Celebrate a century of conservation with IDNR at the 2025 Illinois State Fair

Photo: Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois State Fair

For Release – August 7, 2025

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites fairgoers to experience outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities among the shade trees and cool breezes at Conservation World during the 2025 Illinois State Fair Aug. 7-17.

Conservation World will commemorate the 100th anniversary of IDNR with a variety of themed displays and activities. New this year:

At the new Conservation World welcome tent, fairgoers can purchase commemorative Works Progress Administration-style posters and other items featuring magnificent Illinois state parks and historic sites. The welcome tent is hosted by the Illinois Conservation Foundation, which supports IDNR activities.
Explore the history of Illinois state parks and share your idea of what outdoor recreation might be like 100 years from now.
Learn to camp like a pro at the Climate Action Tent, where fairgoers can learn about reusable camping gear, recycling at IDNR parks and reducing waste when camping; play games; enjoy special photo backdrops; and pick up wildflower seed packets.
Visit with Chicago Chef Maurice Jackson at his Copi® Stand, where such treats as Copi® chili dogs, Copi® loaded nachos and Copi® smash burgers will be available for purchase. Copi® is the consumer brand for invasive carp.
Check out IDNR’s new and improved butterfly house filled with insects and caterpillars at various stages of their life cycle. IDNR experts will host butterfly presentations at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Aug. 9, 5 p.m. Aug. 10, 11 a.m. Aug. 16, and 11 a.m. Aug. 17.
Enjoy the World Bird Sanctuary’s Raptor Basics Program in the Conservation World amphitheater.
Visit the Education Tent to learn about winter in Illinois and how native animal species survive when it’s cold, with hands-on activities and opportunities to consider what winter may look like 100 years from now.

“IDNR staff and volunteers have worked hard to bring fairgoers an impressive array of exhibits and activities in Conservation World as we celebrate 100 years of conservation and service to the people of Illinois,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Whether it’s new activities or traditional favorites you’re seeking, we have it covered and are excited to welcome new friends and old friends alike to Conservation World.”

For the second year, IDNR will host sensory hours at Conservation World, offering visitors an opportunity to explore in a quieter, more calming environment for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities. Special sensory-friendly hours are scheduled for 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 and Tuesday, Aug. 12. Fairgoers can visit with miniature horses from Heartland Mini Hoofs during the Aug. 9 sensory hours.