UTICA – Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park will remain closed for the foreseeable future as officials work to clean up after the storm which battered North Central Illinois a week ago. The Deracho brought with it up to 100 MPH winds, causing trees to fall blocking trails and picnic areas throughout both parks.
Von Bandy, director of the Office of Land Management for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said “As our staff continues to clear main areas and trails at both parks, we’ll reassess the possibility of reopening these areas of the park.”
All trails, picnic and fishing areas, and the boat ramp are closed, but the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center remains open. Visitors who have reservations at the lodge are asked to use Starved Rock’s south entrance off of Illinois Rte. 71. The campground and kayak rental at Lone Point Shelter is also open.
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