Events
Family fun days, festivals, nature walks and so much more!
April 1
Wed. Bird Walk: Spring Warm-up
Spring is here and birds are beginning to move back to their northern nesting grounds. Join us for a casual walk as we seek out some of these seasonal migrants along the Pumpkinvine Trail. Likely birds include cranes, mockingbirds, meadowlarks, and early warblers. 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.
Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, good walking shoes, and come prepared for extended time outdoors. The group will head out at 8 a.m., so please plan accordingly. Meet at the Abshire Park trailhead.
โข ๐ช๐๐๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง: Come prepared for a 2-mile hike.
โข ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ: Comfy walking shoes & weather-ready layers (Binoculars will be provided).
April 1
April 7
April 8
April 9
Archaeology 101
Dig into history with a hands-on exploration of archaeology. Students will discover what an archaeologist does, handle real artifacts, get their hands dirty with excavating activities, and learn the value of studying archaeology.
โข ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ: Warm layers
April 10
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 bookโs environmental themes. Activities could include hikes, live animals, and more.
Visit the Elkhart Public Libraryโs website to check out a copy of this monthโs book.
April 10
Building For Wildlife
Invite wildlife into your neighborhood by building a cavity box for animals. This make-n-take box is large and suitable for Flying Squirrels, Fox Squirrels, Gray Squirrels, Raccoons, Deer Mice, Opossums, Barred Owls, or Screech Owls. All supplies will be provided, but bring a screw gun with Philips head bit, if you have one.
April 11
Boot Lake Invasive Removal
Volunteers looking for ways to give back to their community are invited to assist park staff in removing the invasive garlic mustard to make room for the native species which have more ecological significance. Plan to bring water, work gloves, and wear long pants. Advanced registration required.
April 11
April 14
Trail Running Club
Lace up for a supported group run in a beautiful county park! Whether youโre new to running or a career track racer looking to head off-road, all levels are welcome. Together weโll share tips, offer encouragement, and explore scenic trails. Before we head-out weโll cover a few historical notes about the park, giving context to our run.
โข ๐ช๐๐๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง: A 1-1.5 mile run at an easy pace, with the option to repeat.
โข ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ: Sturdy running shoes, layered clothing, water
April 17
Project Archaeology Educator Workshop
Project Archaeology is a national heritage education program designed to help all educators introduce archaeology to their students and program audiences. Discover how archaeological inquiry can serve as a way to teach history, social studies, and STEAM subjects.
Participants will take home Project Archaeology: Investigating Shelter, a $50-value curriculum guide book with 9 comprehensive lessons. They will also receive instruction from a recognized Project Archaeology coordinator and interact with local experts working in archaeology.
This workshop is funded by the Institute for Heritage Education and Indiana Humanities.
April 18
Junior Naturalist Day
Join a naturalist forย our spinย on Nationalย Junior Ranger Dayย andย explore the wonders of the natural world! During this hands-on program, students will discover fascinating facts about birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Participants will head out on a guided nature walk toย observeย the local flora and fauna upย close.ย After a fun and educational morning outdoors, lunch will be provided. Come ready to learn, explore, and enjoy a day in nature!ย
April 18
The Our Waters Experience
Immerse yourself in the history and nature of Elkhart Countyโs waters. This bilingual, multi-sensory tour will take you to the banks of the St. Joseph River and through the Museumโs newly opened Our Waters exhibit. Participants will hear Indigenous creation stories, connect with a local river environment, and learn how water has played a role in shaping human, plant, and animal lives in Elkhart County.
April 20
April 21
Hiking Club
Explore the many hiking opportunities within the Elkhart County Parks. Meet new people and hike with the group every third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. The Corson Riverwoods trail is packed limestone with very little elevation change. Check out the ELKHART COUNTY PARKS HIKING CLUB FACEBOOK PAGE for reminders and announcements. See you at the hike!
โข ๐ช๐๐๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง:ย Less than 1 mile on a marked-hiking trail with a group
โข ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ: Comfortable shoes
April 21
Lessons from Leopold
Discover the enduring legacy of Aldo Leopold, one of Americaโs most influential conservation thinkers with Vince, our natural resource coordinator and a facilitator and co-author of the Leopold Education Project curriculum. He will introduce Leopoldโs seminal work A Sand County Almanac and examine its hidden lessons that extend beyond conservation into thoughtful strategies for more effective civic engagement. Whether youโre new to Leopoldโs work or a longtime admirer, this program offers an inspiring look at a thinker whose voice resonates more powerfully than ever in todayโs changing world.
April 23
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.
April 24
April 25
Buckwheat Pancake Breakfast
The Elkhart County Parks is starting the 2026 milling season by serving up some delicious pancakes made with our own buckwheat flour. The breakfast will include buckwheat pancakes, sausage, syrup, butter, and drinks. Come out any time between 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to join us for this delicious breakfast under the Feedlot shelter roof. The mill will be open for tours and demonstrations at 8:30 a.m. Bonneyville Mill flour and gift items will be available for purchase. There will be one-pound flour bag giveaways every 30 minutes. Donโt miss out!
April 25
April 30
The American Revolution Documentary Screening
From executive producer and director Ken Burns, experience the American Revolution in this new documentary. In partnership with our local PBS station โ WNIT โ join us to watch curated segments of the film series that focus on service. And as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, reflect on how you might engage your own community with revolutionary civic service.
April 30
Creatures of the Night
As night falls, the places we spend time outdoors can feel like a very different place. Familiar trails melt into shadow, 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 April, pull on your muck boots and fasten your headlamp as we venture to woodland ponds in search of croaks, trills and calls of our slippery, long-legged friends. Learn how to identify local frog species by sound and sight while enjoying the midnight chorus of croakers around us.
โข ๐ช๐๐๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง: Come prepared for a 1-mile hike in muddy terrain.
โข ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ: Rainboots, waterproof layers, and a headlamp/flashlight.
This hike is weather-dependent. Check the event page for updates before heading out. The hike will start in the Main Parking Lot of Bonneyville Mill.
