Residents planning leisure outings over the coming Labor Day weekend are advised of limited parking and park closures at Utica-area Starved Rock State Park, due to high water levels resulting from recent heavy rains.
The Illinois River has risen to the point of reaching the parking lot surface. Visitors are asked to closely follow the directions of all law enforcement and park officials for parking. Additionally, certain areas of the park are closed to the public. Matthiessen State Park multi-use trails will be closed over Labor Day Weekend due to wet conditions. Hikers are prompted to observe park safety rules.
Guests of the lodge or participants in pre-registered special events will be granted access to the park, but if the park reaches its maximum capacity it may be closed to the general public. Lodge parking will be limited to patrons with reservations. Residents and visitors are reminded not to park along main routes in order not to block roads from emergency vehicle access.
Those planning to visit Starved Rock between Sept. 3 and 5 can stay informed of conditions by accessing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Facebook and Twitter feeds. Visit the IDNR Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Illinois-Department-of-Natural-Resources-101691346567146/ or Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/IllinoisDNR or follow @IllinoisDNR.
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