July Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Press Release - Tuesday, July 01, 2025

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

 

July 1

Application period opens for OSLAD park grants
Statewide

The application period for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants opens at 5 p.m. July 1. OSLAD is a grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for the acquisition and development of land for public parks and open spaces. Deadline to apply is Sept. 30. Learn more online at IDNR's OSLAD grant website.

 

July 1

Independence Day concert

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Ellis Grove | Randolph County

The Chester Municipal Band will perform its Independence Day concert at the newly renovated Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site band shelter along the Mississippi River in Randolph County at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 1. 

 

July 1

Site-specific dove permit first lottery opens

Statewide

The first permit lottery for site-specific dove season is open July 1-30. The first lottery is available to Illinois residents only. Visit IDNR's free dove permit page for instructions, application periods, seasons and more.

 

July 1

Youth site-specific dove permit lottery opens

Statewide

The permit lottery for youth site-specific dove hunting is open July 1-26. For dove hunting, a youth is anyone between the ages of 10 and 17. Visit IDNR's free dove permit page for instructions, application periods, seasons and more.

 

July 1-3

Independence Day Celebration

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

Petersburg | Menard County

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site - the recreated site of New Salem village, where young Abraham Lincoln lived for six formative years from 1831 to 1837 - will host period demonstrations and a reading of the Declaration of Independence each day. Learn more on the site's Facebook.

 

July 3

Tot Time: Buzz Buzz Bees!

Dickson Mounds Museum

Lewistown | Fulton County

Visitors will enjoy learning about the different types of bees in a hive, what their jobs are, and how they make honey. Tots and caretakers can enjoy hands-on activities and crafts to take home. The program is free. Registration is not required, but groups of eight or more are encouraged to call the museum at 309-547-3721 before the program date to ensure the availability of supplies. Learn more on the Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds website.

 

July 4

Fourth at the Fort

Apple River Fort State Historic Site

Elizabeth | Jo Daviess County

Apple River Fort State Historic Site, the location of an important battle during the Black Hawk War, will host an Independence Day celebration on July 4. Pack a picnic, enjoy a show, listen to a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, enlist in the militia, and cool off with a water race. Learn more at appleriverfort.org.

 

July 4

55^th annual Fourth of July celebration at the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial

Kaskaskia | Randolph County

Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial on Kaskaskia Island in southwest Illinois. Program begins at 1 p.m., and the food stand opens at 11 a.m. Visitors should bring chairs. The 650-pound bell was cast in 1741 and presented by France as a gift to the Catholic Church of the Illinois Country. The bell was rung by villagers to celebrate their July 4, 1778, liberation from the British by American Colonel George Rogers Clark. The site, accessible from Missouri, is at 203 First St. in Kaskaskia, about 60 miles southeast of St. Louis.

 

July 6
Dove site-specific second lottery open

Statewide

This dove permit lottery is open to residents and non-residents. Visit IDNR's free dove permit page for instructions, application periods, seasons and more.

 

July 8

Kids' fishing day at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds

Du Quoin | Perry County

IDNR and the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds will co-host a free youth fishing day at the fairgrounds at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 8. Fishing poles, bait and basic instruction will be provided. Advance registration is required, and participation is limited to the first 25 children who sign up. For more information, or to register, call the fairgrounds office at 618-542-1511.

 

July 11

Sun-up hike at Giant City State Park

Makanda | Jackson County

Roll out of bed and join the Giant City State Park naturalist at 6:30 a.m. to get some exercise and take in the early morning woods on one of the park's eight trails. Trails will vary from 1 to 3 miles and will be moderately difficult with some steep stair climbing. Interested hikers should call 618-457-4836 to register.

 

July 11

Deer firearm and muzzleloader third permit lottery open

Statewide

Residents and non-residents may apply for additional firearm or muzzleloader permits leftover from the county quotas. Group hunt applications are not accepted in the third lottery. There is no application limit for firearm or muzzleloader. Applications are accepted online or mail a paper application between July 11 and Aug. 16. 
More information is available online regarding deer hunting in Illinois.

 

July 13

Sunrise in the Prairie Hike at Starved Rock State Park

Utica | LaSalle County

Join the Starved Rock State Park naturalist for a delightful morning stroll and delve into the vibrant ecosystem of the tallgrass prairie. Hike starts at 7 a.m. Sign up online.

 

July 14

New Salem Summer Frolic
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

Petersburg | Menard County

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

 

July 11-12

Glorious Garden Festival

David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

Bloomington | McLean County

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the Glorious Garden Festival at the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington. Enjoy live music, local vendors selling garden-inspired art, plants and more. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Learn more on the David Davis Mansion website.

 

July 18
Fall turkey shotgun permit second lottery opens

Statewide
Residents and non-residents are eligible to apply. Limit one application per person. Applications are accepted online or by mail.

 

July 18, 20, 25, 27
History of Wolf Lake guided walking tour
William W. Powers State Recreation Area

Chicago | Cook
Uncover the mysterious tales and secrets of Wolf Lake on this fun guided walking tour. The event is free, but registration is encouraged on Eventbrite.

 

July 27

Site-specific first-come, first-served dove permits open

Statewide

Hunters can acquire their first or second permit on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8 a.m. July 27 through Aug. 25. Hunters must apply online. Visit the free dove permit page for instructions, application periods, seasons, and more.

 

July 30 through Aug. 9

Grand American World Trapshooting Championships
World Shooting and Recreation Complex

Sparta | Randolph County

The Grand American World Trapshooting Championships is the largest shooting event of its kind. The event features over 20 events. Shooters from all over the globe compete in hope of claiming one of the available prestigious titles. View the Grand American website for additional details.

 

Throughout summer
Springfield State Historic Sites

Springfield | Sangamon

The Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb and the Dana-Thomas House state historic sites are hosting a variety of summer programs and History Comes Alive events for the whole family. Enjoy history walks and porch talks at the Springfield state historic sites.

 

Throughout July

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 July

ENTICE teacher education courses

Statewide

IDNR offers courses for continuing education credits for teachers covering a variety of nature and conservation topics, such as native bees, invasive carp and other topics. View the full schedule and register online.

 

 

Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information.

 

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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.