Illinois e-News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

Media contact: [email protected]

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

Praire du Rocher | Randolph County

This event features 18th and early 19th-century camp life and re-enactors who participate in a muzzleloader woods walk shooting competition. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more online. 

Grafton | Jersey County

Julie Zimmermann, an anthropologist from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, explores the rich Native American history and culture of Illinois. Discover how Indigenous peoples lived, thrived, and shaped the landscape we know today. RSVP by calling 618-786-3323 or emailing [email protected]. 

Springfield | Sangamon County

This Latine holiday honors those who came before us and our connection with them. ISM is partnering with our friends the Hispanic Women of Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield Diversity Center, and other guests to bring you a full day of celebration, community, and culture. The event is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Illinois State Museum’s website for additional information. 

Lewistown | Fulton County

Visitors will enjoy learning about what bats eat, where they live, and how important they are for the environment. Learn more on the Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds website.

Oglesby | LaSalle County

Gerald Savage, scholar from the HoChunk Nation, cordially invites you to explore the captivating narrative of Native American reintroduction in Illinois. Learn more on the Starved Rock Facebook. 

Lewistown | Fulton County

Visitors will enjoy learning about aquatic mussels from the Therkildsen Field Station’s education coordinator Christa Christensen. Enjoy hands-on activities and crafts. Learn more on the Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds website.

Oglesby | LaSalle County

The public and their children are invited to make leaf lanterns at the visitor center at 1 p.m. Register on Eventbrite.   

Makanda | Jackson County

Heather Carey, tribal liaison for the Shawnee National Forest and president of the Illinois Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, will present on the Cherokee Trail of Tears through southern Illinois at 1 p.m. Please call 618-457-4836 for additional information. Follow Giant City State Park on Facebook for more information. 

Springfield | Sangamon County

Families are invited to join the Mini Explorer’s Club for a special Story Time Trail adventure that brings The Gingerbread Man tale to life. Children will hear the story of The Gingerbread Man and enjoy interactive activities. Visit the Illinois State Museum’s website for additional information. 

Bloomington | McLean County

Enjoy an opportunity to purchase gently used and vintage Christmas decorations, and a few treasures from the David Davis Mansion which are being retired from our holiday collection. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Learn more on the David Davis Mansion website. 

Statewide

IDNR will be hosting wingshooting clinics in Cass, Henry and Iroquois counties in November. View the schedule of clinics and register online.  

Statewide

Learn more about hunting, trapping, and stay up today with lotteries and seasons on the HuntIllinois.org calendar.  

Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information. View the full list of IDNR seasonal events online.

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 Aug. 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.