Illinois DNR
@illinoisdnr.bsky.social
Official account of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. State parks, historic sites, wildlife, water, mines, education and more. #findyourselfoutdoors
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.
November 21, 2025 at 4:05 PM
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
More info here: dnr.illinois.gov/news.html
November 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
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
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...
November 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
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.
November 14, 2025 at 7:08 PM
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-...
November 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
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? 😍🍁🍂
November 7, 2025 at 9:42 PM
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.
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.
November 7, 2025 at 4:09 PM
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.
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!
November 5, 2025 at 3:29 PM
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
November 4, 2025 at 7:58 PM
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
To learn more, visit dnr.illinois.gov/news.html
November 3, 2025 at 3:45 PM
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
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.
October 31, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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.
October 30, 2025 at 2:49 PM
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
Educational programs for learners of all ages make it the perfect destination to explore, learn, and connect with nature. #volobog
October 29, 2025 at 3:42 PM
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
Educational programs for learners of all ages make it the perfect destination to explore, learn, and connect with nature. #volobog
Since its establishment in 1970, more than 1,100 additional acres of land have been purchased to protect and enlarge this state natural area, which now includes marshes, prairie restoration areas, woodlands, two other bogs and scenic trails.
October 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Since its establishment in 1970, more than 1,100 additional acres of land have been purchased to protect and enlarge this state natural area, which now includes marshes, prairie restoration areas, woodlands, two other bogs and scenic trails.
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).
October 28, 2025 at 3:25 PM
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
#ILStateParks #VoloBog #illinoisdnr
October 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM
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
#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/
October 22, 2025 at 3:45 PM
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
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
October 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
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
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.
October 20, 2025 at 7:48 PM
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...
www.eventbrite.com/e/illinois-b...
October 17, 2025 at 3:39 PM
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...
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.
October 3, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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
#deerhunting #archerydeer #illinoisdnr #idnr
October 1, 2025 at 2:43 PM
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
#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.
September 29, 2025 at 4:44 PM
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
September 26, 2025 at 9:07 PM
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
September 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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