June Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for June.
June 6 through Aug. 9
History Comes Alive
Springfield State Historic Sites
Springfield | Sangamon
Visit the historic sites in Springfield this summer for programs, reenactments, and activities for the whole family. The Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb, The Dana-Thomas House, and the Illinois State Museum will feature a variety of fun and educational events June through August. View the schedule of events online.
June 7-8
Annual Rendezvous
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
Prairie du Rocher | Randolph County
The Fort de Chartres Rendezvous, a popular annual tradition in Randolph County, will take place June 7 and 8 at the Fort de Chartres State Historic Site near Prairie du Rocher. Rendezvous hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Highlights include a flintlock muzzleloader shooting competition; period food, drink, and entertainment; artisan and craft demonstrations; 18th-century children’s games; militia and military events. Learn more online.
June 7
Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton | Jersey County
Pere Marquette State Park will host the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair, featuring fun and educational activities for the entire family, on Saturday, June 7. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park. There are no admission or parking fees, and no fishing license or gear is needed to participate. Go online for additional information.
June 7
Nature hike and Purple Martin talk
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Collinsville | Madison County
Enjoy a free hike led by an archaeologist. Meet in front of the interpretive center at 9 a.m. Reserve a spot by calling the site at 618-346-5160. Also, Purple Martin conservationist John Miller will give an informative talk on Purple Martin nesters at 1 p.m. in front of the interpretive center. Learn more online.
June 7
You Too Can Kayak
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Murphysboro | Jackson County
Join the Giant City State Park naturalist at Lake Murphysboro State Park for a fun morning of casual paddling around the lake. This program will include a brief overview of kayak safety, techniques, and on-the-water opportunities for wildlife observation. This will be a guided kayak experience for anyone 13 years and older. All equipment will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required for this free program. Please call 618-457-4836 to register.
June 13-16
Illinois free fishing days
Statewide
Anglers of all ages and skill levels are invited to fish for free across Illinois. No fishing license or stamp is required to participate one weekend each year. Learn more about fishing in Illinois online.
June 14
New Salem Summer Frolic
Lincoln’s New Salem
Petersburg | Menard County
Celebrate frontier heritage with period clothed interpreters demonstrating throughout the historic village. Learn more on Facebook.
June 14
Stroll in Sarah’s Garden
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
Bloomington | McLean County
Take a morning walk through Sarah Davis’ 1872 heirloom garden, enjoying the summer sun and taking in the beautiful flowers and plants, many of which are original to the space. Enjoy a cup of lemonade while you stroll. Master gardeners and other mansion volunteers will be working or roaming, some dressed in historic costume, and can answer any questions visitors may have as they explore. Learn more online.
June 16
Junior Explorer Camp
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
Hartford | Madison County
Campers are invited to this weeklong camp that will explore the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and their time spent in Illinois at Camp River Dubois. Training as expedition soldiers, campers will learn frontier skills such as fire starting, compass navigation, mending uniforms, journaling, cooking over the fire, plant and animal identification, and much more. Junior Explorer Camp will run 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 16-20 at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. This program is intended for campers ages 9 to 11. Register online.
June 28
Junior Ranger Day
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
Discover a variety of outdoor stations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and uncover the marvels of nature, wildlife, and more. Complete a junior ranger booklet and receive a junior ranger badge from the park ranger. This is a free family event outside of the Starved Rock Visitor Center.
June 30
Last day for deer firearm and muzzleloader second lottery
Statewide
The second lottery for deer firearm and muzzleloader season is open through June 30 to Illinois residents who did not apply or were not successful in the first lottery drawing. The second lottery is also open to non-residents. Limit of one application. Apply online at exploremoreil.com or mail a paper application.
June 30
Last day for Non-resident deer archery combo permit applications
Statewide
Non-Residents may obtain permits online only from June 1 to June 30, after which permits are only available over the counter at license vendors. Non-resident youth age 17 and younger may purchase a resident combination archery permit at a reduced price.
June 30
Last day for site-specific dove permit applications first lottery
The first permit lottery for site-specific dove season will be open June 1 to 30. The first lottery is open to Illinois residents only. Visit IDNR’s Free Dove Permit One Stop page for instructions, application periods, seasons and more.
Now Open
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon
The Old State Capitol State Historic Site has reopened and is once again welcoming visitors in downtown Springfield. The site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Make plans today to visit this reconstruction of Illinois’ statehouse from 1840 to 1876, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech.
Throughout June
Wingshooting clinics
Statewide
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources hosts wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois. The clinics are conducted on weekends from spring through early fall. View the full schedule online.
Throughout June
Safety education courses
Statewide
IDNR offers hunter field days and hunter and boating safety courses. Visit the safety education class schedule online for all upcoming safety education courses.
Throughout June
ENTICE teacher education courses
Statewide
IDNR offers courses for continuing education credits for teachers covering a variety of nature and conservation topics, such as birds, pollinators and other topics. View the full schedule and register online.
Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is celebrating 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois throughout 2025. The department was established July 1, 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 for more information.
