 1

A Walk in the Park

April 1 at 9:00 AM

Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: $3/Vehicle (Gate Fee) Ages: 18+
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A Walk in the Park

April 1 at 9:00 AM

Take a walk with our new interpretive naturalist, James, to get exercise and learn a bit about the natural world around you.

April 1

Nature Nuts: Seeds & Sprouts

April 1 at 9:30 AM

Register By March 29
Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: $4 per child (Limit 12) Ages: 3-5
Learn more Register now

Nature Nuts: Seeds & Sprouts

April 1 at 9:30 AM

Explore a wide variety of seeds through hands-on investigation and exploration. All preschoolers will make a special sprout-pet to take home and care for. Story, snack and hike will also be a part of the program.

April 2

Wed. Bird Walk: Mindful Hike

April 2 at 8:00 AM

More info Cost: Free Ages: 8+
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Wed. Bird Walk: Mindful Hike

April 2 at 8:00 AM

In honor of Stress Awareness Month, immerse yourself in spring and awaken the senses on a peaceful morning walk exploring the art of mindful birding. Our group will slow down, orient ourselves to the rhythm of the season, practice deep listening, and explore other sensory exercises before the rush of migration sets in. Consider bringing a portable chair, nature journal, favorite beverage, or whatever else makes your experience more comfortable during our slow birding explorations.

π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗒 π—˜π—«π—£π—˜π—–π—§: All activities will be adjusted based on the group’s abilities and comfort level.
π—¦π—¨π—šπ—šπ—˜π—¦π—§π—˜π—— π—šπ—˜π—”π—₯: Comfy hiking shoes and a portable chair.

April 2

Nature Nuts: Seeds & Sprouts

April 2 at 9:30 AM

Register By March 29
Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: $4 per child (Limit 12) Ages: 3-5
Learn more Register now

Nature Nuts: Seeds & Sprouts

April 2 at 9:30 AM

Explore a wide variety of seeds through hands-on investigation and exploration. All preschoolers will make a special sprout-pet to take home and care for. Story, snack and hike will also be a part of the program.

April 3

Batter Up: Baseball in Elkhart County History

April 3 at 7:00 PM

More info Cost: Free Ages: All Ages
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Batter Up: Baseball in Elkhart County History

April 3 at 7:00 PM

Batter up! From the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League to the Negro Leagues to the MLB, Elkhart County has produced its fair share of professional baseball players. Let Elkhart County Historical Museum be your ballpark for the evening during this presentation about the role baseball played in the history of Elkhart County. Popcorn and hot dogs will be available for purchase.

April 4

Books & Boots

April 4 at 1:00 PM

Location Ox Bow  >  Cottonwood Shelter
More info Cost: Free Ages: 8-12
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Books & Boots

April 4 at 1:00 PM

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.

April 4

Spring Constellations

April 4 at 8:00 PM

Register By April 3
More info Cost: $3 per person (Limit 25) Ages: All Ages
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Spring Constellations

April 4 at 8:00 PM

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 spring constellations, like Virgo, Leo and the spring triangle. 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.

April 5

Birding for Shy People

April 5 at 11:00 AM

Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: Free *$3/Vehicle (Gate Fee) Ages: 12+
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Birding for Shy People

April 5 at 11:00 AM

New to birding or feeling a little shy in outdoor groups? This hike’s for you! Join us for a peaceful walk in nature, where we’ll take our time, learn to identify birds, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of early spring. After a couple icebreakers, our guide will lead a low-key bird hike with immersive exercises and helpful tips for birders of every level. Activities will be based on the group’s comfort level (both physically and socially). Whether you’re new to birding, or simply curious about nature, this is the perfect opportunity to step a bit outside your comfort zone to unplug, meet new people, and explore the trails.

April 5

Guided Gallery Experience

April 5 at 1:00 PM

More info Cost: $5/person at the door (12 & under are free) Ages: All Ages
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Guided Gallery Experience

April 5 at 1:00 PM

Join Museum staff for an in-depth discussion of an exhibit. This year-long series will be held the first Saturday of every month. The guided tours will range across the permanent and temporary exhibits. Follow us on Facebook for the monthly topic.

April 11

Vintage Baseball Mini-Camp

April 11 at 10:00 AM

Register By April 10
More info Cost: $10/Child (Limit 20) Ages: 8-12
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Vintage Baseball Mini-Camp

April 11 at 10:00 AM

How was baseball played before the days of gloves, cleats, and overhand pitching? Practice some vintage baseball skills, play a game with the old rules, and learn about baseball history with the Elkhart County Railroaders – Elkhart County’s own vintage baseball team. A home run of a spring break activity!

π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗒 π—˜π—«π—£π—˜π—–π—§: Moderate physical activity (running, catching, throwing, batting) & a whole lot of fun! This minicamp will take place indoors.
π—¦π—¨π—šπ—šπ—˜π—¦π—§π—˜π—— π—šπ—˜π—”π—₯: Athletic clothing and shoes. No cleats. Water Bottle.

April 11

Setting The Millstones

April 11 at 10:00 AM

Location Bonneyville Mill
More info Cost: Free Ages: All
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Setting The Millstones

April 11 at 10:00 AM

At the end of each milling season, the 2,000 lb. millstones are separated for maintenance and cleaning. You are invited to attend the resetting of the Bonneyville Mill grinding stones. Those in attendance will observe the process of setting and balancing the top runner stone over the bottom bed stone. Snacks made from Bonneyville mill flour will be available.

April 15

Nature Journaling

April 15 at 10:00 AM

Location Ox Bow  >  Black Maple Shelter
More info Cost: $3/Vehicle (Gate Fee) Ages: All Ages (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
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Nature Journaling

April 15 at 10:00 AM

Explore the Black Maple Shelter area for about an hour and come back to write, paint, and sketch about your forest experience. Please bring a notebook, pencils, paint, or pen to help capture your experience on paper.

April 15

Hiking Club

April 15 at 6:00 PM

Location Ox Bow  >  Ox Bow Haus Shelter
More info Cost: $3/Vehicle (Gate Fee) Ages: All Ages
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Hiking Club

April 15 at 6:00 PM

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. This month’s hike takes place at Ox Bow County Park. This hike has mostly flat terrain and is about 1.6 miles in length.

April 19

Forest Bathing

April 19 at 10:00 AM

Register By April 18
Location Cobus Creek
More info Cost: $5/person (Limit 12) Ages: 16+
Learn more Register now

Forest Bathing

April 19 at 10:00 AM

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. Bring a water bottle and blanket to sit on.

April 21

Trail Trekkers: Salamaders

April 21 at 1:30 PM

Register By April 14
More info Cost: $2/person (Limit 15) Ages: 6-9
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Trail Trekkers: Salamaders

April 21 at 1:30 PM

Join naturalist James for a hike into salamander habitat to learn about what species we have and hopefully see a few.

April 24

Latino Immigrants in Elkhart County History

April 24 at 7:00 PM

More info Cost: Free Ages: All Ages
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Latino Immigrants in Elkhart County History

April 24 at 7:00 PM

Elkhart County resident Zulma Prieto is the founder and Coordinating Editor of El Puente, the first Hispanic newspaper in Indiana. She is also an expert on and advocate for Latino immigrants in Elkhart County. Join us as we learn about this important part of Elkhart County’s history and the work Zulma has done in our community.

April 24

Creatures of the Night: Aquatic Insects

April 24 at 7:30 PM

More info Cost: Free Ages: 12+ (Program includes a 1-mile hike in wet/muddy conditions and may not be suitable for younger children)
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Creatures of the Night: Aquatic Insects

April 24 at 7:30 PM

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.
Dark fairies, giant water bugs, water scorpions, and leechesβ€”oh my! Discover some of nature’s gnarliest macroinvertebrates lurking just beneath the surface of our woodland ponds. Pull on your muck boots and grab a headlamp as we step into the shallows and take a closer look at the alien world of aquatic insects.
π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗒 π—˜π—«π—£π—˜π—–π—§: Come prepared for a 1-mile hike in muddy terrain. This hike is weather-dependent. Please check the event page for updates before heading out.
π—¦π—¨π—šπ—šπ—˜π—¦π—§π—˜π—— π—šπ—˜π—”π—₯: Rainboots, waterproof layers, and a headlamp/flashlight.

April 25

Polliwogs in a Bog

April 25 at 5:00 PM

Location River Preserve
More info Cost: Free Ages: All Ages
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Polliwogs in a Bog

April 25 at 5:00 PM

Polliwogs are tadpoles that may become frogs, toads, salamanders or newts. Join a naturalist as we go in search of these secretive, slippery critters and other strange creatures who call wetlands their home. Aquatic nets will be supplied. We will be meeting at the Benton Dam in River Preserve County Park.

April 25

Night Hike

April 25 at 8:30 PM

Location River Preserve
More info Cost: Free Ages: All Ages
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Night Hike

April 25 at 8:30 PM

Go with naturalist James into the dark to explore the forest nightlife. He will focus on spiders, owls, and coyotes. If it’s a clear night, he will talk about the stars and constellations, too. We will meet at Benton Spillway in River Preserve County Park.

April 26

Bonneyville Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast

April 26 at 7:30 AM

More info Cost: $8/person (Free for ages 3 & under) Ages: All Ages
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Bonneyville Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast

April 26 at 7:30 AM

Enjoy a complete breakfast with pancakes made from water powered stone ground buckwheat flour produced by Bonneyville Mill. Dive into all you can eat pancakes complimented with limited sausage, butter, syrup, coffee, milk and orange juice. FISHERMAN WELCOME!

April 26

Trout Day

April 26 at 9:00 AM

More info Cost: Free Ages: All Ages
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Trout Day

April 26 at 9:00 AM

After enjoying a delicious pancake breakfast, hop on over to one of our trout day activity stations to learn about the trout that live in the river, how to catch them, and how they got there. This is in conjunction with our Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast and opening day for trout season on the Little Elkhart River.

April 26

Volunteer Day: DeFries Garden Clean Up

April 26 at 10:00 AM

Register By April 25
More info Cost: Free Ages: All Ages
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Volunteer Day: DeFries Garden Clean Up

April 26 at 10:00 AM

Learn new skills, care for the environment, meet new friends, and be a part of something big — sign up for a Volunteer Day! On 4/26, 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.

April 26

Wildflower Walk

April 26 at 1:30 PM

Register By April 25
More info Cost: Free Ages: All Ages
Learn more Register now

Wildflower Walk

April 26 at 1:30 PM

Join a naturalist for a short trek through the beauty of a spring ephemeral woods to see and discover the natural history, names, and other fun stories behind the most common wildflowers we find. Wear appropriate shoes for off-trail walking.

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