In January, the Dana-Thomas House will host popular game nights, date nights and evening tour programs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Old State Capitol will be open late on Saturday evenings for Civil War Saturday presentations. Learn more: www.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

Celebrate the reopening of the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetland Center at Cache River State Natural Area in southern Illinois from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10!

Join us on Sunday, Jan. 11 at Volo Bog State Natural Area in Lake County for WinterFest. Enjoy live music, bog tours, photography and a snow sculpture contest. Learn more on the Volo Bog website here: friendsofvolobog.org

Don’t miss IDNR’s January newsletter! This issue covers deer harvest totals, eagle watching opportunities, snowmobile safety, and more. Read the newsletter here: dnr.illinois.gov/director/ins...

The Giant City State Park Gnome Roam is on. Seven trails, seven whimsical winter gnomes waiting to be found. Snap pics, track your finds, and collect a patch when you’ve spotted them all. Gnomes can be found through the end of February!

Celebrate the winter solstice on Sunday, Dec. 21 at Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, as the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky. To learn more, visit cahokiamounds.org/events/2025-...

Snowy photos from Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Henry County.

Exciting news! The Illinois State Museum has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies and the public

Interested in turkey hunting in the spring? The second lottery for the spring turkey season opens Friday, Dec. 12. Learn more here: dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/turk...

The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site will host the Arrival at Camp River Dubois event Dec. 13–14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free reenactments and demonstrations marking the 222nd anniversary of the Expedition’s Illinois winter encampment.

Don’t miss IDNR’s December newsletter! This issue covers Starved Rock’s $18 million trail renovation project, public comment on mine reclamation, Rend Lake Resort renovation, and more. Read the newsletter here: dnr.illinois.gov/director/ins...

A snowy prescribed burn in the marsh at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park located in Lake County.

Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season wraps up Dec. 4-7. Remember, youth hunters with an unfilled, valid youth deer permit can use it during this time. This is the first year that unfilled youth permits are valid for both segments of firearm season. Good luck and safe hunting!

Did you know that when it snows, a special zone is created called the subnivean zone? This insulated space between the bottom of the snow layer, and the top of the frozen ground provides a safe space for small mammals! Learn all about it here: dnr.illinois.gov/education/at...

Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 51,409 deer during the first weekend of the Illinois firearm deer season between Nov. 21-23. Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season will conclude Dec. 4-7. www.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

Happy opening day of firearm deer season! We hope hunters have a safe and successful first weekend. The 2025 Illinois firearm deer season dates are Nov. 21-23 and Dec. 4-7.

Big news for Starved Rock State Park! Starved Rock will stay open during a $18M trail upgrade (part of $37.2M in improvements) through 2026—making trails safer, reopening closed paths & protecting sensitive habitats. More info here: dnr.illinois.gov/news.html

The new 2025 Illinois list of endangered and threatened plants & animals is now available. Every 5 years, the State of Illinois identifies species that need protection under the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act. Find the new list here: dnr.illinois.gov/espb/etlista...

Learn about Thanksgiving as a national holiday & visit with Lincoln family reenactors as they prepare a mid-19th century holiday feast at the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site – the former home of the 16th president’s parents - from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28.

Don’t miss your chance to step back in time! In the Middle is now open at the ISM-Lockport Gallery, offering a look at childhood in 1940s Bloomington, Illinois through the eyes of Sybil Stern Mervis and her peers. Learn more here: www.illinoisstatemuseum.org/welcome-ism-...

Greetings from Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County, where the autumn golds, yellows and oranges have us feeling gobsmacked. Where are you seeing beautiful fall foliage? 😍🍁🍂

IDNR is hosting 2 additional public meetings to gather input on duck season split timing (2026–2030): Nov 12, 6–8PM – SIU Carbondale, Lawson Hall Rm 151 Nov 13, 6–8PM – Carlyle HS Cafeteria South & current south-central zone hunters encouraged to attend. No registration needed.

Did you know that Fort Massac State Park was the FIRST Illinois state park? In 1903, through the efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 24 acres surrounding the site were purchased by the state. On Nov. 5, 1908, Fort Massac was officially dedicated as a state park!

The Sangamon River Poets: Masters, Lindsay, and Sandburg will be on Nov. 8 (7pm) & Nov. 9 (3pm) at Lincoln’s New Salem in Petersburg! The play features dramatic interpretations of poetry and prose by Vachel Lindsay, Edgar Lee Masters, and Carl Sandburg. illinoistimestix.com

Turkey hunters in Illinois harvested 255 wild turkeys during the 2025 fall firearm season Oct. 18-26, compared to 294 harvested last year. To learn more, visit dnr.illinois.gov/news.html

Looking for something new to explore? Volo Bog State Natural Area offers various programs and events throughout the year that you won’t want to miss. Weekend bog tours, bird walks and weekday walks with a naturalist are regular offerings at the bog.

Looking for your next outdoor adventure? Volo Bog State Natural Area has you covered! The bog has fantastic trails for hiking and cross-country skiing in winter.

Each year, more than 90,000 visitors explore the wonders of Volo Bog State Natural Area, from curious elementary students to lifelong nature lovers. Educational programs for learners of all ages make it the perfect destination to explore, learn, and connect with nature. #volobog

Volo Bog was purchased by The Nature Conservancy in 1958. It, along with nearby Wauconda Bog, was the very first purchase by the newly forming Illinois Chapter of TNC. In 1970, Volo Bog was designated an Illinois Nature Preserve – the 25th one to be listed in the state (today there are 360).

IDNR is highlighting Illinois’ beautiful and unique state parks in a monthly social media feature, “Spotlight on Illinois State Parks.” This week we’re featuring Volo Bog State Natural Area in Lake County. #ILStateParks #VoloBog #illinoisdnr

IDNR has selected waterfowl season dates & zone lines for the 2026-2030 seasons based on scientific information & input from waterfowl hunters. New zone lines & season dates will not take effect until the 2026 season. See the zone lines and dates here: huntillinois.org/waterfowl/

New record! Illinois youth hunters harvested 4,714 deer Oct. 11–13. Top counties: Randolph (259), Pike (164), Adams & Jefferson (155), Marion (135). Unfilled youth permits valid for Nov. 21–23 & Dec. 4–7 firearm seasons. Learn more: huntillinois.org

Visitors are invited to stroll along illuminated paths between the historic farms and enjoy a night by the fire at the Torchlight Halloween Hike and wiener roast at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Coles County on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate fall at the Fall Nature Fest at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion on Sat, Oct 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hikes, archery, live animals & more—FREE family fun along Lake Michigan. Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/illinois-b...

Get excited! It's time for the annual candlelight walk at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, a popular kick-off to the fall festival season. It is returning this weekend (Oct. 3-5) and will ALSO be held Oct. 10-12, and Oct. 17-19.

Archery deer opening day is HERE! Wednesday, Oct. 1 marks the kickoff of the Illinois archery deer season. We wish you a safe, successful, and unforgettable season. To review the rules and regulations, visit dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/hunt.... #deerhunting #archerydeer #illinoisdnr #idnr

At White Sox Hispanic Heritage Night, 35K+ fans met turtles, snakes & more—thanks to IDNR & ISM! Families took home pollinator seeds, learned Latino history, & kicked off Hecho en Illinois (Hispanic Heritage Month programming). It was a great night of culture, nature & connection.

We hope you’ve enjoyed discovering some of the great things about Mississippi Palisades State Park. Now, a big thank you to the amazing staff behind the scenes: Sean, James, Robert, Brian, and Sherri for their hard work and dedication! #illinoisdnr #illinoisstatepark #statepark

Don’t miss the stunning overlooks at Mississippi Palisades State Park. The park offers four different overlooks all with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Add the park to your weekend adventure list! #mississppipalisades #statepark #illinoisstatepark

State Park Spotlight: Mississippi Palisades State Park in Carroll County Inside of the striking Mississippi Palisades State Park is a stunning nature preserve. This preserve contains some of the highest quality remnant second-growth forest in Illinois. (1/3)

Mississippi Palisades is a stunning place for your next outdoor adventure. Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois, this 2,500-acre park is a must-visit destination. #illinoisstatepark #illinoisdnr #mississippipalisades youtu.be/rFZYHc2cMmg?...

Mississippi Palisades State Park, just north of Savanna, is a hidden gem in the driftless area home to dramatic bluffs, unique rock formations and unglaciated beauty. Designated a national landmark in 1973, it lives up to its name. Don’t miss the views! #ilstatepark #illinoisdnr #outdoorillinois

IDNR is highlighting Illinois’ beautiful and unique state parks in a monthly social media feature, “Spotlight on Illinois State Parks.” This month, we’re featuring Mississippi Palisades in Carroll County. #ILStateParks #MississippiPalisades #illinoisdnr #illinoisstatepark

This year, the beloved Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site Candlelight Walk returns with an exciting new format, running over three weekends instead of just one. Join us on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5 pm to 7:30 pm on Oct. 3–5, 10–12, and 17–19.

Join us from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Dana-Thomas House courtyard for Lotería, a game of chance similar to bingo. Relax under a setting sun, enjoy some delicious tacos. Registration is required. Visit bit.ly/Hecho2025 to reserve a spot today.

Apply for the Dana-Thomas House Field Trip Grant! Grants are available to teachers of grades prekindergarten through 12 in Illinois schools, as well as homeschool groups. This is a continuous application and there is no deadline. dnr.illinois.gov/education/gr... #fieldtrip #grant #illinoisdnr

Educators join us for an ENTICE class about Wildlife Basics: Mammals. The class will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 at Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora. Register here: www.enticeworkshops.com #illinoisdnr #illinoiseducators #event #wildlifebasics #wildlife

Educators, join us for a hands-on ENTICE workshop that dives into the science of weather, climate, and climate change on Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register now: www.enticeworkshops.com

The Mason State Tree Nursery fall sale is happening now! This year's sale includes potted White Pine and Norway Spruce trees, potted wildflowers and native grasses, as well as wildflower and native grass seed packets. dnr.illinois.gov/conservation...

The second lottery for public duck/goose hunting is open Sept. 1 through Sept. 15. Open to unsuccessful residents from the first lottery, residents that did not apply in the first lottery, and non-resident applicants. To learn more, visit dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/wate.... #illinoisdnr