Illinois DNR

@illinoisdnr

Official account of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. State parks, historic sites, wildlife, water, mines, education and more. #findyourselfoutdoors

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Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 12d

Wildlife enthusiasts will love visiting Wayne Fitzgerrell SRA in Franklin and Jefferson counties! Visitors can spot white-tailed deer, turkeys, pheasants, ospreys, hawks, eagles, blue herons, and so much more. Bring your camera and get ready to make some fantastic memories.

A deer walks on a grassy area near a path and trees in a park. A sign reads "Lake View Sites 48-67 Online Reservations Only Camp Post Site 59."

A wide, open field with two turkeys in the center. In the background, there's a dense line of lush green trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A black and tan dog relaxes on the seat of a white golf cart adorned with miniature American and America 250 flags. The background shows an RV and camping gear.

A group of Gesse swim on Rend Lake with a distant tree-lined shore under a clear sky.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 13d

Rend Lake is a can’t miss fishing destination! The site has four boat ramps, three are open to the public and free of charge, and one is in the campground and is specifically for registered campers. Visit Wayne Fitzgerrell State Reaction Area to enjoy all Rend Lake offers.

A boat labeled "Illinois Conservation Police" is mounted on a trailer in a parking area. Two individuals in uniform, one standing on the boat and the other beside it, are performing maintenance tasks.

Three individuals stand on a small motorboat on a calm Rend Lake.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 14d

Discover why Rend Lake is the ultimate destination for outdoor water recreation.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 14d

Explore the scenic 4.8-mile limestone bike trail at Wayne Fitzgerrell. The trail runs from the main entrance of the park through the shelters, office, campground and resort connecting to Rend Lake College.

Sign indicating a "Bike Trail," surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation.

A green sign in a wooded area displays a white bicycle icon above the words "Bike Route." Below is a white arrow pointing right.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 14d

Wayne Fitzgerrell has multiple camp sites that offer picturesque views of Rend Lake. The class A campground has 243 sites with electric services. Additionally, there are five shelters all with great views of the lake and four of them are reservable! https://bit.ly/3RQZs3u

A scenic view of a grassy park with tall trees, overlooking Rend Lake under a clear blue sky.

RV is parked in a serene, sunlit forest setting.

Wooden picnic shelter with several tables underneath. There's also a small building to the left. A sign in the foreground reads "Shelter 2" with additional details about reservations. A paved path winds through the area.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 15d

Wayne Fitzgerrell was first opened to the public in 1975. This 3,300-acre property sits on the banks of Rend Lake which was formed by the damming of the Big Muddy River and has nearly 19,000 acres. It provides flood control, water supply and recreation.

A scenic view of the lake with a grassy, tree-lined shoreline in the foreground and a partly cloudy blue sky.

Calm lake with a grassy shore in the foreground and trees lining the distant shore. A small jet ski is parked near the water's edge on the right side. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

RV is parked on a paved area surrounded by lush green trees and grass. A picnic table and bench are nearby, under the shade of the trees.

A small cabin with a blue roof is situated by a peaceful lakeside, surrounded by lush green trees. A rocky shoreline is in the foreground.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 19d

The updated Illinois Wildlife Action Plan is here, guiding efforts to protect our native species and their habitats. This important plan is regularly updated to keep up with changing conditions and the latest research. Check out the newest revision https://bit.ly/4firptW

A serene rural landscape features rolling fields and a distant line of trees under a cloudy sky. In the foreground, tall grasses and yellow wildflowers add detail and contrast to the scene.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 22d

Join us at Beall Woods in Wabash County from 10-11 a.m. on Aug. 1 for Nature Nook Story Time. Mary Nuckolls, aka Mrs. Claus will be reading for the kids! Come listen to a fun story about nature and animals. After the story, there will be a craft activity.

A group of children and adults are seated around a table engaging in crafts and activities with colored paper and markers.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 23d

The Amateur Trapshooting Association’s (ATA) Grand American championships, one of the premier events in shooting sports, returns to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta July 29 through Aug. 8. https://shootata.com/

A person is shooting a gun at an outdoor range. They are wearing protective glasses, a cap, and a numbered vest.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 26d

The second lottery for Free Dove Hunting permits closes July 20. Please visit Hunt Illinois’ Upland & Small Game page https://bit.ly/4vwOIVP for regulation and seasons information and apply at the Free Dove Permit One Stop https://bit.ly/4vXU4u8

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 27d

IDNR invites interested vendors to attend a mandatory pre-bid meeting for the operation of concessions at Cave-In-Rock State Park in Hardin County. The pre-bid meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 28 at the park restaurant in Cave-in-Rock.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 27d

The third deer firearm and muzzleloader lottery is open through Aug. 21. Residents and non-residents may apply for firearm or muzzleloader permits. Learn more and apply online at https://dnr.illinois.gov/lpr/deerpermitsfees.html

A deer with large antlers stands in a forested area. The background is blurred, highlighting the deer as the central focus.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· 28d

We’re less than a month out from the start of the 2026 Illinois State Fair! When you visit the fair – and you should – make plans to visit Conservation World in the northwest corner of the fairgrounds. There you’ll find fun, free, family-friendly activities.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 9

Educators join us for "Wild Illinois History" at Isle a la Cache in Romeoville on Wednesday, July 29. This professional development workshop explores early French fur trapping in Illinois. Register at https://www.enticeworkshops.com.

A wet beaver sits on grass, surrounded by green foliage.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 8

The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield will host The Beauty in Our Community, a student art exhibit created in partnership with Compass for Kids' Camp Compass, beginning July 10.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 8

IDNR is asking hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, conservation professionals, & other members of the public to help monitor wild turkey reproduction by reporting wild turkey sightings through the Illinois Wild Turkey Survey. Open through August. https://bit.ly/4fmeI15

A wild turkey is standing in a lush green field, surrounded by tall grasses and plants, with a blurred blue sky in the background.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 8

IDNR will accept sealed bids this fall for about 40 agricultural lease contracts for the 2027-2031 crop years. For more information, visit the IDNR agriculture lease website or contact the individual listed for each lease opportunity in BidBuy. https://dnr.illinois.gov/clm/ag-lease-information.html

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 6

Join us at the Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville on Saturday, July 18, for “Pollinators and the Prairie,” a professional development workshop for educators. Learn about the vital role of pollinators in ecosystem health and food security. Register at https://www.enticeworkshops.com.

Three butterflies rest on bright yellow flowers.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 5

IDNR is accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4aympyF

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 4

Happy Fourth of July! Be sure to visit IL250.org, for information on all the exciting celebrations happening statewide.

A lit sparkler is held in front of a blurred background featuring the American flag and festive lights.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 3

The Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site in St. Clair County, part of the IDNR family of sites, will host “The Language of Liberty,” a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 8. https://bit.ly/3SDIEgp

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 3

In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, IDNR offices will be closed today. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 3

Join us at the Old State Capitol in Springfield on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for memorable and meaningful activities to celebrate America 250!

Poster promoting events at the Old State Capitol on July 4, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It includes the Noir 6 Art Exhibition, Tie-Dye 250 activity, and various historical reenactments such as Abraham Lincoln in the courtroom. Additional features are free activities for children and a scavenger hunt.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 2

IDNR is reminding organizations and individuals sponsoring fireworks displays in Illinois to be sure their fireworks vendor has the required state licenses and certificates issued by IDNR and the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) before their fireworks show. https://bit.ly/4v5xdM8

Colorful fireworks burst against a dark night sky,

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jul 1

Illinois Conservation Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame! Submit your nomination by July 15 to honor leaders who’ve made a lasting impact on conservation and outdoor recreation across Illinois. Nominate here: https://ilconservation.org/hall-of-fame

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jun 29

Illinoisans are invited to chronicle their stories, memories and reflections in audio recordings that will be permanently archived at the U.S. Library of Congress during a series of community recording sessions scheduled for this summer. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4akQxgV

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jun 28

Opportunity for educators! Discover the wonders of nature right outside your classroom. Join us for Neighborhood Nature, ENTICE (Environment & Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) workshop on Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Springfield. https://www.enticeworkshops.com.

Park with a small pond on the right. Wildflowers and various plants are in the foreground, while trees line the background.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jun 27

Celebrate another one of Illinois' beautiful state parks with our 2026 Illinois Beach State Park Ornament. Preorders are available now. The first shipment is expected to ship in 6 to 8 weeks, with delivery beginning in mid to late August. Shop now: ilconservation.givecloud.co/ilbeachornament

Ornament features "Illinois Beach" written in yellow cursive at the top. The image depicts a beach scene with sand dunes, tall grass, and a driftwood log. The sky is blue, and there's water in the background. A "Preorder" label is in the top left corner with a few star-like graphics nearby.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jun 25

Learn all about the fantastic trails, great hiking, and full-service marina at Illinois Beach State Park.

Illinois DNR@illinoisdnr· Jun 24

Whether you love swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, or just soaking in breathtaking views and enjoying nature, this is the ultimate destination for your next getaway!