Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to offer special presentations, license issuances, shopping opportunities, and more at the state fair
The Kentucky State Fair Offers a Wildlife Experience
From August 14-24, 2025, the Kentucky State Fair will host a variety of programs and activities focused on wildlife conservation and outdoor skills. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife experience, located in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, promises to be an exciting and educational destination for fairgoers.
One of the key events during the fair is Kentucky Wild Day on August 19. Visitors can meet biologists and learn about the conservation of freshwater mussels, bats, and pollinators. This day is an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the efforts being made to protect Kentucky's unique wildlife.
Throughout the fair, there will be live animal educational talks, offering visitors a chance to learn about various species. Programs on snakes, quail conservation efforts, and bison education are just a few examples. Additionally, animal training demonstrations will allow visitors to observe the bear undergoing training by the animal care team using positive reinforcement for behaviors like medical procedures to reduce stress and stimulate mental activity.
For those interested in raptors, interactive talks will provide an opportunity to meet a resident raptor and see conservation educators demonstrate and discuss the bird. Furthermore, a native plant safety session will teach fairgoers how to identify troublesome plants like poison ivy and stinging nettle, as well as outdoor safety tips.
For those who enjoy fishing, there will be educational opportunities and a casting game to practice fish identification skills. Fishing enthusiasts can learn about common fish in Kentucky waterways and legal fishing practices for sustainability.
Weather permitting, shooting sports will also be offered, sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Straight Shooters Association. These events include trap range, rimfire rifle shooting at various distances, and steel challenge shooting.
Throughout the fair, department staff will be available daily to answer questions about fish, wildlife, and boating in Kentucky. Special programs, educational opportunities, and interactive displays at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife booth promise to engage and educate visitors about wildlife conservation and outdoor skills.
So, whether you're a nature enthusiast, an outdoors lover, or just curious, the Kentucky State Fair's Kentucky Fish and Wildlife experience offers something for everyone. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn, engage, and have fun while supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Kentucky.
- The Kentucky State Fair's Home-and-Garden section could complement the wildlife experience with educational displays about native plants and outdoor safety, creating a well-rounded learning experience.
- If you're passionate about fishing, there's a casting game to practice fish identification skills and learn sustainable fishing practices.
- For sports enthusiasts, the shooting sports events offered by the Northern Kentucky Straight Shooters Association are an interesting addition to the fair, promoting outdoor skills and recreation.
- Beyond wildlife conservation and outdoor skills, the Kentucky State Fair also has workshops and talks in the education-and-self-development category, appealing to those seeking personal growth opportunities.