Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Illinois Department of Natural Resources Protecting and managing Illinois' natural and cultural resources for all to use, enjoy and learn.

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the IDNR family of sites, will host two programs exploring Illinois histo...
04/08/2026

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, part of the IDNR family of sites, will host two programs exploring Illinois history through food traditions and American folk music in April.

Historian and musician Bucky Halker will present a musical program focused on the life and songs of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18. The program blends live guitar and vocal performances with historical commentary about Guthrie’s life and the social issues reflected in his music and includes audience singalong songs.

On Saturday, April 25, chef and educator Lori Parrett will present “The Frosted Republic,” a program examining Illinois’ role in shaping American cake and dessert traditions. Using slides, vintage imagery and edible artifacts, Parrett will trace connections from early decorating classes by Wilton Brands to the influence of Duncan Hines and the Sara Lee bakery of Downers Grove. The presentation will begin at 10 a.m., highlighting how cake decorating reflects migration, ingenuity and celebration in American culture.

The presentations, through the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, align with the theme “We the People” promoted by the Illinois America 250 Commission. The commission’s work focuses on how people from diverse backgrounds have helped shape the nation’s history.

Read the press release here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/news.html

Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site, part of the IDNR family of sites, will host its annual Spring Native American Market...
04/08/2026

Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site, part of the IDNR family of sites, will host its annual Spring Native American Market April 24-26, bringing together some of the nation’s most talented Native American artists.

The market will take place in the gallery space at the site’s interpretive center. Although the interpretive center museum remains closed to the public for renovations, the gallery will be open for the event. No artifacts will be on display during the market.

Artists representing several Tribal nations will participate, including Muscogee, Santo Domingo, Diné (Navajo), Hopi, Zuni and Ho-Chunk. Visitors will have an opportunity to purchase a variety of authentic Native American artwork and crafts, including jewelry, ceramics, paintings, drawings, clothing, flutes and woodcarvings.

Find the press release here: https://dnr.illinois.gov/news.html

It’s the start of spring turkey season! The Illinois’ south zone season is April 6-10, and the north zone is April 13-17...
04/06/2026

It’s the start of spring turkey season! The Illinois’ south zone season is April 6-10, and the north zone is April 13-17.

Good luck to all the turkey hunters we hope you have a safe and successful season.

For more information and to view the full schedule for additional seasons, visit IDNR’s spring turkey season website. https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/spring-turkey-program.html

The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 4 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the...
04/03/2026

The 2026 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 4 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. Visit https://ifishillinois.org/ for more information about fishing opportunities in the state.

Nearly 1,000 Bullseye archers and 350+ 3D archers came together for the 2026 Illinois NASP State Tournament in Mattoon. ...
04/02/2026

Nearly 1,000 Bullseye archers and 350+ 3D archers came together for the 2026 Illinois NASP State Tournament in Mattoon.

Students from across Illinois stepped onto the line representing their schools, their communities, and their growth. But the real impact was in the moments between shots: teammates supporting each other, families watching with pride, and young people discovering confidence through discipline and patience.
This experience would not be possible without the coaches and program leaders who invest countless hours guiding these students. Their commitment shows in every shot, every routine, and every moment of growth we witnessed throughout the weekend.

Behind the scenes, the level of planning and logistics required to deliver an event of this scale was significant. Thank you to the IDNR staff who made this possible. And a special thank you to our Conservation Police Officers, who served as line judges and supported the event wherever needed, along with the volunteers who helped run the lines and keep everything moving.

What happened here goes beyond a tournament. It is a reminder that when we create opportunities like this, we are not just hosting events. We are building confidence, strengthening communities, and opening doors.

Turtles enjoying some sunshine at IDNR HQ in Sangamon County.
04/01/2026

Turtles enjoying some sunshine at IDNR HQ in Sangamon County.

Have you bought your hunting and fishing license yet? Any licenses purchased prior to March 1, 2026, are for the 2025 li...
03/31/2026

Have you bought your hunting and fishing license yet? Any licenses purchased prior to March 1, 2026, are for the 2025 license year and will expire March 31, 2026. Purchase your 2026 license today! https://dnr.illinois.gov/lpr.html

IDNR will delay the traditional April 1 opening of Heidecke Lake in Grundy County to boaters this year because of unusua...
03/30/2026

IDNR will delay the traditional April 1 opening of Heidecke Lake in Grundy County to boaters this year because of unusually low water levels caused by ongoing drought conditions.

Bank fishing will be allowed in the interim. Please follow site rules.

IDNR staff will continue to monitor the lake and will reopen it once it reaches safe navigation levels. The department expects levels to return to typical ranges as normal precipitation patterns resume. IDNR is evaluating potential options for adding water to the lake if drought conditions persist.

Located near Morris in Grundy County, Heidecke Lake is a former cooling lake for a power generation plant. IDNR leases the site to provide public outdoor recreational opportunities. For the first time since the utility site was decommissioned in 2007, water levels at Heidecke Lake have dropped too low to allow safe navigation by boats and other watercraft.

Current water levels are about 506 feet, 11 inches above sea level. Ideal water levels for the lake are about 510 feet, with safe navigation for watercraft typically possible at 508 feet or higher.

Families are invited to celebrate a presidential tradition – the egg roll – and an Easter egg hunt at Lincoln Log Cabin ...
03/30/2026

Families are invited to celebrate a presidential tradition – the egg roll – and an Easter egg hunt at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Coles County on Saturday, April 4.

Easter egg rolls are one of the oldest annual traditions at the White House, held on the Monday after Easter, when children and their families gather to roll decorated hard-boiled eggs using a wooden spoon.

The egg hunt begins at 1 p.m. with staggered start times by age group, allowing parents to accompany children to each hunt. The event is open to children ages 12 and under. Participants should bring their own basket or bucket to collect eggs. The egg roll begins at 2 p.m. A children’s craft activity will also be offered in the visitor center. The event is rain or shine.

Visitors can stop by the Goosenest Prairie Gift Shop, which will be open during the program. The shop offers a variety of unique gifts, including locally sourced products and handcrafted items made by site volunteers.

Enjoy the beauty of spring in southern Illinois during upcoming Spring Wildflower Walks at Giant City State Park on Sat...
03/29/2026

Enjoy the beauty of spring in southern Illinois during upcoming Spring Wildflower Walks at Giant City State Park on Saturday, April 4, Saturday, April 11, and Friday, April 17. Each walk is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register for these free walks by calling 618-457-4836.

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