NORTH UTICA – Due to recent heavy rains, the Illinois River is projected to rise causing some flooding around Starved Rock State Park. Officials Sunday closed the main parking lot by the visitor center, the boat ramp area, and the picnic area along the river. Visitors are asked to park off of the south entrance from Route 71 at the gravel overflow parking lot. The National Weather Service estimates the river to rise to around 23.4 feet, around four feet above flood stage.
