Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair

Visit Conservation World at the 2024 Illinois State Fair to find out why everyone belongs in nature and what you can do at home to live more sustainably!

This year’s fair dates are Aug. 8-18. Conservation World, in the northwest corner of the fairgrounds, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Be sure to pick up a special Conservation World passport at the Everyone Belongs in Nature Tent on the main fairgrounds before heading to Conservation World.

With 30 acres of hands-on outdoor activities, shows, demonstrations, learning opportunities, sensory hours, games, music, food, and shade, fairgoers will find themselves returning to Conservation World again and again.

New in 2024:

• Be a Climate Action Hero! Learn what you can do to live more sustainably at home, tour an IDNR electric vehicle, explore a display of solar panels and LED light bulbs, create “slime” from compostable packing peanuts, enjoy a rain barrel display, and discover an exhibit of native plants and root sizes.
• Sensory hours: Between 9 and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13 and Saturday, Aug. 17, visitors are invited to enjoy Conservation World during sensory-friendly hours. Programming and exhibit adjustments will create a quieter, more calming environment for children and adults with sensory processing sensitivities.
• Cicada art show: Look for displays of original cicada-themed artwork created in Conservation World and be sure to vote for your favorite pieces.
• Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear! Did you know Smokey Bear turns 80 years old on Friday, Aug. 9? Children are invited to join Smokey and IDNR staff in the Conservation World amphitheater for a birthday celebration and photo opportunity at 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Eagle's nest photo opportunity: Youngsters can get their photo taken in a replica eagle nest at the Birds, Bugs and Bee-yond Tent.

Other popular Conservation World favorites will be available, too. Visitors can catch a fish, try delicious Copi™, practice their archery and BB shooting skills, explore outdoor recreational opportunities available at Illinois state parks, ride in the Voyageur Canoe, dunk a conservation police officer, enjoy the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, talk with IDNR wildlife biologists, purchase hunting and fishing licenses, and much more!