6 Can’t-Miss Events for the Outdoor Sports Lover Happening Throughout the Midwest This Season

Anglers, hunters, and outdoor sports lovers of all persuasions who are suffering from cabin fever: there’s no need to passively count down the days until the season opener. Instead, head to one of the great sports shows taking place in the Midwest this season to see and test the latest and greatest gear, learn from the experts, and have fun at the featured attractions.

Dream A Little

Here’s your opportunity to plan your dream hunting or fishing trip! In addition to vendors and hunting and fishing experts, knowledgeable representatives from travel organizations, resorts and lodges, guide services, and fishing charters will be onsite to answer all your questions. Make sure to stop by 5 Star Marketing & Distribution’s Come Experience Up North Wisconsin & U.P. Michigan booth and say hi to Up North Action’s owner and publisher, Al Hanley. Pick up the latest issue of Up North Action magazine and information about ideal locations for your next trip, lodges and resorts, and other attractions you will find Up North.

6 Can’t-Miss Midwest Sports Shows

Here are six fantastic sports shows taking place in Chicagoland and throughout Wisconsin this season. Whether you bring your fishing buddies, your partner, or your whole family, you’re sure to have fun—and learn a ton, too.

1. Outdoor Sports Group LLC Northern Illinois Sport Show

When: Thursday, January 16, through Sunday, January 19. Show hours: Thursday & Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Lake County Fair Grounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake, Illinois

Special features: Dozens of fishing and hunting seminars. Hundreds of vendors and exhibitors. Great deals on gear. Displays and information on tackle, boats, archery, outfitters, wildlife art, hunting supplies, charters, rafting, gun safes, knives, and taxidermy. Travel information. The 2020 National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Meet the Experts seminars, including Mark Martin’s Fishing School preview and seminar. Attractions, such as Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show and a catch-and-release trout pond. The Kids’ Zone, featuring a trout pond and a paintball and airsoft range. Door prizes.

Cost: Each ticket is valid for one day only. Buy tickets online for $10 each or onsite for $12 (cash only). Kids 11 and under are free with a paid adult. Discounted tickets ($8) available for seniors, military, reservists, National Guard, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, volunteer firefighters and paramedics, scouts in uniform, and high school bass club students in uniform. Free parking for attendees and exhibitors.

For more information: Visit ilsportsshow.com.

2. Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo

When: Thursday, January 23, to Sunday,  January 26. Show hours: Thursday & Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N,  Thoreau Dr. N., Schaumburg, Illinois

Special features: Giveaways. Seminars by industry leaders. Fishing simulator: Watch on a large-screen TV as you cast and the fish bites, jumps, and dives, and feel the lifelike pull on your line! The Hawg Trough—a 5,000-gallon tank stocked with largemouth bass where you’ll watch pros using time-tested and innovative lures—and then test them yourself. The Fisherman’s Boatyard. A live raptor exhibit with trained handlers. Musky Madness Friday seminars and tackle giveaway, sponsored by Musky Hunter. Bassmaster Casting Kids competitions and the Illinois Casting Kids State Championship. Family Day Sunday, with a Daiwa fishing rod & reel giveaway to the first 100 kids (11 and younger, with paying adult present) on the show floor, and activities like the Kid Scavenger Hunt. Chauncey from Chauncey’s Great Outdoors radio program (ESPN Radio AM 1000). The nature center, featuring live animals and outdoor games. The 50’ casting pond where you can test out rods and reels and learn fly fishing basics. Fly Tying with an Expert (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Travel pavilion. A meet-and-greet for women interested in pursuing fishing as a hobby or a career.

Cost: Adults $13. Kids ages 6-11 $3, kids 5 and under free. Save $3 by purchasing tickets for Thursday and Friday in advance online (until Thursday at 11:59 p.m.).

For more information: Visit https://chicagoland.sportshows.com/.

3. Tinley Park Fishing and Outdoor Show

When: Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9. Show hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days

Where: Tinley Park High School, 6111 175th St., Tinley Park, Illinois

Special features: 180,000 square feet of exhibitor space. Learn about vacation resorts, charter fishing trips, fishing clubs, and guide services. Seminars on catfish, bass, and muskie fishing. An up-close look at reptiles. Auctions: Bid on trips, rods, reels, depth finders, tackle bags, and more. Ranger boats on display. Hunting exhibitors, covering whitetail deer, trophy buck, bear, waterfowl, and upland game hunting. Learn about bow hunting and talk to guides and outfitters. This event is run by the Tinley Park Athletic Booster Club, and proceeds support Tinley Park High School’s student-athletes.

Cost: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 age 7-13, age 6 and under are free. Ample free parking.

For more information: Visit www.tinleyparkfishingshow.com/.

4. Wisconsin Fishing Expo

When: Friday, February 28, to Sunday, March 1. Show hours: Friday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wisconsin

Special features: Seminars given by experts on bass, muskie, walleye, and panfish fishing; kayak fishing; and river fishing. Kids Zone, featuring minnow races, a trout pond, a fish pond, casting contests, face painting, and balloon animals. A gallery featuring vendors of cabin decor and fishing-related art pieces.

Cost: Adults $10, kids 12 and under are free with paying adult. There is a parking fee, determined by Dane County.

For more information: Visit https://wifishingexpo.com/.

5. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show

When: Wednesday, March 4, through Sunday, March 8. Show hours: Wednesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, 640 S. 84th St., West Allis, Wisconsin

Special features: Interesting and informative seminars and exhibitors. Dog retrieving races. Check the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show’s website for more details as they become available.

Cost: Purchase tickets online in advance for 2 adults at the price of $7, or purchase at the box office during regular hours and during the show for $9. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information: Visit https://jssportsshow.com/.

6. Wisconsin Sport Show

When: Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22. Show hours: Friday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Chippewa Valley Expo Center,  5150 Old Mill Plaza Drive, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Special features: Over 150 exhibits. Hunting and fishing seminars. Boats, pontoons, docks, and lifts. ATVs and outdoor vehicles. Retail vendors and new product displays. Travel information. Hunting blinds and supplies. Hunting and fishing guides and outfitters. Charter fishing companies. Dog kennels, trainers, products, and rescue organizations. Kids’ activities, such as a petting zoo and caricatures.

Cost: Tickets are $7 and can be purchased at Festival Foods and Menards in Eau Claire and Menards in Rice Lake. Children 11 and younger are free. Retired and active-duty military members’ tickets are $5 on Friday. Seniors (62+) are admitted for $5 on Sunday. Free parking.

For more information: Visit wisportshow.com.