SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for June 2026.
June 1
Dove and youth dove hunting lottery begins
Statewide
The Illinois first dove hunting lottery is June 1-30. Dove permits are free for the first five days of the lottery. View information about the first dove and youth dove hunting lotteries online.
Nonresident online archery deer hunting lottery begins
Statewide
The Illinois first nonresident either-sex online archery deer hunting lottery is June 1-30. View additional information about the nonresident hunting lottery, fees, and archery deer hunting regulations online.
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June 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 additional information email dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.
June 4, 11, 18, 25
Art in the park for kids
Giant City State Park
Makanda | Jackson County
Bring the kids out to Giant City State Park for a morning of art and nature on Thursdays throughout June. Children can explore their creativity and the great outdoors at this special program. For additional information call 618-457-4836 or follow Giant City State Park on Facebook.
June 5-6
Pioneer Days
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
Petersburg | Menard County
The historic village at Lincoln’s New Salem will feature costumed interpreters demonstrating life in the 1830s. Activities will include blacksmithing, quilting, open-hearth cooking, games and more. Follow Lincoln’s New Salem on Facebook for more information.
June 6
Children’s story time
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site
Charleston | Coles County
The first Saturday of every month there will be a reading of a historically themed children’s book followed by activities and crafts for youth ages five to 10. The event is free. Follow Lincoln Log Cabin on Facebook for additional details.
Planting herbs for pollinators
Cache River Wetlands Center
Cypress | Johnson County
Join Illinois Extension horticulture educator Kimberly Rohling for a program designed to help individuals create a pollinator-friendly herb garden. Visit the park’s Facebook for additional details and to register.
The Changing Shoreline
Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park
Zion | Lake County
Illinois Beach State Park is hosting a program presented by specialists from the Illinois State Geological Survey focusing on recent changes and improvements along the park’s shoreline. This informative program will explore the park’s ongoing coastal management efforts. Email chase.firth@illinois.gov for additional information.
Live music
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Oakwood | Vermilion County
Saturdays throughout June 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.
Zoo booth
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
The Henson Robinson Zoo is bringing animals and educational activities to the Dana-Thomas House courtyard. Learn about wildlife conservation and meet zoo animals at this free event. Visit the State Historic Sites of Springfield Facebook for additional information.
June 11
Illinois History in 10 Objects
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
Hartford | Madison County
In celebration of America 250, Illinois State Museum history curator Erika Holst will bring 10 items from the museum’s collection and share stories of America’s past. Learn more online at campdubois.com.
June 12
Juneteenth Celebration and Noir 6 exhibit opens
Old State Capitol State Historic Site
Springfield | Sangamon County
Celebrate culture and creativity while exploring the history of the Black experience in America. The Juneteenth Celebration features the opening of the new Noir 6 exhibit. The exhibit explores the stories of artists of color through painting, sculpture, photography and mixed media.
June 13
Worldwide Knit in Public Day
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
Petersburg | Menard County
Fiber arts enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to participate in the world’s largest knitter-run event at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site. A commemorative sticker will be available in the visitor center for participants. Follow Lincoln’s New Salem on Facebook for more information.
Casting Memories: Family Fishing Clinic
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
Learn about river fishing tactics, Illinois river fish species and ethical angling practices. Bait, tackle and instruction are provided at no cost. Register at the park’s Eventbrite site.
Orchids and lilies of southern Illinois
Cache River Wetlands Center
Cypress | Johnson County
Guest speaker John Schwegman will share his knowledge and passion for native orchids and lilies of the region. Visit the park’s Facebook for additional details and to register.
June 14
Song Bag Concert Series
Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
Galesburg | Knox County
Enjoy folk, Americana and singer-songwriter music on the second Sunday of the month at Carl Sandburg State Historic Site. A $5 donation is suggested. Learn more at sandburg.org.
Disc golf tournament
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Oakwood | Vermilion County
Bring a partner and compete on the new 18-hole disc golf course at Kickapoo State Recreation Area. There will be prizes for event winners. The event is held in conjunction with the Central Illinois Doubles Tour. Register at Disc Golf Scene online.
June 20
Walk Your Dog Where Lincoln Walked
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
Petersburg | Menard County
Visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs to the historic village for a walk through the site. All animals must remain on a leash. The event is hosted in collaboration with Menard County Animal Control. Follow Lincoln’s New Salem on Facebook for more information.
Saturday stroll in Sarah’s garden
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site
Bloomington | McLean County
Take a morning walk through Sarah Davis’ 1872 heirloom garden with master gardeners and costumed interpreters in period clothing. Plein Air of McLean County will be painting in the garden as well. Visit David Davis Mansion on Facebook for additional details.
Youth fishing derby
Beall Woods State Park
Mt. Carmel | Wabash County
Join Beall Woods State Park, Team Member Activities Association Bass Club and Hanging Rock Bass Club for the annual youth fishing derby for kids 16 and under. There will be prizes and awards. The event is free and open to the public. Follow Beall Woods State Park and Nature Preserve on Facebook for additional information.
Midsommar yard games
Bishop Hill State Historic Site
Bishop Hill | Henry County
The Village of Bishop Hill is celebrating Midsommar. Visitors can enjoy music, shows and family-friendly fun in the park. Stop by Colony Church and the Colony Inn to play some classic yard games. Learn more at visitbishophill.com.
Kids fishing rally
Lincoln Trail State Park
Marshall | Clark County
Youth are invited to a morning of fishing and competition at Lincoln Trail State Park. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish, the smallest fish and the most fish caught. Follow Lincoln Trail State Park on Facebook for additional information.
June 21
Summer solstice
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Collinsville | Madison County
Meet at the Woodhenge reconstruction for an informational talk to learn about the discovery, form and function of the pre-contact structure. Experience the sunrise from the historic mounds. Visit Cahokia Mounds online for additional details.
June 27
Junior Ranger Day
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby | LaSalle County
Explore different nature, history, outdoor and safety stations. Participants will earn their very own junior ranger badge when they complete the junior ranger guide. Follow the Starved Rock State Park Facebook for additional information.
More information
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.
