Illinois State Museum-Dickson Mounds

09/01/2026

Join us this Thursday, September 3 at 9:30 a.m. for Tot Time!

This month’s program is all about the importance of art, presented by ISM’s Curator of Art and History Education, Cori Claycomb! What does art mean? Art can bring to the surface a variety of different feelings and that’s ok! In fact, art can be a great way to express ourselves and how we feel. Join us as we learn about how creating and viewing art can help us express our emotions and build connection with other people. Tots and caretakers, expect to enjoy hands-on activities and crafts to take home!

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is free. Registration is not required. However, groups of 8 or more are encouraged to call the Museum at 309-547-3721 prior to the program date to ensure the availability of supplies. Participants are welcome to enjoy the Museum exhibits after the program.

08/07/2026

Be sure to join us this Saturday, August 8, at 2:00 p.m. for Kid's Crafter-noon!

Spend time making fun arts and crafts at the Museum! A variety of supplies and materials will be available for kids to create pieces of their liking to take home. All ages are welcome with adult supervision.

This program is held on the second Saturday of each month from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Admission is free and registration is not required.

08/04/2026

Join us this Thursday, August 6 at 9:30 a.m. for Tot Time!

Join Naturalist Caleb as he takes you among the great trees at Dickson Mounds! Learn about all the seeds, nuts, trees, and plants right here on the museum grounds! Then engage your child’s inner artist by drawing and documenting the different nuts and seeds you find!

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is free. Registration is not required. However, groups of 8 or more are encouraged to call the Museum at 309-547-3721 prior to the program date to ensure the availability of supplies. Participants are welcome to enjoy the Museum exhibits after the program.

07/10/2026

Be sure to join us this Saturday, July 11, at 2:00 p.m. for Kid's Crafter-noon!

Spend time making fun arts and crafts at the Museum! A variety of supplies and materials will be available for kids to create pieces of their liking to take home. All ages are welcome with adult supervision.

This program is held on the second Saturday of each month from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Admission is free and registration is not required.

07/02/2026

Dickson Mounds is pleased to announce that Picnic Hill has re-opened! Come enjoy the Fourth of July hiking our trails, visiting the museum, and seeing what is blooming!

07/01/2026

Join us this Thursday, July 2 at 9:30 a.m. for Tot Time!

This month’s program is all about the fish you can find in the Illinois River! Staff from the Illinois River Biological Station will be showcasing live fish from the Illinois River and the boat and equipment they use in their daily research. Participants will meet a variety of fish from the local environment and learn about each species. Tots and caretakers, expect to enjoy hands-on activities and crafts to take home!

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is free. Registration is not required. However, groups of 8 or more are encouraged to call the Museum at 309-547-3721 prior to the program date to ensure the availability of supplies. Participants are welcome to enjoy the Museum exhibits after the program.

Photo of IRBS staff holding a Catfish from 2024 Tot Time.

06/12/2026

Be sure to join us this Saturday, June 13, at 2:00 p.m. for Kid's Crafter-noon!

Spend time making fun arts and crafts at the Museum! A variety of supplies and materials will be available for kids to create pieces of their liking to take home. All ages are welcome with adult supervision.

This program is held on the second Saturday of each month from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Admission is free and registration is not required.

06/03/2026

Our Picnic Hill road, parking lot and pavilion are currently temporarily closed to the public. We will update this post when it is open again.

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05/13/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Listening Sessions for Dickson Mounds!

Thank you to all who attended and provided great feedback for DMM’s future!
A special thanks to Lewistown Carnegie Public Library and Spoon River College for being gracious hosts for our sessions. It was greatly appreciated.

Missed a session but still want to give feedback? Complete our quick survey at: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/nbmHWMiuW6
The survey closes at midnight, but we are always happy to hear from you via email at [email protected]

Photo Credit: Image of Emiquon preserve by Brittany C.