Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Iowa State Fair? Don't forget to stop by our DNR building located near the west entrance of the fairground. It’s open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. August 13-23.
Explore the new river and beaver dam exhibits, and Iowa animal mounds added to the hands-on Conservation Discovery Area unveiled at last year’s state fair and the new PBS Kids' Corner. Stroll through our new Get into Birding courtyard exhibit featuring winning art from the First Annual Iowa Songbird Art Contest.
TREEmendous fun awaits fairgoers of all ages.
- Don't miss the daily Tree-via at 5 p.m. on the Courtyard Stage. This year's trivia categories celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation. Test your knowledge about historic trees, forestry schools, people and Smokey Bear. The first place prize is a seedling from the DNR State Forest Nursery.
- Pick up the 2026 State Forest Nursery Seedling Catalog (7.35 MB) .pdf at the forestry booth located behind the popular fish aquarium (celebrating its 100th anniversary) and close to the gate leading to the courtyard.
- Take a selfie with Smokey Bear on Aug.14, Aug. 18 and Aug. 21. Smokey will greet visitors in the morning and afternoon these three days.
- Attend a courtyard presentation. Learn about historic trees, how to grow healthy shade trees, rehabbing logged and storm-damaged forests, and more. Check the 2026 Courtyard Schedule for presentation dates and times. Happy Birthday Smokey!
Smokey Bear turns 82 on August 9. Smokey Bear started helping the US Forest Service in 1944 to inform and remind the public about the importance of fire safety. Smokey's message of only you can help prevent wildfires is as relevant and urgent today as it was in 1944.
Smokey Bear Fun Facts
- In 1943, the year before Smokey became the spokes bear for the Forest Service on preventing wildfires, Walt Disney loaned the stars from the 1942 Bambi movie for the Forest Service campaign. The movie had a man-caused forest fire in it.
- Smokey's original slogan in 1944 was “Smokey says – Care Will Prevent 9 out of 10 Forest Fires.”
- The real Smokey Bear was a little cub saved by firefighters during a wildfire in New Mexico in 1950. His paws were badly burned when he clung to a smoking, burned-out tree. News of the little bear’s rescue spread quickly across the nation and soon became a national icon for promoting fire safety and wildfire prevention.
- In 1971, Charles Schulz added Smokey’s hat to his Peanuts comic character, Snoopy to help the Forest Service’s Campaign on Fire Safety.
- Famous actors Jackson Weaver, Frank Welker, Gene Moss, Jim Cummings, Jack Angel, Roger C. Carmel, George Walsh, and Sam Elliott have been the voice of Smokey Bear.
State Forest Nursery
The State Forest Nursery online store opens Sept. 1 for fall 2026 and spring 2027 seedling orders. Fall delivery is in November. Customers can choose to have their order shipped or they can pick it up at the State Forest Nursery in Ames.
DNR’s expert nursery staff can help with species selection and answer questions about your tree needs and nursery offerings.
For more information, visit the State Forest Nursery online sales site or call 1-800-865-2477 during regular business hours, Monday – Friday.