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Fernwood Botanical Gardens is a public garden and nature preserve in Niles, Michigan. It includes trails, wooded areas, ponds, a conservatory, and seasonal exhibits. Fernwood Botanical Garden Fernwood Botanical Garden, in Niles Michigan, is huge piece of land with mix of trails, wildlife, and seasonal exhibits. It’s part garden, part forest, and part learning space for families and kids Address The garden is located in Niles, Mi and you'll feel like you're driving in the middle of nowhere for a little while. The entrance is also very subtle. 13988 Range Line Rd Niles, MI 49120 What is Fernwood? Fernwood is a great place for people who like walking long trails. I didn't realize how big the piece of land is. I spent a couple house wandering only a portion of the trails, admiring the collection of conserved native plant species. They take really good care of the plants, so they still had flowers blooming while trees were turning colors. They also have educational buildings and activities for families. The Sims Education Center is a library and private event space. You can use their spaces for outdoor weddings or smaller indoor, private events. What is the cost of admission at Fernwood Botanical Garden? Tickets to Fernwood Botanical Garden cost $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $7 for children. Kids under 4 get in free. Members visit free all year, and some events or photography sessions may have extra fees. Fernwood memberships are available for individuals, couples, and families. A membership includes free daily admission and reciprocal access to many other gardens across the country. Locally, that includes Wellfield Botanic Gardens and Potawatomi Conservatories, both excellent companion destinations if you enjoy plants, trails, and calm spaces. Special events like LIGHTS at Fernwood may have separate admission pricing.

Howard Park in South Bend offers a large playground, open green space, a splash pad in summer, and an ice skating trail in winter. A central downtown spot for families and events with easy access along the river. Howard Park A multi-purpose park and community space for families, festivals, and everyday leisure. Located in South Bend, IN, Ice Skating In the winter, you can enjoy the ice skating trail. Rather than one big rink, it's like a lazy river of ice for guests to skate on. There are sliders beginners can hold on to, to not fall while learning to ice skate. See photos below, of ice skating at Howard Park. Summer This park has large green spaces for events and festivals. It's nice for kids to run around and get energy out on the big playground. There is a splash pad free to use during the warm months. You are not required to wear a bathing suit to play in it, normal clothes are fine. This was very nice when we went to a festival and it ended up being really hot. Kids were cooling off in the water and parents got a moment to take a break. Address 219 S St Louis Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617, USA

Potawatomi Conservatories offers tropical plants, a cactus dome, classes, and seasonal hours in South Bend. A quiet indoor space for visits, photos, and plant events. Potawatomi Conservatories Potawatomi Conservatories in South Bend is a greenhouse complex with three distinct indoor garden spaces. It’s a quiet place to walk, look at plants, and take a short break from normal Midwest winter weather. Address 2105 E Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615 Hours & Admission Fall/Winter Hours: • Wednesday 9am–8pm • Thursday 9am–5pm • Friday 9am–5pm • Saturday 9am–3pm • Closed Sunday–Tuesday Admission: • Adults $5 • Children 3–14 $3 • Under 3 free (Conservatory membership provides free admittance) Membership Membership includes free admission during public hours, discounts on classes, and reciprocal benefits at other American Horticultural Society gardens. Visitor Experience People visit to see plants growing in ideal greenhouse conditions with high light, consistent humidity, and expert care. It’s a casual place to walk with a friend, take photos, or spend time around large plants that are difficult to keep indoors. They occasionally host plant swap events where local hobbyists trade cuttings and seedlings. Photography Policy Casual personal photography is allowed during normal admission. For posed or professional shoots, a permit is required and can be booked online. The fee covers both the photographer and the shoot time. Classes & Events • Yoga: Wednesday mornings, Friday evenings, Saturday mornings • Tai Chi: Thursday mornings (Some classes may move outdoors in warm weather.) They regularly update their Instagram with yoga and event details. https://www.instagram.com/potawatomiconservatory/ Potawatomi often partners with MAKE SOUTH BEND to provide creative community events. Ella Morris Conservatory This is the entry space where visitors check in and get information. Sometimes they host small activities for kids, seasonal displays, or partner events with local groups. It’s also where check-in happens for photography sessions and classes. Muessel-Ellison Conservatory The central room is the largest indoor space and has historically been used for private events like weddings and receptions. They are currently pausing new event rentals while they update their offerings, but classes still happen here, including yoga and tai chi. The room has wide paths, high humidity, and a mix of tropical plants that thrive under greenhouse conditions. Arizona Desert Dome The dome-shaped structure houses their succulents and cacti. It’s significantly warmer than the other rooms and shows mature specimens that most people can’t realistically grow at home. This area is popular for plant enthusiasts and photographers because the specimens are large and well maintained.

Civic Plaza is a public event space in downtown Elkhart used for festivals, markets, and concerts. Includes event photos, parking info, and location details. Civic Plaza This is an open area in downtown Elkhart used for events like the Cinco de Mayo celebration, and Jazz Fest. It's usually where food vendors set up. Address 350 S Main St, Elkhart, IN 46516 Hours Open 24 hours as a public space Event hours vary Admission Free to enter Some events may charge admission Parking Public parking lot next to the plaza Street parking available for larger events Events Civic Plaza is used year-round for downtown events, markets, food vendors, and live music. Major events include the Cinco de Mayo celebration, Elkhart Jazz Festival, along with seasonal festivals and community gatherings.

Admission prices, seasonal hours, parking details, and contact information for ice skating at NIBCO Water and Ice Park, in Elkhart, Indiana. NIBCO Water and Ice Park Ice and water park, located in Elkhart, Indiana. Tickets for NIBCO Ice skating are $8 for kids and $10 for adults. Admission Prices Youth: $8 Adults: $10 Admission is free for children ages two and under. Youth ages three through twelve are admitted for $8.00, while teens and adults ages thirteen and older are admitted for $10.00. Non skaters may enter the rink area for $5.00. Skate rentals are included with admission. Purchase tickets in person, at the entrance. Winter Break Hours December 20 through January 3 During Winter Break, the rink operates on an expanded schedule to accommodate families while school is out. Monday through Saturday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm Holiday Hours Christmas Eve: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Christmas Day: Closed New Year’s Eve: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm New Year’s Day: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Grinch Skate Event The next event planned at the ice rink is Grinch Skate, on Saturday, December 20th, 6pm - 10pm. Address & Contact 301 NIBCO Parkway, Elkhart, IN Phone: (574) 970-7490. Updates on hours and ice conditions are shared on Facebook at @NIBCOWaterAndIcePark Parking info Free parking is available on both sides of NIBCO Parkway. Additional city parking can be found at the corner of NIBCO Parkway and South Elkhart Avenue. Entering the Park The main entrance to the park is located on the north end of the property. The entrance right next to Brass Elk Brewing is not where you enter for ice skaing.

Plym Park in Niles offers a playground, open grassy areas, wooded walking paths, and parking near the main entrance. Located next to the Plym Park Golf Course, it’s a year-round spot for walking, running, and family activities. Plym Park A large public park in Niles with playgrounds, open fields, trails, and access to the adjacent golf course. Plym Park is one of the main public parks in Niles, located off Front Street near the St. Joseph River. The park includes a playground area, open grassy fields, wooded walking paths, picnic tables, and seasonal space for community events. The adjacent nine-hole Plym Park Golf Course sits on the west side of the property and is operated by the City of Niles. Events There is parking near the playground and open lawn areas, and the park is used year-round for walking, running, and family activities. Plym Park also hosts annual events such as the Niles Renaissance Faire , which uses the open field areas for vendors, performers, and festival activities. Address 401 Marmont St, Niles, MI 49120

Wellfield Botanic Garden in Elkhart, Indiana is a year-round walking garden with flat accessible paths, a Japanese Garden, kid play areas, and indoor and outdoor event spaces for weddings, receptions, and community events. Includes hours, admission info, and what to expect during your visit. Wellfield Botanic Gardens A flat loop-style walking garden with seasonal plant sections, a Japanese Garden, kids’ play areas, and event spaces. Easy to navigate and good for regular visits or quiet walks. Address & Hours 1011 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46514 Winter hours (Nov - March): 12pm - 5pm Daily Summer hours (April - October): 10am - 6pm Daily Overview Wellfield Botanic Garden has a long paved path that loops around the whole property, giving access to each distinct section. The layout is flat, wide, and easy to navigate. People use the garden for walking, photography, and repeat visits throughout the year. A membership makes sense for people who come often, especially because the garden changes with the seasons and new plants cycle in and out. If you like spaces that aren't crowded, this is a good place to visit. It's wide open and you don't have to talk to people once you get checked in. Japanese Garden The Japanese Garden is a newer section. It is past the initial installation phase and is now filling in with mature growth. The stone, water, and plant elements are stable, and the area looks more established than it did in its first couple of years. Event Spaces The newer event building has large windows facing the water. The interior is clean, minimal, and designed for rentals such as weddings, meetings, and receptions. There is also an outdoor pavilion used for concerts and smaller programs. Open lawn areas are used for events like Taste of the Gardens and seasonal community activities. Kids’ Area There is a children’s section with a sand pit, small water features, and simple play zones. It is compact and visible from multiple angles, so it’s easy for adults to supervise. The native wildflowers are located near the kids' area and it's amazing in full bloom. In spring, geese nest along the walking paths. Visitors should expect goslings on or near the trail. Dogs Dogs are allowed with a dog membership. They must stay leashed. Staff enforce this consistently. Accessibility The paths are paved, level, and continuous. The entrance has a long accessible ramp leading from the parking area into the garden. Wheelchairs and strollers move easily across the grounds. Way finding is simple because most of the garden follows the loop shape with clear cross-paths. Construction Notes When these photos were taken, the new building was complete but the landscaping around it was still growing in. Plants have been added, but some areas will look more finished as they mature. If you purchase a yearly membership for Wellfield, you also gain access to reciprocal access to other gardens such as Fernwood Botanical Garden , in Niles, MI.

The Blueberry Bike ride takes place September 7, 2026 with 16, 31, 41, and 62-mile routes starting at Menominee Elementary School in Plymouth, Indiana. Rolling countryside, limited signage in some areas, and water/snack stations at a few points along the ride. Blueberry Festival Bike Ride The Blueberry Bicycle Cruise is an annual ride held during the Marshall County Blueberry Festival weekend, offering 16, 31, 41, and 62-mile routes starting from Menominee Elementary School. Riders can expect rolling countryside, a few water and snack stations, and route markings that may feel sparse in some areas.

The Niles Renaissance Faire returns to Plym Park on May 16–17, 2026. Find the hours, ticket prices, parking details, and what to expect from the armored combat, vendors, and family activities. Niles Renaissance Faire The Niles Renaissance Faire is a two-day event at Plym Park with armored combat, vendors, food, and family activities. It runs May 16 and 17, 2026, with different hours on Saturday and Sunday. Location Plym Park , in Niles Michigan. 401 Marmont St, Niles, MI 49120 Date & Time May 16th: 10am - 6pm May 17th: 10am - 4pm 2026 Admission Adults: $10 Kids 5-12: $5 Kids under 5: Free Seniors & Veterans: Free Organizer Info Official website for updates: www.nilesrenaissancefaire.com Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/nilesrenaissancefaire info@nilesrenaissancefaire.com 616-422-7267 Guests wear historic costumes and participate in reenactments.

Monthly reptile expo at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Next event: December 21 from 10am to 3pm. Admission is $10 for adults with discounts for kids, seniors, and veterans. Location: 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo MI. Kalamazoo Reptile Expo This is a monthly event occurring most of the year at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Vendors bring a wide variety of reptiles and other unique animals, as well as feeders and enclosures.