Events

Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
April 1
April 1
April 2
Wed. Bird Walk: Mindful Hike
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.
πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: All activities will be adjusted based on the groupβs abilities and comfort level.
π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Comfy hiking shoes and a portable chair.
April 2
April 3
Batter Up: Baseball in Elkhart County History
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
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 bookβs environmental themes. Activities could include hikes, live animals, and more. Visit the Elkhart Public Libraryβs website to check out a copy of this monthβs book.
April 4
Spring Constellations
Each season brings changes to the plants and animals around us, but donβt 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
New to birding or feeling a little shy in outdoor groups? This hikeβs for you! Join us for a peaceful walk in nature, where weβll 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 groupβs comfort level (both physically and socially). Whether youβre 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
April 11
Vintage Baseball Mini-Camp
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 β Elkhart Countyβs own vintage baseball team. A home run of a spring break activity!
πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: Moderate physical activity (running, catching, throwing, batting) & a whole lot of fun! This minicamp will take place indoors.
π¦π¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Athletic clothing and shoes. No cleats. Water Bottle.
April 11
Setting The Millstones
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
April 15
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. 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
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
April 24
Latino Immigrants in Elkhart County History
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 Countyβs history and the work Zulma has done in our community.
April 24
Creatures of the Night: Aquatic Insects
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 leechesβoh my! Discover some of natureβs 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.
πͺπππ§ π§π’ ππ«π£πππ§: 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¨ππππ¦π§ππ ππππ₯: Rainboots, waterproof layers, and a headlamp/flashlight.
April 25
Polliwogs in a Bog
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
April 26
April 26
Trout Day
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
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.