Archery deer opening day is HERE! Wednesday, Oct. 1 marks the kickoff of the Illinois archery deer season. We wish you a safe, successful, and unforgettable season. To review the rules and regulations, visit dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/hunttr…. #deerhunting #archerydeer #illinoisdnr #idnr

Get excited! It's time for the annual candlelight walk at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site, a popular kick-off to the fall festival season. It is returning this weekend (Oct. 3-5) and will ALSO be held Oct. 10-12, and Oct. 17-19.

Celebrate fall at the Fall Nature Fest at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion on Sat, Oct 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hikes, archery, live animals & more—FREE family fun along Lake Michigan. Register here: eventbrite.com/e/illinois-bea…

Visitors are invited to stroll along illuminated paths between the historic farms and enjoy a night by the fire at the Torchlight Halloween Hike and wiener roast at Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Coles County on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 8p.m.

New record! Illinois youth hunters harvested 4,714 deer Oct. 11–13. Top counties: Randolph (259), Pike (164), Adams & Jefferson (155), Marion (135). Unfilled youth permits valid for Nov. 21–23 & Dec. 4–7 firearm seasons. Learn more: huntillinois.org

IDNR has selected waterfowl season dates & zone lines for the 2026-2030 seasons based on scientific information & input from waterfowl hunters. New zone lines & season dates will not take effect until the 2026 season. See the zone lines and dates here: huntillinois.org/waterfowl/

IDNR is highlighting Illinois’ beautiful and unique state parks in a monthly social media feature, “Spotlight on Illinois State Parks.” This week we’re featuring Volo Bog State Natural Area in Lake County. #ILStateParks #VoloBog #illinoisdnr

Just 56 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to something you won’t find anywhere else in Illinois, an open-water quaking bog.

Each year, more than 90,000 visitors explore the wonders of Volo Bog State Natural Area, from curious elementary students to lifelong nature lovers. Educational programs for learners of all ages make it the perfect destination to explore, learn, and connect with nature. #volobog

Learn about the Volo Bog State Natural Area Visitor Center located in Lake County. #volobog #illinoisdnr #ilstateparks

Looking for something new to explore? Volo Bog State Natural Area offers various programs and events throughout the year that you won’t want to miss. Weekend bog tours, bird walks and weekday walks with a naturalist are regular offerings at the bog.

Turkey hunters in Illinois harvested 255 wild turkeys during the 2025 fall firearm season Oct. 18-26, compared to 294 harvested last year. To learn more, visit dnr.illinois.gov/news.html

The Sangamon River Poets: Masters, Lindsay, and Sandburg will be on Nov. 8 (7pm) & Nov. 9 (3pm) at Lincoln’s New Salem in Petersburg! The play features dramatic interpretations of poetry and prose by Vachel Lindsay, Edgar Lee Masters, and Carl Sandburg. illinoistimestix.com

Did you know that Fort Massac State Park was the FIRST Illinois state park? In 1903, through the efforts of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 24 acres surrounding the site were purchased by the state. On Nov. 5, 1908, Fort Massac was officially dedicated as a state park!

IDNR is hosting 2 additional public meetings to gather input on duck season split timing (2026–2030): Nov 12, 6–8PM – SIU Carbondale, Lawson Hall Rm 151 Nov 13, 6–8PM – Carlyle HS Cafeteria South & current south-central zone hunters encouraged to attend. No registration needed.

Greetings from Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County, where the autumn golds, yellows and oranges have us feeling gobsmacked. Where are you seeing beautiful fall foliage? 😍🍁🍂

Don’t miss your chance to step back in time! In the Middle is now open at the ISM-Lockport Gallery, offering a look at childhood in 1940s Bloomington, Illinois through the eyes of Sybil Stern Mervis and her peers. Learn more here: illinoisstatemuseum.org/welcome-ism-lo…

Last week, we held an In-person Celebration of Illinois DNR's Climate Action Plan (CAP) at the Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery. As part of the plan, EnergySense worked with Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery to cut fish food storage costs by 25%. Learn about the CAP here! dnr.illinois.gov/outreach/clima…