Calendar of Events

For Outdoor Fun, check out these workshops, nature programs, family activities and more!
For information or to register for events, phone 574-654-3155 or email bendixwoods@sjcparks.org.
All programs have a minimum and maximum registration number; register early!

  1. Sat Aug. 26

    Orienteering Meet Orienteering is a cross-country race with a map and compass. Use the provided map to make your way between checkpoints. Register on-site, the morning of the event. For more information visit www.ocin.org. Once again, OCIN takes a road trip to South Bend, Indiana. Full range of courses from white to blue. online pre-registration may be offered. Locator Map and directions coming soon.

  2. Thu Aug. 31

    Indiana Master Naturalist Program of St. Joseph County Fall 2017 The Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) Program provides you with in-depth knowledge and many hands-on opportunities to learn about our Hoosier natural resources from birds to botany. This program also provides a way for you to share that knowledge, along with your life experiences, through volunteer service to land trusts, soil and water conservation districts, state/local parks and other natural areas. For ages 18 and up.

  3. Mon Sep. 11

    Ringing of the Bell Ceremony Clay Fire Territory, Mishawaka and South Bend Fire will join together and commemorate the 16th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001

  4. Wed Sep. 13

    Fall Home School Program: The Case of the Broken Shell Welcome, home school families! Discover the "crime scene" and figure out what animal the broken shell belonged to. Then canoe across the pond to gather clues about who broke the shell! Registration is required by Monday, September 11.

  5. Wed Sep. 13

    Beautiful Bats! Discover the nocturnal world of bats with Dr. Laura Kloepper, Assistant Professor of Department of Biology at St. Mary's College and Jeremy Sheets, a Senior Wildlife Biologist. Participants will see demoing acoustic and thermal imaging equipment during bat emergence from the barn as well as live bats caught from mist nets. Also enjoy a bat-nana-split! Registration and payment required by Tuesday, September 12. (Min 10, Max 25

  6. Tue Sep. 19

    Parks Board Meeting

  1. Tue Sep. 19

    Science at Sunset (NEW!): "Why we turned a lake brown..." St. Patrick's County Park: ND-LEEF Science at Sunset is a new series for adults, highlighting the research of faculty and students associated with The Environmental Change Initiative at The University of Notre Dame. Dr. Stuart Jones, Department of Biological Sciences, leads the series with his presentation: "Why we turned a lake brown and what we learned about carbon and aquatic ecosystems." Light snacks will be provided. Participants are invited to Bring Your Own Beverage (no glass...

  2. Wed Sep. 20

    Boomers and Beyond: Trekking through Autumn Boomers put on your walking shoes and discover the beauty of Autumn at the St. Joseph County Parks! We'll walk the scenic park trails and enjoy the burst of colors among the fall foliage. Each walk will be approximately 50-60 minutes. Transportation provided to other sites from St. Patrick's County Park. Registration and payment are required by Friday, September 15. Ages 50 and older.

  3. Thu Sep. 21

    Fun First Fishing Ages 6-12 and must be accompanied by an adult A beginner fishing lesson for kids! Learn equipment basics, knot tying, fish identification, and casting techniques followed by on-the-pond fishing. Registration and payment required by Monday, Sept. 18. (Min 5 - Max 10

  4. Fri Sep. 22

    Paddle & Brew Want to have some fun, perhaps pick up a new skill and enjoy meeting new friends? St. Joseph County Parks has partnered with South Bend Brew Werks to offer a unique experience. The evening will include pre-paddle appetizers from 5 - 5:45 pm, 4 mile kayak trip down the beautiful St. Joseph River, followed by a $5.00 voucher good towards a variety of seasonal brews. Shuttle service from and back to SB Brew Werks and all equipment provided. Registration and payment required by September 19. (Min 8 ...

  5. Sun Sep. 24

    Fly into Fall Enjoy a fall afternoon hayride while taking part in fun activities for the whole family! Meet live birds of prey, learn about the peregrine falcons in downtown South Bend, be creative in our craft corner, plus much more! Concession items will be available for purchase from the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake. Concession proceeds benefit park improvement projects. Program will take place rain or shine. For more information, call 574-654-3155.

  6. Sun Oct. 8

    Make your Own Scarecrow Welcome the fall season with a hayride and build your own scarecrow! Scarecrow materials will be provided, but you may bring your own unique outfits, hats and accessories (one scarecrow per family). Enjoy a campfire and s'mores, too! Registration and payment are required by Sept. 27. (Min 5 families: Max 10 Families)
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