Fishing activities for the whole family in Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD - Visitors to the Illinois State Fair are invited to explore a variety of new and popular long-standing fish- and fishing-related activities and exhibits in Conservation World during the 2026 Illinois State Fair through Aug. 23.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is proud to join in the celebration of this year's 100th anniversary of U.S. Route 66, and visitors will find that Conservation World is "Where the Mother Road Meets Mother Nature."

All of the traditional favorites are returning, including youth fishing and the giant aquarium filled with native fish species. Fisheries biologists will be available to assist visitors, fishing licenses can be purchased on site, and anglers of all ages and abilities will find resources to ensure they can fish at the fair.

Conservation World, a 30-acre park in the northwest corner of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair. It features a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities, shows, demonstrations, learning opportunities, sensory hours, games, music, food and shade. The Illinois State Fair tram stops at the main entrance to Conservation World.

Fishing-related activities and exhibits fairgoers will find in Conservation World this year are plentiful:

2,800-gallon aquarium

Visitors to the Riverbanks and Road Trips Fisheries Tent can marvel at the 28-foot-long, 2,800-gallon aquarium filled with native fish species, including alligator gar, muskie, catfish and bass. Additional aquariums in the tent are filled with native fish, reptiles and more.

Fishing Has No Boundaries

IDNR staff and volunteers with Fishing Has No Boundaries are available to assist fairgoers who need assistance enjoying an angling experience from an accessible dock near the Fisheries Tent. Motorized reels will be available for use by visitors with mobility issues. Fairgoers who would like to use these services can sign up to participate in the Riverbanks and Road Trips Tent.

Fishing clinics

Children can learn about different species of fish and try to catch some at the upper pond just inside the Conservation World main entrance. Youth clinics are held daily at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. In addition, visitors can fish from the dock at the IDNR lower pond and test their skill at catching a bluegill, bass, catfish, gar, bowfin or other types of fish.

Meet a biologist

IDNR biologists will be available in the Riverbanks and Road Trips Fisheries Tent daily to answer questions about pond and lake management, fish species, fishing tips and best practices, and more. Learn fishing basics from IDNR's talented urban and community fishing staff and talk with Illinois Department of Public Health officials about the benefits and concerns of eating locally caught fish.

Purchase a fishing license

IDNR staff will have licenses, stamps and permits available for purchase at the Conservation Police Check Station located next to the BB gun range. Annual fishing licenses are only $15 for Illinois residents.

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