IDNR celebrates century of conservation at State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the state’s Department of Natural Resources with a variety of special displays and activities Aug. 7-17.

Conservation World, located on the northwest corner of the fairgrounds, 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.

“2025 marks 100 years since the creation of the Illinois Department of Conservation, which was IDNR’s predecessor in 1925,” said IDNR Director Natalie Finnie.

“I’m thrilled to invite fairgoers to celebrate the 100 years of conservation with us at Conservation World in the northwest corner of fairgrounds. Our staff and volunteers have worked hard to put together an impressive array of exhibits in activities.”

Camping Coupons

Also in honor of the 100th anniversary, IDNR is offering a special “buy one, get one free” camping promotion.

BOGO coupons can only be claimed during the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair. Visit the State Park’s tent at Conservation World and grab a coupon.

“That allows you to claim a free night camping with a purchase of at least one additional night camping at any state park you choose,” Finnie said.

“This is a limited offer. Only 100 coupons will be available each day during the fair, so make sure you get there. Come to the Conservation World quick.”

The offer must be redeemed by Dec. 31.