Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced on Thursday a full list of State Parks that will reopen to some capacity to allow for hiking and fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most notably included locally is Kankakee River State Park, which will reopen on May 1st.
Absent from the list, Starved Rock.
“We will begin a phased reopening of some of our state parks, under the guidance of the Department of Natural Resources,” Governor Pritzker announced Thursday. “Social distancing must be maintained in all activities.”
Once Kankakee River State Park reopens, it will be on a limited basis.
Guests will be allowed to take part in wildlife observation, hiking, biking, equestrian use and fishing on banks and via boats with a limit of two people per boat. All visitor centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, shelter reservations, educational programs, beaches, special events and concessions will remain closed at reopened facilities. Restrooms will also reopen at the Parks.
A full list of the reopening parks can be found below:
Northwestern Illinois: Argyle Lake State Park, Jubilee College State Park, Lowden State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Rock Island Trail State Park, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area
Northeastern Illinois: Chain o’ Lakes State Park, Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail, Kankakee River State Park, Moraine Hills State Park, North Point Marina
East Central Illinois: Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Eagle Creek State Park, Kickapoo State Park, Wolf Creek State Park
West Central Illinois: Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area, Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, Sangchris Lake State Park, Siloam Springs State Park, Washington County State Recreation Area
Southern Illinois: Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park, Stephen A Forbes State Recreation Area, Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area
