Illinois DNR Highlights August 2026 Events, Hunting Dates And State Fair Attractions

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for August 2026. State parks, historic sites, and museums have events throughout the month. Cap off August with a visit to Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield Aug. 13-23 or a visit to Conservation Village at the Du Quoin State Fair in southern Illinois Aug. 28-Sept. 7.

Aug. 8

Intro to Bouldering

Pere Marquette State Park

Grafton | Madison County

Participants will learn the basics of bouldering, a style of rock climbing done on shorter walls without ropes, while building confidence, balance and problem-solving skills in a safe and supportive outdoor environment. Register by calling 618-786-3323. Follow Pere Marquette State Park on Facebook for additional information.

Aug. 16

Illinois in the Revolutionary War lecture

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

Hartford | Madison County

Historian and author Tom Emery will present in-depth research from his new book. Learn about Illinois’ role in the American Revolution at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site interpretive center theater. For more information call 618-251-5811 or email benjamin.pollard@illinois.gov.

July 29 through Aug. 8

Grand American Trapshooting Championships

World Shooting and Recreational Complex

Sparta | Randolph County

The World Shooting and Recreational Complex will host the Grand American World Trapshooting Championships. Trapshooters from around the globe will participate in more than 20 events to become Clay Target Champions.

Aug. 1

Antique Auto Show

David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

Bloomington | McLean County

More than 75 cars from the 1900s through the 1980s will be displayed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the mansion grounds. Visitors can stroll through the amazing collection of vintage vehicles on display. Visit David Davis Mansion on Facebook for additional details.

Aug. 1

Abe’s 19th Century Toy Making Workshop

Old State Capitol State Historic Site

Springfield | Sangamon County

Join Abraham Lincoln as he talks about the toys his children played with during the 19th century. Kids will have an opportunity to make their own toy. Learn more about this event on the State Historic Sites of Springfield Facebook page.

Aug. 1

Canoe fishing

Lake Murphysboro State Park

Murphysboro | Jackson County

Join Little Grassy Fish Hatchery and Giant City State Park naturalists for canoe fishing at Lake Murphysboro State Park. All ages are welcome to this unique summer fishing experience that combines paddling, angling and outdoor exploration. Register by calling 618-457-4836 or email Jennifer.Randolph@illinois.gov.

Aug. 1

Art Glass into Tie-dye and Attention to Detail Tour

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

Springfield | Sangamon County

Youth ages 5 to 15 and their caretakers are invited to learn about the colors and designs found in the Dana-Thomas House. Children will choose their favorite art glass colors and tie-dye a shirt in the courtyard. There will also be an in-depth architectural tour of the Dana-Thomas House. Visit the State Historic Sites of Springfield Facebook for additional information.

Aug. 1

Game Night

Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

Springfield | Sangamon County

Bring a favorite board game, beverages, snacks and enjoy an evening at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site. The event is free and open to all ages. Visit the State Historic Sites of Springfield Facebook for additional information.

Aug. 1

Squirrel hunting season opens

Statewide

Squirrel hunting season is Aug. 1 through Feb. 15, except during deer firearm season. Learn more about hunting seasons and regulations on HuntIllinois.org.

Aug. 1

Free upland game and resident deer either sex permit applications open

Statewide

Applications are open throughout August for free upland game and resident deer either-sex hunting permits. Learn more and apply online at HuntIllinois.org.

Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Live music Saturdays

Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Oakwood | Vermilion County

Enjoy live music at the bar and grill at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Shows featuring country, folk, classic rock and karaoke begin at 5 p.m. each night. Learn more at Kickapoo Adventures online.

Aug. 3

Fall turkey archery over-the-counter permits open

Statewide

Fall turkey archery over-the-counter permits will be sold by licensed vendors only Aug. 1 through Jan. 18. Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis until quotas have been met. Learn more at HuntIllinois.org.

Aug. 3

Over-the-counter deer archery combination and antlerless only permits open

Statewide

Illinois resident and non-resident hunters can purchase fall turkey archery permits on a first-come, first-served basis until quotas have been met for a particular county or until the close of the season on Jan. 17. Learn more at HuntIllinois.org.

Aug. 4

Over-the-counter youth deer firearm permits open

Statewide

Youth deer resident and non-resident firearm over-the-counter permits are sold by licensed vendors through Oct. 12. Learn more at HuntIllinois.org.

Aug. 4

Tales from the Mother Road

Illinois State Museum

Springfield | Sangamon County

View the new U.S. Route 66 exhibit and hear stories from travelers in their own words about what it was like to eat, sleep and drive along the Mother Road. Learn more at illinoisstatemuseum.org.

Aug. 5

Freedom Night

Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site

Springfield | Sangamon County

Enjoy an evening of Civil War-era music performed by a live brass ensemble, then experience a rare after-hours tour of the Lincoln Tomb’s upper deck. Get a closer look at the ornate exterior sculptures and hear the stories behind the monument’s design and symbolism. For more information email dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.

Aug. 6

Tot Time: Wetland Wildlife

Illinois State Museum at Dickson Mounds

Lewistown | Fulton County

Participants will enjoy learning about the wildlife of the Emiquon Preserve, from microscopic to four-legged creatures and all those in between. Learn more at illinoisstatemuseum.org.

Aug. 7

Not so Far Out Space Rocks

Illinois State Museum

Springfield | Sangamon County

Learn all about the different kinds of meteorites and the big impact they have on our planet. Participants will have an opportunity to get creative and write a story on their own meteorite. Learn more at illinoisstatemuseum.org.

Aug. 8

Kid’s Crafter-noon

Illinois State Museum at Dickson Mounds

Lewistown | Fulton County

A variety of supplies and materials will be available for children to create pieces of their liking to take home. All ages are welcome with adult supervision. Learn more at illinoisstatemuseum.org.

Aug. 8

Young’uns in the Garden

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Charleston | Coles County

Participants will learn from historic interpreters how staff plant, maintain and harvest the site’s vegetable and herb gardens during the summer. Follow Lincoln Log Cabin on Facebook for additional details.

Aug. 8

Monarch’s Journey

Beall Woods State Park

Mt. Carmel | Wabash County

Guest speakers will discuss the migration, life cycle, and conservation of the monarch butterfly. Follow Beall Woods State Park on Facebook for additional information.

Aug. 9

Bluegrass jam

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Charleston | Coles County

Enjoy a midday bluegrass music jam at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring your own instrument to play or just enjoy listening to others perform. Follow Lincoln Log Cabin on Facebook for additional details.

Aug. 9

Prairie hike with a naturalist

Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby | LaSalle County

Soak in the sunshine in the expanse of the tallgrass prairie and discover what makes this habitat so special. Register online at the Starved Rock Eventbrite.

Aug. 12

See the Perseids

Giant City State Park

Makanda | Jackson County

This year's Perseid meteor shower coincides with a new moon, creating ideal conditions for stargazing at the uplands of Giant City State Park. Visitors can enjoy exceptional views of the annual meteor shower while participating in guided night hikes and activities. Register by calling 618-457-4836. Follow Giant City State Park on Facebook.

Aug. 13-23

Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Springfield | Sangamon County

Conservation World, operated by IDNR, is in the northwest corner of the fairgrounds and accessible by foot and tram. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Conservation World features 30 acres of hands-on activities, shows, demonstrations, learning opportunities, sensory hours, games, music, food and shade. This year’s theme is “IDNR: Where the Mother Road Meets Mother Nature,” coinciding with this year’s 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66.

Aug. 16

Art in the Park workshop

Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby | LaSalle County

Create your own masterpiece using inks and paints made out of natural flower and plant materials. Register online at the Starved Rock Eventbrite.

Aug. 16

Bats in the Spotlight program

Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby | LaSalle County

Learn about the 13 bat species in Illinois and how they are studied and then get outdoors for an acoustic walk to locate bat species. Register online at the Starved Rock Eventbrite.

Aug. 21

Water Safety Family Fun Day

Cache River State Natural Area

Cypress | Johnson County

Enjoy a fun afternoon of hands-on activities and water safety education for the whole family. Stop by the Cache River Wetlands Center for this special presentation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Learn more on the Cache River Facebook.

Aug. 28-Sept. 7

Conservation Village at the Du Quoin State Fair

Du Quoin | Perry County

Conservation Village, operated by IDNR, is near the Expo Hall at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Highlights include indoor youth fishing clinics, a 2,800-gallon native fish aquarium, casting activities at the lake, the Rock Box for exploring Illinois minerals and rocks, and opportunities to meet conservation police.

Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information. View the full list of IDNR seasonal events online.

About IDNR

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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