McCloud Prairie Maze
2025-09-06 - 2025-10-31 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Oh deer! We sure do have a good reason for you to come out to McCloud Nature Park during the months of September and October – our 2025 McCloud Prairie Maze celebrating deer! The maze is open daily from dawn to dusk from Sept. 6 to Oct. 31, 2025.
The correct path through the maze is one (1) mile long. Be sure to explore the McCloud Prairie Maze by October 31! Bring the fawns, too, as this maze is appropriate for all ages.
For more information, including a downloadable map, visit: https://hendrickscountyparks.org/programs/mccloud-prairie-maze/
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Backyard Birding
2025-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Kick back with a warm cup of coffee and enjoy the peaceful sounds of a September morning as we gather for some casual birdwatching. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just bird-curious, this relaxing program invites you to slow down and discover who’s flitting by for breakfast. We’ll sip, chat, and watch the treetops together while adding to our community bird list—a running tally of all the avian visitors we spot throughout the month. From curious chickadees to flashy cardinals, each week brings new feathered friends to the party. Binoculars and bird guides will be available or bring your own if you prefer.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR
(Photo by Nikki Hartung)

Crafty Creations
2025-10-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-05 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-12 13:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Unleash your creativity with our Crafty Creations! In each session, we’ll explore a different craft project, so there’s always something new and exciting to make. Every class offers a unique opportunity to learn new techniques and create something you’ll love, from painting to paper crafts and more. Come join us for a fun and inspiring crafting experience.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

Naturalist's Choice
2025-10-02 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-23 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-06 13:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us for the Naturalist’s Choice program, where every session is a surprise adventure led by our naturalist team! Depending on the weather, season, and local wildlife activity, you’ll explore a unique and engaging topic tailored to the day’s conditions. Be ready for anything and wear closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty for your safety and comfort. The naturalists will decide the topic of the week and announce it in the nature center and on our social media. Don’t miss out on this ever-changing exploration of the natural world!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

Phenology Fridays
2025-10-03 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-10 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-17 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-24 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-31 09:30 - 10:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
This is your invitation to watch the seasons change in McCloud Nature Park! We will go on a guided hike to the same spot every week and document our observations: weather, wildlife, plants at different stages, including the turning of leaves for autumn. Our goal is to guide participants to explore and understand the cyclical nature of the seasons in Hendricks County. Bring anything that would make your hike more enjoyable: binoculars, camera, notebook, field guidebooks, etc. This program will be held rain or shine (except for lightning), so be prepared!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 8 THROUGH ADULT
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

Run Club
2025-10-04 08:00 - 09:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Come for the miles, stay for the smiles! Running is better with friends—and a beautiful trail beneath your feet. Lace up and join us for Run Club, a welcoming, non-competitive group run through our local parks and nature trails. We’ll gather at 8 a.m. at the designated park or trailhead, warm up together, and hit the path for an hour-long journey that includes pre- and post-run stretching to keep your body happy and healthy. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this program is open to all paces and experience levels. Come build endurance, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the camaraderie of a supportive running community. Wear running shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring snacks and water!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1 HOUR

TADPOLE TIME: Fall Forest Fun!
2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Delight in the magic of the season during Tadpole Time: Fall Forest Fun! This gentle, nature-filled adventure invites young explorers to collect colorful leaves,
observe how the forest is changing, and discover the wonders hiding under autumn’s golden canopy. With stories and hands-on exploration, it’s a cozy celebration of fall that’s perfect for little nature lovers and their grown-ups.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.
FEE: $5/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 1 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=944
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS.

TADPOLE TIME: Fall Forest Fun!
2025-10-09 10:00 - 11:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Delight in the magic of the season during Tadpole Time: Fall Forest Fun! This gentle, nature-filled adventure invites young explorers to collect colorful leaves,
observe how the forest is changing, and discover the wonders hiding under autumn’s golden canopy. With stories and hands-on exploration, it’s a cozy celebration of fall that’s perfect for little nature lovers and their grown-ups.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 2-7 WITH PARENT OR GUARDIAN (THIS IS NOT A DROP-OFF PROGRAM). OLDER SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AND PARTICIPATE, TOO.
FEE: $5/CHILD (PARENT/GUARDIAN IS FREE).
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 1 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=945
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS.

Fall Colors Run
2025-10-11 08:30 - 10:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the crisp air while running the trails at McCloud Nature Park. Scenes will include forest, prairie, Big Walnut Creek, and the historic truss bridge!

After the professionally timed race, stick around for the McCloud Fall Colors Festival which includes food, archery, atlatls, hayride, prairie maze, games, and more for the whole family!

APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FEE: $20/person for 5K; $30/person for 10K
Register online at: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/NorthSalem/McCloudFallColorsRun

Fall Colors Festival: McCloud Days
2025-10-11 10:00 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Experience autumn in full color at the Fall Colors Festival! This year, we’re celebrating the history of McCloud with a “McCloud Days” theme! Enjoy a day packed with vibrant festivities including live music, local vendors, archery, axe throwing, hayrides, a cozy bonfire, and picture-perfect photo ops. Step back in time with our Pioneer Days stations—featuring hands-on experiences like fire cooking, butter churning, letter writing, and more old-fashioned fun for all ages.
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 5 HOURS (ONGOING)

SENIOR CENTER: Not So Spooky: Opossums
2025-10-15 12:30 - 13:30 | Hendricks County Senior Services, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
You hear a loud bump outside at night! Spooky! Now you start to hear hissing! Is it a vampire? Or a snake? Its…. an opossum!! Join our naturalist team on Oct. 15 at the Hendricks County Senior Center to learn about the only native North American marsupials. You may find these creatures are not as scary as they seem!
RECOMMENDED FOR SENIORS
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Board Game Blitz
2025-10-16 17:30 - 19:30 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Join us at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park for an evening of board games and cards! Whether you’re a master of games or just like to have fun, you’re sure to find something that fits your interests. Have a unique game you love to play? Bring it and show off your skills!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS (ONGOING)

HOMESCHOOL ECOLOGY SERIES: Homestead History
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Have you ever wondered about what life was like before the invention of phones, the internet, and even electricity? Then join us for October’s Homeschool Ecology program! We’ll walk you through an average day in the life at McCloud, including cooking over a fire, butter making, natural dyes, sewing and more! Come learn about what life was like on the homestead.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 7-17
FEE: $10/STUDENT
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 10 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=946
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM DURATION: 90 MINUTES

Fall-o-ween Spooktacular
2025-10-18 18:00 - 21:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States
Step into an autumn wonderland at our Fall-o-ween Spooktacular! Wander a winding Trick-or-Treat Trail overflowing with seasonal sweets, stop at our monster lab and create your own awesome ghoul, visit our vendors and face-painting stations to bring your fanciful visions to life, and settle in for hayrides (for a nominal fee) through the moonlit woods. Show off your Halloween flair in our costume contest, where prizes await those crowned Most Creative, Best Group Costume, Spookiest Costume, Naturalists’ Choice, and Best Pet Costume. Join us to celebrate fall’s most magical night!
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES
FREE TO ATTEND (SOME OPTIONAL ATTRACTIONS FOR A FEE)
NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 3 HOURS (ONGOING)

Fall Break Camp: Not So Spooky
2025-10-22 10:00 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Debunk the myths. Discover the magic. Our Fall Break Camps are Not So Spooky! Step into the wild side of fall as campers will explore bats, snakes, spiders, owls, and more—learning how myths and media gave them a spooky reputation, and why they’re actually amazing! Through hands-on activities, crafts, hikes, and games, kids will discover that curiosity can turn fear into fascination.
FOR AGES 7-12
FEE: $30/CAMPER
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 15 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=949
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 4.5 HOURS

Coffee & Canvas
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us in welcoming Sherri with Creative Gatherings and paint a beautiful scene while you enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa and a pastry! Everything you need for the painting class, as well as refreshments, are provided.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10 THROUGH ADULT
FEE: $35/PERSON
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=951
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

Fall Break Camp: Not So Spooky
2025-10-29 10:00 - 14:30 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Debunk the myths. Discover the magic. Our Fall Break Camps are Not So Spooky! Step into the wild side of fall as campers will explore bats, snakes, spiders, owls, and more—learning how myths and media gave them a spooky reputation, and why they’re actually amazing! Through hands-on activities, crafts, hikes, and games, kids will discover that curiosity can turn fear into fascination.
FOR AGES 7-12
FEE: $30/CAMPER
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY OCT. 22 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=950
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 4.5 HOURS

Run Club
2025-11-07 08:00 - 09:00 | W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville, IN, 46122, United States

Ornament-Making Workshop
2025-11-08 10:00 - 12:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Is it too early to start getting into the Christmas spirit?? We don’t think so! Join us this November at McCloud Nature Park for a festive Ornament Making Workshop, where you’ll craft three (3) unique ornaments to add handmade charm to your holiday décor. Whether you’re a glitter enthusiast or more of a rustic pinecone type, this cozy, creative gathering is the perfect way to kick off the season with a little sparkle and a lot of cheer.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 6 THROUGH ADULT
FEE: $15/PERSON
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOV. 1 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=952
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 2 HOURS

Christmas Candle Workshop
2025-11-12 13:30 - 15:00 | McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem, IN, 46165, United States
Join us at McCloud for a cheerful Christmas candle workshop! We’ll celebrate the season by crafting our own single-wick candles (1 per person). We’ll provide all the materials necessary for candle making, but if you would like to bring your own container to repurpose (teacups, jars, soda cans, etc.), you are more than welcome! This is a perfect opportunity to treat yourself or make a gift! Coffee and cookies will also be provided.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10 THROUGH ADULT
FEE: $15/PERSON
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY NOV. 5 AT: https://hcparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=961
APPROX. PROGRAM DURATION: 1.5 HOURS
