Events

The Our Waters Experience

May 16 at 11:00 AM

Immerse yourself in the history and nature of Elkhart County’s waters. This multi-sensory tour will take you to the banks of the St. Joseph River and through the Museum’s 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.

Revolutionary War Graves Driving Tour

May 17 at 2:00 PM

There are five known Revolutionary War veterans buried in Elkhart County. Follow museum staff on a caravan tour to visit their gravesites and learn about the life, death, and service of each of these patriots. We’ll cover about 43 miles on this trip, beginning at Elkhart County Historical Museum and ending at Bonneyville Cemetery.

• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Parking is limited at some locations; carpooling is encouraged! Restrooms and water only available at Elkhart County Historical Museum.

Trail Trekkers: Who is Waking Up

May 18 at 7:00 PM

Explore Ox Bow County Park in the evening to listen for and observe the nightly creatures that are waking up to start their “day”.

Hiking Club

May 19 at 6:00 PM

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 6pm. In May we meet Boot Lake County Park. The Trail is well packed with very little elevation change. The hike will be almost two miles in length. Check out the Elkhart County Parks Hiking Club Facebook Page for reminders and announcements. See you at the hike!

• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Hiking a marked trail with a group
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Comfortable shoes

Curiosity Club: Mail

May 20 at 10:00 AM

Who doesn’t like getting a letter from a friend in their mailbox?! Let your preschooler experience the joy of writing a letter, addressing an envelope, and sending a piece of mail – to themselves! Together we’ll learn all about mail through history, visit the Bristol Post Office, and, of course, enjoy a story and snack.

All Curiosity Club classes in 2026 will have a civics component. Let’s learn together about the helpers in our community!

Open House at the Schoolhouse

May 21 at 10:00 AM

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.

Climate and Our Waterways

May 21 at 6:00 PM

Join Dr. Alan F. Hamlet, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, for a presentation on how climate change is impacting our local waterways here in the St. Joseph River watershed.

Cobus Family Campout

May 22 at 6:00 PM

Bring your friends and family on an overnight adventure. Enjoy an evening wildlife hike, treats over the fire, and other naturalist-led activities for all ages. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. Tents are available to borrow, if needed. The event runs 6 p.m. Friday – 1 p.m. Saturday.

Yoga in the Park

May 28 at 6:00 PM

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.

Creatures of the Night: Bugs of the Underworld

May 28 at 8:30 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.

Discover some of nature’s gnarliest macroinvertebrates lurking just beneath the surface of our creeks and 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. Decide for yourself which are dragons and which are damsels.

This hike is weather-dependent. Check the event page for updates before heading out.

• 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧: Come prepared for a short hike in muddy terrain.
• 𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥: Rainboots, waterproof layers, and a headlamp/flashlight.

The Peaceful Path

May 30 at 2:00 PM

Join a naturalist on a walk at Ox Bow County Park to learn about the two cemeteries located within.