This festival is more than just ice fishing; it brings families together and provides fun for everyone. We have had third generations of fishermen and fisherwomen make the annual trip to this event. Our founding fathers, William Brook, and Dick Waters, would be pleased to see these families’ continued excitement and enjoyment of this event.

The Northern Illinois Conservation Club was established in 1960 by a group of sportsmen and persons interested in outdoor activities. They joined together to encourage education, conservation and preservation of wildlife and their habitat. They were concerned about the deterioration of the environment, ignorance of natural resources, and the lack of hunter safety. With this, they determined the need for the education of hunters, fishermen, boaters, and campers of all ages.

As the Northern Illinois Conservation Club is a not-for-profit*, privately funded organization, funds come from members’ dues, fund-raising activities, and donations. Our educational programs on various conservation, wildlife, and preservation subjects are open to the public at no charge.

The Northern Illinois Conservation Club exists today due to the support of so many. That support is how we can continue our 63-year mission. Funds raised at this event allow us to continue the work of our founding fathers by providing scholarships to local area high school students, education programs on various safety, conservation, wildlife and preservation subjects, a location for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to earn badges and learn more about the outdoors, and a wildlife habitat for so many displaced wildlife in the Antioch area.

Thank you for your past and ongoing support!

* All donations are tax-deductible as we are a 501c3 not-for-profit organization (ID#36-3680988)

Date: February 11 & 12, 2023

Times: Saturday - 8am to 4pm, Sunday - 8am to 2pm

Location: Turtle Beach Marina, 42273 N. Woodbine Ave, Antioch, IL 60002

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