SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for July 2026. State historic sites throughout Illinois have planned events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. In addition, July is National Recreation and Parks Month.
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July 2
Tot Time: Fish Frenzy
Illinois State Museum at Dickson Mounds
Lewistown | Fulton County
Staff from the Illinois River Biological Station will showcase live fish from the Illinois River and the equipment they use in their daily research. Tots and caretakers will enjoy hands-on activities and crafts to take home. Learn more at illinoisstatemuseum.org.
July 3, 10, 17, 24
Upper deck tours
Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
Enjoy an evening of Civil War-era music performed by a live brass ensemble, then experience a rare after-hours tour of the Lincoln Tomb’s upper deck. Get a closer look at the ornate exterior sculptures and hear the stories behind the monument’s design and symbolism. For more information email dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
July 3-5
Independence weekend live music
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Oakwood | Vermilion County
Enjoy live music at the bar and grill at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Shows featuring country, folk and classic rock begin at 5 p.m. each night. Learn more at Kickapoo Adventures online.
July 3, 10, 17, 31
Campfire Tales: America through Story and Song
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
Enjoy live music and historical stories on the Old State Capitol lawn as part of the History Comes Alive series. Learn more about this event on the State Historic Sites of Springfield Facebook page.
July 4
History, Hopes and Dreams: July 4 at the Old State Capitol
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Enjoy a variety of activities at the Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield. Visit the Noir 6 art exhibition featuring artwork from 28 Black artists. Enjoy the Tie-Dye 250 event on the north lawn, during which youth ages 5 to 15 can make an America 250 tie-dye shirt. Staff from the Illinois State Museum will talk about the history of the Donner-Reed Party that departed from Springfield in search of a better future in the West. Visitors can also enjoy free make-and-take art projects, America 250 art kits while supplies last, crafts, and History Comes Alive activities. Reservations required for some activities; visit Eventbrite for times and to sign up.
July 4
Fort Kaskaskia Fourth of July
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
Ellis Grove | Randolph County
The 56th annual Patriotic Ceremony at Kaskaskia Bell will take place on Saturday, July 4. Live music, entertainment and community groups will be at Fort Kaskaskia and Pierre Menard home for America’s 250th birthday. For additional information call 618-859-3741.
July 4
Holiday hike with a naturalist
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
Join a park naturalist at the visitor center for an Independence Day hike and learn about the history of Starved Rock becoming a state park. Follow the Starved Rock State Park Facebook for additional information.
July 4
250 Free Hotdogs for America’s 250th Birthday
Bryant Cottage State Historic Site
Bement | Piatt County
The Bryant Cottage State Historic Site will serve 250 free hotdogs to visitors during the Bement Fourth of July parade. Follow the Bryant Cottage State Historic Site on Facebook.
July 4,11,18,25
Art glass into tie-dye
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
Youth ages 5 to 15 and their caretakers are invited to learn about the colors and designs found in the Dana-Thomas House. Youth will choose their favorite art glass colors and tie-dye a shirt in the courtyard. Visit the State Historic Sites of Springfield Facebook for additional information.
July 6
Dove site-specific hunting lottery begins
Statewide
The Illinois second site-specific dove hunting and youth dove hunting lottery opens July 6. View information about the second site-specific dove and youth dove hunting lotteries online.
July 8
The Language of Liberty, public reading of the Declaration of Independence
Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site
Cahokia Heights | St. Clair County
The Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site will host “The Language of Liberty,” a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 10 a.m. July 8. Community members will read portions of the Declaration aloud, while local historians provide insight into the document’s origins, meaning and lasting influence on American history. The program commemorates the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
July 10
Kid’s free fishing clinic
Cache River State Natural Area
Cypress | Johnson County
Join IDNR fisheries staff for a hands-on fishing and outdoor learning event at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center at the Cache River State Natural Area. Poles and bait will be provided for young anglers. Visit the park’s Facebook for additional details.
July 10, 24
Sun-up hike
Giant City State Park
Makanda | Jackson County
Rise and shine with an early morning hike at Giant City State Park. Meet at the visitors center at 6:30 a.m. before the summer sun brings the heat. For additional information call 618-457-4836 or follow Giant City State Park on Facebook.
July 10-11
Glorious Garden Festival
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
Bloomington | McLean County
Enjoy live music, historical stories, an art show and a guided tour through the mansion’s garden. Visit David Davis Mansion on Facebook for additional details.
July 11
Kayaking with a naturalist
Lake Murphysboro State Park
Murphysboro | Jackson County
Join an IDNR naturalist at Lake Murphysboro State Park for a fun morning paddling around the lake. This program will include a brief overview of kayak safety and on-water opportunities for wildlife observation. For additional information call 618-457-4836 or email Jennifer.randolph@illinois.gov.
July 11
Young’uns in the Garden
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Charleston | Coles County
Participants will learn from historic interpreters how staff plant, maintain and harvest the site’s vegetable and herb gardens during the summer. Follow Lincoln Log Cabin on Facebook for additional details.
July 11
Kayaking with a naturalist
Moraine Hills State Park
McHenry | McHenry County
Join an IDNR naturalist at Lake Defiance for a fun and educational morning on the water. Learn about aquatic vegetation and nearby native habitat. This event is for experienced kayakers. For additional information and to register email dnr.volobog@illinois.gov.
July 11
Nature quest for young explorers
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
Youth are invited to join a park naturalist for a weekend of fun nature-based activities. Register by emailing lisa.sons@illinois.gov. Follow the Starved Rock State Park Facebook for additional information.
July 11
Outdoor yoga
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
Petersburg | Menard County
Enjoy yoga amidst the peaceful, wooded landscape and the historic village at Lincoln’s New Salem. This session is designed for everyone. Cost is $12 for adults and $5 for kids age 6 to 12. Follow Lincoln’s New Salem on Facebook for more information.
July 13
Deer firearm third lottery begins
Statewide
Residents and non-residents may apply for additional firearm or muzzleloader permits leftover from the county quotas. Learn more and apply online at HuntIllinois.org.
July 15
Deadline for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame nominations
Statewide
The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2026 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame online through July 15. Visit the foundation online for more information. Since 2002, the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame has recognized individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on conservation and outdoor recreation across Illinois.
July 17-18
Party at the Capitol
Springfield | Sangamon
Visit the Party at the Capitol in Springfield hosted by the Illinois Secretary of State in partnership with the Illinois State Museum, the Illinois Supreme Court and other State of Illinois organizations. During this free, two-day family event, visitors can enjoy presentations from acclaimed Illinois children’s authors, archival conservation demonstrations, an American eagle flight demonstration, a Route 66 exhibition and other activities. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the Capitol Complex.
July 19
Wild ferns presentation
Giant City State Park
Makanda | Jackson County
This presentation will introduce basic fern terminology with photos and identification tips to find them in the field. Please call 618-457-4836 to register. Follow Giant City State Park on Facebook.
July 23-27
Amateur Trapshooting Association AIM youth competition
World Shooting and Recreational Complex
Sparta | Randolph County
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex will host the 2026 AIM Grand National Youth Trapshooting Championships July 23-27. The event precedes the 127th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships at the site the following week.
July 27
Dove site-specific hunting first-come, first-served begins
Statewide
Hunters can acquire their first or second permit on a first-come first-served basis beginning July 27 through Aug. 25. Learn more and apply online at the IDNR dove hunting website.
July 28
Chester Municipal Band concert
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
Ellis Grove | Randolph County
The city’s orchestral band performs a free concert at 7 p.m. at the Fort Kaskaskia bandstand overlook. For additional information call 618-859-3741.
July 29-Aug. 8
Amateur Trapshooting Association Grand American
World Shooting and Recreational Complex
Sparta | Randolph
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in southern Illinois will host the 127th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships July 29 through Aug. 8. The Grand American is the largest shooting event of its kind, attracting shooters from around the world to compete and claim a title
Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information. View the full list of IDNR seasonal events online.
About IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 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 and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
