June Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for June.

More than 100 vehicles of various makes, models, and years manufactured in the United Kingdom are the focus of this popular summer event at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, co-sponsored by the Illinois Flat Land British Car Club. Visitors will enjoy live music and concessions on the mansion lawn while wandering through endless rows of cars and motorcycles, including Jaguar, MG, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Triumph, Austin-Healey, Cobra, Lotus, Mini, Rootes, and more. View upcoming events at David Davis Mansion online. 

Petersburg | Menard County

Michael Wiant and Terri Treacy will present Exploring Menard County Trails at 1 p.m. at the visitors' center auditorium. A performance by singer-songwriter Ben Bedford will follow the presentation. Grab a bite to eat at the Railsplitter before the program. Learn more on Facebook.

Statewide

Non-resident deer archery combo permit are available online only from June 1 through June 30, after which permits are only available over the counter at license vendor locations. Non-resident youth younger than 18 may purchase a resident combination archery permit at a reduced price.

Statewide

The first permit lottery for site-specific dove season will be open June 1-30. 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.

Statewide

The permit lottery for youth site-specific dove hunting will be open June 1 through July 26. For dove hunting, a youth is anyone between the ages of 10 and 17. Visit IDNR's Free Dove Permit One Stop page for instructions, application periods, seasons and more.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

 

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.

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. 

Petersburg | Menard County

Celebrate frontier heritage with period clothed interpreters demonstrating throughout the historic village. Learn more on Facebook.

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.