IDNR: July events in southern Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (HEARTLAND WEEKEND) - Looking for something fun to do this summer?

July is National Recreation and Parks Month, and to celebrate, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced several events planned at state historic sites throughout southern Illinois.

Check out the list below:

July 4

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Ellis Grove | Randolph County

The 56th annual Patriotic Ceremony at Kaskaskia Bell will take place on Saturday, July 4. There will be live music, entertainment and community groups at Fort Kaskaskia and Pierre Menard home for America’s 250th birthday. For additional information, call (618) 859-3741.

July 10

Cache River State Natural Area

Cypress | Johnson County

Join IDNR fisheries staff for a hands-on, free kids’ fishing and outdoor learning event at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center at the Cache River State Natural Area. Poles and bait will be provided for young anglers. Visit the park’s Facebook page for additional details.

July 10, 24

Giant City State Park

Makanda | Jackson County

Rise and shine with an early morning hike at Giant City State Park. Meet at the visitors center at 6:30 a.m. For additional information, call (618) 457-4836 or visit Giant City State Park’s Facebook.

July 11

Lake Murphysboro State Park

Murphysboro | Jackson County

Join an IDNR naturalist at Lake Murphysboro State Park for a fun morning kayaking around the lake. This program will include a brief overview of kayak safety and on-water opportunities for wildlife observation. For additional information, call (618) 457-4836 or email Jennifer.randolph@illinois.gov.

July 19

Giant City State Park

Makanda | Jackson County

Participate in a wild ferns presentation that will introduce basic fern terminology with photos and identification tips to find them in the field. Call (618) 457-4836 to register and visit the Giant City State Park Facebook page for additional details.

July 23-27

World Shooting and Recreational Complex

Sparta | Randolph County

The World Shooting and Recreational Complex will host the 2026 AIM Grand National Youth Trapshooting Championships July 23-27. The event precedes the 127th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships at the site the following week.

July 28

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Ellis Grove | Randolph County

Check out the Chester Municipal Band’s free orchestral concert at 7 p.m. at the Fort Kaskaskia bandstand overlook. For additional information, call (618) 859-3741.

July 29-August 8

World Shooting and Recreational Complex

Sparta | Randolph

The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in southern Illinois will host the 127th Grand American World Trapshooting Championships July 29 through August 8. The Grand American is the largest shooting event of its kind, attracting shooters from around the world to compete and claim a title.

Additionally, IDNR announced some other important dates this month for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts:

July 13

Deer firearm third lottery begins

Residents and non-residents may apply for additional firearm or muzzleloader permits leftover from the county quotas. Learn more and apply online at HuntIllinois.org.

July 15

Deadline for Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame nominations

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2026 Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame online through July 15. Visit the foundation online for more information.

July 27

Dove site-specific hunting begins

Hunters can acquire their first or second permit on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 27 through August 25. Learn more and apply online at the IDNR dove hunting website.

For more information, visit IDNR’s Facebook or its online calendar of events.