First Day Hike in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites residents to step into 2026 with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on New Year’s Day.
IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks across Illinois on Jan. 1. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public.
Among the participating parks are these in Central/Southern Illinois:
Fox Ridge State Park, Coles County
Eagle Creek and Wolf Creek state parks, Shelby County
Lincoln Trail State Park, Clark County
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, Menard County
Pere Marquette State Park, Jersey County
Sangchris Lake State Park, Sangamon County
Giant City State Park, Jackson County
Participating state parks will have stickers and special photo opportunities for hikers. Visitors are encouraged to sign in and share photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #ILFirstDayHikes.
The First Day Hike program is an initiative in partnership with America’s State Parks Foundation. The organization began the event in 1992 in Massachusetts. The campaign encourages participants nationwide to hike, bike and engage in activities in state parks on the first day of the new year.
This year, the program is highlighting America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 and the outdoor places that have shaped the country’s past and present.
“IDNR invites Illinoisans everywhere to take time on Jan. 1 to explore our beautiful state parks and consider what conservation and public lands may look like in the future,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “There’s no better way to clear your mind after the holidays and look ahead to a new year than to explore the outdoors.”
Illinois does not charge admission to state parks, historic sites and other locations.
For more information, visit https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks.html.