FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, Dec. 26, 2025
Media contact: [email protected]
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for January 2026.
Jan. 1
First Day Hikes
Illinois State Parks
Statewide
Take a hike at one of Illinois' state parks and kick off the New Year in nature. Participating parks will have stickers for visitors. Learn more about First Day Hikes online.
Jan. 1-31
Gnome Roam
Giant City State Park
Makanda | Jackson County
Search the trails at Giant City State Park for hidden gnomes. Complete the challenge and earn a special Giant City Gnome Roam patch. Follow Giant City State Park on Facebook for more information.
Jan. 1-4, 16-18
CWD and antlerless deer hunting season
Statewide
The special chronic wasting disease season and antlerless deer hunting is open Jan. 1-4 and 16-18. Visit HuntIllinois.org for regulations, requirements and locations.
Jan. 2
Festive Friday
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
View the home designed by Frank Loyd Wright dressed in holiday décor. Following the tour there will be hot cocoa, s’mores, and live music in the courtyard. Registration is available on Eventbrite, but not required.
Jan. 2-3
Freeze Fest
Illinois State Museum
Springfield | Sangamon County
Launch snowballs, test a blubber glove in icy water, explore the northern lights and warm up with hot chocolate. Admission is free. Visit the Illinois State Museum’s website for additional information.
Jan. 3
Annual photography show awards reception
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
The public is invited to view stunning images of nature captured by local photographers. The winning photographers will receive awards during this special reception. Visit the Starved Rock calendar online for additional information.
Jan. 11
WinterFest
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Ingleside | Lake County
Enjoy live music, bog tours, photography and a snow sculpture contest. Learn more on the Volo Bog website.
Jan. 18
Bald Eagle Festival
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton | Jersey County
Visit the Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center for a day of hands-on educational activities, vendors and the opportunity to view eagles. Learn more on the lodge website.
Jan. 20
Youth spring turkey special hunting area lottery opens
Statewide
Visit the Illinois Recreational Access Program webpage to learn more about special hunting area opportunities??.
Jan. 22
Big Medicine film
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
Prairie du Rocher | Randolph County
“Big Medicine: York Outdoors” follows eight adventurers on a four-day river expedition along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana. Visit the Fort de Chartres website for additional information.
Jan. 23
Spring turkey third lottery opens
Statewide
Illinois residents and non-residents may apply. Limit one application per person. Applications are accepted online or by mail.
Jan. 24
Eagle Watch Weekend
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
The public is invited to look for eagles and participate in educational presentations at the welcome center. Visit the Starved Rock calendar online for additional information.
Jan. 24
Star Party
Pere Marquette State Park
Grafton | Jersey County
Hosted in partnership with the St. Louis Astronomical Society, visitors can enjoy an evening under the stars as experts guide them through constellations, planets and deep-sky wonders using high-powered telescopes. For additional details, call 618-786-3323 or email [email protected].
Jan. 31
Trek through Time: Ice Age hike
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
Discover the wonders of the Ice Age and the geological history of the sandstone canyons with our park naturalist while searching for icefalls. Register online.
Follow IDNR on Facebook and its online calendar of events for further information. View the full list of IDNR seasonal events online.
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