SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites fairgoers to experience outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities among the shade trees and cool breezes at Conservation World during the 2025 Illinois State Fair through Aug. 17.
Conservation World will commemorate the 100th anniversary of IDNR with a variety of themed displays and activities. New this year:
• At the new Conservation World welcome tent, fairgoers can purchase commemorative Works Progress Administration-style posters and other items featuring magnificent Illinois state parks and historic sites. The welcome tent is hosted by the Illinois Conservation Foundation, which supports IDNR activities.
• Explore the history of Illinois state parks and share your idea of what outdoor recreation might be like 100 years from now.
• Learn to camp like a pro at the Climate Action Tent, where fairgoers can learn about reusable camping gear, recycling at IDNR parks and reducing waste when camping; play games; enjoy special photo backdrops; and pick up wildflower seed packets.
• Visit with Chicago Chef Maurice Jackson at his Copi® Stand, where such treats as Copi® chili dogs, Copi® loaded nachos and Copi® smash burgers will be available for purchase. Copi® is the consumer brand for invasive carp.
• Check out IDNR’s new and improved butterfly house filled with insects and caterpillars at various stages of their life cycle. IDNR experts will host butterfly presentations at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Aug. 9, 5 p.m. Aug. 10, 11 a.m. Aug. 16, and 11 a.m. Aug. 17.
• Enjoy the World Bird Sanctuary’s Raptor Basics Program in the Conservation World amphitheater.
• Visit the Education Tent to learn about winter in Illinois and how native animal species survive when it’s cold, with hands-on activities and opportunities to consider what winter may look like 100 years from now.
“IDNR staff and volunteers have worked hard to bring fairgoers an impressive array of exhibits and activities in Conservation World as we celebrate 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Whether it’s new activities or traditional favorites you’re seeking, we have it covered and are excited to welcome new friends and old friends alike to Conservation World.”
For the second year, IDNR will host sensory hours at Conservation World, offering visitors an opportunity to explore in a quieter, more calming environment for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities. Special sensory-friendly hours are scheduled for 8:30-10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Also returning in 2025 are the popular archery tent and pellet gun ranges; youth, adult and disabled fishing opportunities; the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show; the 2,800-gallon see-through aquarium filled with native fish; the mussel table; an eagle’s nest photo opportunity; water tables and a rock dig for children; opportunities to visit with IDNR biologists, Illinois Conservation Police officers and other experts; hunting and fishing license sales; and music and food vendors.
Conservation World is in the northwest corner of the Illinois State Fairgrounds, accessible by foot and by tram. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair. Go online to learn more about Conservation World and explore the daily activity schedule.
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, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mine 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.