SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for April.
April 1
2025 fishing regulations took effect
Statewide
Go online to review and download the 2025 Illinois Fishing Regulation Information Guide, available in English and Spanish. New in the guide this year:
- Family-friendly places to fish can be found on pages 64-66.
- Regulation changes from the prior year are highlighted in green.
- Clarified bowfishing regulations.
April 3
Tot Time: Totally Turtles
Dickson Mounds Museum | Fulton County
This month’s program is all about turtles, presented by Kayleigh Smith, outreach specialist at IDNR’s Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery. Program is 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 3. Free admission; no individual registration required. Groups of eight or more are encouraged to call the museum at 309-547-3721 in advance to ensure availability of supplies.
April 5
Illinois trout season opens
Statewide
Illinois trout season begins at 58 sites across Illinois. Learn more online.
April 5, 12, 18
Spring wildflower walk
Giant City State Park | Jackson County
Trillium Trail at Giant City State Park is one of the best spring wildflower trails in southern Illinois. Join a natural resources coordinator and meander through the spring woods and take a closer look at the wildflowers. Registration required by calling 618-457-4836.
April 5-6
Youth turkey season – second weekend
Statewide
Youth with a special hunting permit can hunt statewide April 5-6. Regular spring turkey season begins April 7 in the South zone. Go online for additional details.
April 6
Cahokia Mounds Native American Market
Collinsville VFW | St. Clair County
Over 30 Tribal-affiliated artists demonstrate and sell indigenous arts and crafts. This event is free and open to the public. Go online for additional details.
April 7
First day of turkey season – South zone
Southern Illinois
The first spring turkey season in the South zone is April 7 through 11. Go online for additional details. Learn more about hunting seasons and lottery dates on the Hunt Illinois website.
April 11
Game Night
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
The Illinois State Museum and Springfield State Historic Sites invite gamers aged 13 to 17 to play Dungeons and Dragons at the Dana-Thomas House at 5 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.
April 12
Spring festival and egg hunt
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
Bloomington | McClean County
Visit the historic David Davis Mansion State Historic Site for an Easter egg hunt and photo opportunity with the Easter bunny from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12. Learn more online.
April 12
Kids’ Crafter-noon
Dickson Mounds Museum | Fulton County
Spend an afternoon making fun arts and crafts at the museum. A variety of supplies and materials will be available for children to create pieces of their liking to take home. Program is 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. All ages are welcome with adult supervision. Free admission; no registration required.
April 12-13
Family clay target wingshooting
Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area | Tazewell County
IDNR, Illinois Conservation Foundation, and Pheasants Forever will provide targets, coaches, and necessary equipment for this event for the whole family. Learn more.
April 14
First day of turkey season – North zone
Northern Illinois
The first spring turkey season in the North zone is April 14 through 18. Go online for additional details. Learn more about hunting seasons and lottery dates on the Hunt Illinois website.
April 19
Easter Fun at Lincoln Log Cabin
Lerna | Coles County
Visit the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19. The Lincolns will host a traditional egg roll, Easter egg hunt and craft activity. Learn more.
April 26
Starved Rock Trail Clean Up Day
Starved Rock State Park | LaSalle County
Volunteers will gather at the park at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 26 for a trail cleanup event. This community volunteer day is dedicated to preserving the park’s natural resources for everyone to appreciate. To sign up as a volunteer, email lisa.sons@illinois.gov or call 815-667-5356.
April 26
Illinois Birds ENTICE class
Kennekuk Environmental Education Center | Vermilion County
Explore the biodiversity of Illinois bird species during spring migration season from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ENTICE program training is for Illinois educators and provides Illinois State Board of Education professional development hours. View the list of upcoming classes online or contact dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov for details.
April 27
Día del Niños
Illinois State Museum
Springfield | Sangamon County
The Illinois State Museum (ISM) and the Hispanic Women of Springfield invite the public to this free event celebrating this Mexican holiday honoring kids and their role in our community. Games, art, entertainment and more begin at 1 p.m. Contact dnr.ism.events@illinois.gov for additional details and visit the ISM website for its full upcoming events calendar.
April 30
Final day: Deer firearm/muzzleloader first lottery
Statewide
For Illinois residents only. Limit of one application. Apply online or mail a paper application. Group hunt applications are accepted in the first lottery. Go online to http://huntillinois.org for more information.
April
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.
Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information.