Conservation World

Open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Conservation World is a 30-acre tract of rolling hills and woodlands that brings the northwest corner of the fairgrounds to life. Take a trip into the wilderness as our guides show you the wonders of nature.

Fishing Pond – Fishing Clinics

Daily: 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

Kids can learn about different species of fish and try to catch some in the pond. 

Fly Fishing Clinics
Aug. 9-11 and 16-18: 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

Participants will gain hands-on experience fly casting and learn the essentials of fly casting for a variety of species and the appropriate tackle to use. 

IDNR Outdoor Amphitheater

Enjoy Music.  Dates and times to be announced  

Crane's Post

Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Crane's Post, Inc., is a Heritage Industry known for its eclectic inventory. Maps, leather goods, mini figures, wood toys, cutlery and other items will be for sale. Come see what you just can't live without!

Dogs That Help
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This non-profit organization is made up of professional trainers, veterans, volunteers and other dog lovers who know the immense improvement in quality of life a trained canine can provide.

Education Tent
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Visit the Division of Education’s tent to learn about the snakes of Illinois! Can snakes play dead? Do some snakes in Illinois give birth to live young? How are snakes able to eat large prey items? Are snakes important in seed dispersal? How do snakes survive the cold winter? You will find the answers to these questions and much more information about these fascinating reptiles. Activities and information about Illinois’ snakes will be available for people of all ages.

Fisheries Tent
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

See Illinois sportfish in the giant see-through fish aquarium. Can you identify the different types of catfish, bass and sunfish or know what a muskie or alligator gar looks like?  Kids age 10 and under can try their luck at the fishing pond from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sign up in the Fisheries tent.

Forestry Tent
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Don't know what kind of tree you have? Bring a leaf to be identified or ask a forester how to manage your forest, plant and trim trees, control forest pests or be a better land steward.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Hands-on educational activities and recycling games.

Information Tent/National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Pick up the latest state parks guide and enter to win a SCHEELS $500 gift card with your deer, turkey, morel or duck collectible lapel pin purchase that helps support NASP and safety education.

Land Management

Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Stop by the office of land management tent and enter to win a camping giveaway and visit with Park or Historic Site staff. Learn about your Illinois State Parks and Historic Site history

Law Enforcement/ Licenses/ Youth BB Gun Range Tent
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Visit with Illinois Conservation Police Officers. Buy a hunting and/or fishing license. Kids can test their shooting skills at the Youth BB Gun Range.

Mines and Minerals/ Oil and Gas Tent
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Kid-friendly exhibits will provide examples of conventional oil and gas practices. See how horizontal wells are drilled and learn about the High Volume Horizontal Hydraulic Fracturing (HVHHF) process. See a map that shows the parts of the state that contain shale deposits where HVHHF development is likely. Make sure the kids check out the "sediment tubes" showing how sediment stratifies into the formations that hold oil and gas deep below the surface of the earth.  Find plenty of fun at the Rock Box, including the Kids' Mineral Dig, Are You Undermined? map displays and Underground Mine Models. There are educational displays of past and present mining practices. See displays on how minerals are used in and around the home.

Private Land Programs/Natural Heritage/Mason State Nursery Tent
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Test your knowledge about the many different pollinators in Illinois and learn how to create your own pollinator habitat.  Check out the butterflies in the butterfly house and watch the Monarch butterfly tag-and-release activity occurring at 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.  Learn about Illinois’ threatened and endangered species and about the importance of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as well as several programs to assist private landowners with their conservation efforts.

Rock Climbing Wall
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Kids can challenge themselves to climb the great rock wall.

Sportsmen Tent/Outdoor News Magazine
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Visit with representatives from the National Wild Turkey Federation, Friends of NRA, Quail Unlimited and the Illinois State Rifle Association. Get your free sample copies of Outdoor News Magazine.

The Baby Cabin
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This cool, dry and clean place for infant feeding also has a diaper-changing station.

Wildlife Tent
Daily: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Interested in learning about wildlife conservation? This tent is for you! Test your skills identifying backyard wildlife and waterfowl and learn how to use remote cameras to see what wildlife species use your property. Wildlife biologists will be available to help you learn about habitat management, how hunting is key to wildlife conservation and other topics! Staff members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services will also be present to review large carnivore information and spread their knowledge as well! There are interactive exhibits and activities for all ages! 

Kids Fishing Clinics 
Fishing Pond near Conservation World Entrance
10:30 a.m./12:00 p.m./ 1:30 p.m./ 3:00 p.m./4:30 p.m.

 
Fly Fishing Clinics 
Aug. 9-11 and 16-18: 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.

See Smokey Bear - Daily Appearances

 
Youth 3D Archery
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
 

BB Gun Range
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

 
Do It Yourself Tie Dye, 
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monarch butterfly tag & release
11:30 a.m - 6:30 p.m.
   
Rock Climbing Wall, 
10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Youth Activities
All Around Conservation World
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.