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Current Closures of DNR Sites and Areas

This page lists current closures of DNR Sites and Areas, by geographic region.

  1. - Northwestern Illinois
  2. - Northeastern Illinois
  3. - East Central Illinois
  4. - West Central Illinois
  5. - Southern Illinois

Notices are updated on a continuous basis, so please check before you start your trip.

During hunting season, many sites are closed or partially closed to the public. Public should contact the site directly for closure updates and/or winter hours before going to site.

 

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North West Region 1North East Region 2East Central Region 3West central region 4South Region 5


      

North West Region 1North East Region 2East Central Region 3West central region 4South Region 5​

 Region 1 - Northwestern Illinois
  • Last updated: 11/23/2020
    • Apple River Canyon- the following satellite areas will be closed to all but permitted hunters, Nov 20-22, Dec 3-6, 11-13, Dec 31-Jan 3, and Jan 15-17: Apple River Canyon Salem/Thompson Units, Hanover Bluff SNA, Iris and Jack Witkowsky SFWA, Rall Woods SNA, Tapley Woods, Wards Grove NP, Winston Tunnel SNA.
    • Anderson Lake - Camping at the South Camp is available but on a limited basis due to flooding.
    • Castle Rock State Park -  will be closed Nov. 20th -22nd (first firearm season deer season), Dec. 3rd-6th (2nd firearm season),​ Dec. 11th -13th (Muzzleloader season), Dec. 31-Jan. 3rd, and Jan. 15th - 17th (Special CWD season). Canoe camping along the Rock River is open for the summer / fall. Campground closes during high river or wet conditions. Contact the park at 815/732-7329 for current river / campground conditions.
    • Franklin Creek State Natural Area - will be closed for firearm deer hunting Nov 20-22 (2020), Dec 3-6 (2020), Dec 31 (2020), and Jan 1-3 (2021) and Jan 15-17 (2021). The equestrian trails and campground will close for the season on November 30th.
    • French Bluff State Natural Area - is closed Nov 20-22, Dec 3-6, Dec 11-13, Dec 31-Jan 3, and Jan 15-17.
    • Henderson County – Gladstone Lake, also known as Henderson County, is partially open. Facilities that are available: picnic shelter, privies, water, and a partially opened campground (approximately 10 campsites available), and shoreline fishing. Please call Big River State Forest prior to visiting Gladstone Lake – 309-374-2496.
    • Henderson Creek Access Area closed due to the Mississippi River flooding.
    • Hennepin Canal Closures:
    • A section of the Hennepin Canal State Park Trail will be closed from Buell Rd. (bridge 46) to the Rte. 40 crossing at Bridge 45 from 10/05/20 through 11/05/20. IDOT crews will be conducting an emergency repair of the beams under I-88, which requires them to work from underneath the bridge on the Hennepin Canal Trail. Our staff will notify the public as soon as we are able to re-open this section of trail.
    • The section from Lock 26 to I-80, 4.8 miles, continues to remain "Closed". No repairs have been completed on this portion of the trail. At Lock 27 just to the west of the Aqueduct 8, (Green River), there is a breach in the levee some 75' - 80' wide and 15' - 20' deep. Other portions of this trail segment are not completely washed out, but eroded leaving "drop offs" to the point where in some spots the trail is only 4' - 5' wide.
    • The wells at Lock 21, Lock 22 and Lock 24 are not working; due to budget constraints it is unknown when these will be repaired.  The only potable water available is at the Visitors Center well.
    • Illini State Park -  Sunrise Council, Wildcat Bog, and Ancient Oaks day use areas are closed until further notice. Whitetail campground is closed until further notice. The office, shelters, playground and Youth group area are still closed due to COVID 19.
    • Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area - will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 5th and Friday, November 6th, 2020 for the Disabled Outdoor Shotgun Deer Hunt.  Additionally, the Johnson-Sauk Trail campground will close at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 4th to begin setup for the program.  Johnson-Saul Trail will re-open to the public Saturday, November 7th.
    • Kishwaukee River SFWA - is open for hunting only. 
    • Lake Le-Aqua-Na -  January 1, 2020 through January 1, 2021 the park will be closed for road and lake repair projects. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the site.
    • The LaSalle Lake - Open daily, 6:00 a.m. - Sunset. All fishermen must be off the site by closing time each day.  There is a wind warning system at LaSalle Lake. Orange windsocks are located on interior dikes throughout the lake. When the windsocks are erect, wind speeds are 14 mph or above and no boats are to be launched; boats on the lake should find calm water and get off the lake when safe to do so.
    • Lowden Miller Forest -  will be closed  Nov. 20th-22nd (first firearm deer season), Dec. 3rd-6th (2nd firearm deer season), Dec. 31 - Jan. 3rd, and Jan. 15th - 17th (Special CWD season).
    • Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area -    MSFWA will be closed to all hunting and access January 17, 2020. Reopens for hunting September 1, 2020. Due to the Illinois National Guard's training needs Marseilles State Fish and Wildlife Area will be closed to hunting Friday, Saturday, and Sundays throughout the months of September and October of each year. 
    • Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area - No stand-by firearm deer hunting allowed in the 2020 season.

    • Matthiessen State Park - The ski trail, leading out of the archery range, at the Southern most part of the VRA is closed. Equestrian trails and camping areas are closed as of November 9th util next Spring.

    • Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area - 
    • Mississippi Palisades State Park -  is closed (except the campground) Nov 20-22, Dec 3-6, Dec31-Jan 3 and Jan 15-17.
    • Morrison Rockwood State Park - The equestrian trails are closed while park staff continues to clear hazardous trees from recent storm damage (OUR HIKING TRAILS ARE BACK OPEN). The entire park will be closed November 20-22 for the first firearm deer season. 2020 firearm deer restrictions: No standby drawing will take place this year. Site specific permit holders only. Permit holders will be contacted by the site. For more information please contact the park office at 815-772-4708. 
    • Pekin Lake – is closed to all vehicle access due to road deterioration, walk-in access is allowed.
    • Powerton Lake - Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area near Pekin will be closed Tues., Aug. 18 – Tues., Sept. 15 while maintenance repairs are made on the Powerton Lake levee.  Powerton Lake is the cooling lake for the NRG Powerton Generating Station and NRG is coordinating the project. 
    • Rice Lake SFWA - Due to excessive flooding along the Illinois River, electric camp sites are limited. The Duck Island, Rice Lake and Anderson Lake boat launches are closed. However, bank fishing is open at all sites.
    • Rock Cut - The youth camping area is closed. Shelters are limited to groups of 50 or less.

    • Shabbona Lake State Park -  Starting October 16, 2020 the trap and archery ranges are only open on Mondays and Tuesdays due to pheasant season. The ranges will be completely closed January 19th, 2021 - February 28th, 2021 for coyote season. The equestrian trail is closed September 1, 2020 - September 30 , 2020, then October 16th, 2020 - February 28, 2021 for hunting season. December 1 - April 1 yearly, the West/Main entrance of the park closes for the winter.  The East entrance remains open all year round.

    • Starved Rock -  All trails are opened, with the exception of the Owl Canyon Overlook and the stairway behind the lodge leading to the Visitors' Center and Tonti Canyon. The Visitors' Center is open 9:00 a.m. to noon and closed on weekends and holidays.
    • White Pines Forest State Park - A portion of Grey Squirrel Nature Trail is closed until repairs can be made to the wooden staircase. The lodge, restaurant and cabins are closed until a new concessionaire is found. We are hopeful they will be open Spring 2021. Fox Canyon and Spring Creek youth group campgrounds are closed until further notice due to COVID-19 restrictions. The entire park (including all campgrounds, day use areas and hiking trails) will be closed to the public during the site's firearm seasons: Nov 16-18 (2020), Nov 30, Dec 1-2 (2020), Dec 31 (2020), Jan 1-3 (2021) and Jan 15-17 (2021). 
    • Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area - Camping is closed from Oct 1 - March 31 annually.

 Region 2 - Northeastern Illinois
  • Last updated:


    • Buffalo Rock State Park - Playground, shelters, group activities or special events are allowed for groups of less than 50 people.
    • Chain O'Lakes State Park-  Due to flooding, the campground is closed until Sunday 07/16/17. Oak Point is also    closed. Park closes every year on October 31st  until January 1st for Hunting.
    • Channahon State Park - Playground, shelters, group activities or special events are allowed for groups of less than 50 people. No youth or group camping at this time
    • Gebhard Woods State Park - Playground, shelters, group activities or special events are allowed for groups of less than 50 people. No youth or group camping at this time.
    • Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area –  The trap range is open from January 6, 2020 thru November 1, 2019.  The Class "C" Campground will be closed indefinitely.
    • Goose Lake Prairie – Goose Lake will be closed to the public during all firearm deer hunting seasons. Goose Lake Prairie Visitor Center, shelters and playgrounds are closed.
    • I&M Canal -   No youth or group camping at this time. Group activities or special events may be allowed for groups of less than 50 people with appropriate permits. Previous closure/still closed -The section of trail from Gebhard Woods in Morris heading east 1/4 mile to Calhoun St. is closed. The section of trail from Buffalo Rock Access heading west to Utica is open up to the point of the washout.
    • Kankakee River –   All turkey hunting areas except the actual bike trail itself will be closed to mushroom hunters and ALL users except KRSP permitted turkey hunters until 1pm daily from April 1 through May 4, 2020 for the Spring Turkey Hunting Season. The bike trail remains open but users should STAY ON THE TRAIL.
      Potawatomi & Chippewa Campgrounds are closed for the 2020 season until further notice. Boat launches may intermittently be closed due to high water.  
      Some of the restrooms may be closed due to maintenance issues.  The main park closes at 8:00 PM.  Reservations on ReserveAmerica.com are highly recommended.
    • Mazonia - Braidwood SFWA - Bullhead Lake is closed indefinitely.
    • McHenry Dam - Site will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 
    • Momence Wetlands - The area is closed to mushroom hunters and all users except MW permitted turkey hunters until 1pm daily from April 10th through May 11th for Spring Turkey Hunting Season.
    • Moraine Hills - Site is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
    • Silver Springs - The trap and archery ranges are open March 1 - October 18 seven days a week, 8 a.m. to sunset. October 19 -  January 13 the ranges are only open Mondays & Tuesdays due to pheasant season. The ranges will be completely closed January 14 - February 29 for coyote season. The equestrian trail is closed September 1 - February 29 for hunting season. December 1 - April 1 the West/Main entrance to the park closes for the winter. The East entrance remains open all year round.
    • Volo Bog - Site is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

     


 Region 3 - East Central Illinois
  • Last updated:
    • Clinton Lake State Recreation Area – The campground is open, however the shower buildings and wells are closed for the season.  The portion of lake between County Highway 14 at DeWitt Bridge and Route 48 Bridge is a waterfowl refuge area and is closed annually from October 10 through March 31.  Boondocks Grill & Bait and Mascoutin Beach are closed for the season.  The Equestrian Trail is closed during Firearm Deer seasons and Spring Turkey season.  All fishing cleaning stations at Clinton Lake are closed indefinitely.
    • Eagle Creek Eagle Creek State Recreation Area –  The campground and amenities are open.  The boat ramp and fish cleaning station are open.  All trails are available and shelters are open for groups of 50 or less.  The golf course is open. 
    • Fox Ridge State Park – The road leading to the North canoe access, just past Ridge Lake, will be closed intermittingly starting 9/15/2020  through 12/15/2020 due to Road Construction, effecting access to the North canoe access and hunter parking lots 1,2 and 3. Shower house, cabins and brick pavilion will be closed November 1 and reopen April 15. 
    • Hidden Springs –  Big Tree Trail is closed indefinitely due to a large fallen tree from storm damage. Oak Ridge Hiking trail is closed indefinitely due to a bridge washout. Hickory and Sassafras ponds have re-opened for fishing. Water hydrants and class C camping are open for the season

    • Kickapoo  - Pond 6 bridge is closed to both vehicle and foot traffic indefinitely. The IDNR portion of the Kickapoo Rail Trail is closed while under construction.  The low water crossing on 1180 E is closed to foot and bike traffic when wet due to slick conditions.  Sportsman's Lake Road, Skyline Drive, and the road to Inland Sea will close upon the first snowfall for the winter.  Areas open to deer hunting will be closed to all activities except to hunters in possession of a site specific permit during firearms and muzzleloader deer season.  Areas open to spring turkey hunting will be closed to all activities except hunters in possession of a site specific permit during turkey hunting hours.  Periodic trail closures may occur for prescribed fire.

    • Lincoln Trail Homestead - Vault toilets and trails are now open.
    • Lincoln Trail State Park - The restaurant/concession is open for the season.
    • Middle Fork SFWA – 2250 N Road and the horse campground will close upon the first snowfall of the winter until spring.  Areas open to deer hunting will be closed to all activities except to hunters in possession of a site specific permit during firearms and muzzleloader deer season.  Areas open to spring turkey hunting will be closed to all activities except hunters in possession of a site specific permit during turkey hunting hours.  Periodic trail closures may occur for prescribed fire.  Trap shooting range is non-toxic shot (size 6 or smaller) and rifles or shotguns with slugs are NOT allowed.
    • Moraine View State Recreation Area –  The beach is now closed for the season.  The main and primitive campgrounds are open (Gander Bay and Catfish Bay) except for Tall Timber and the Group Camp.  The dump station and showers are closed. Timber Trails Horse concession and Old Orchard group camp is closed.  Moraine View Restaurant & Kayak Rental is closed for the season. Horse camp and Horse Trails are currently closed for the season starting Nov. 04, 2020 and will not reopen until April 15, 2021.
    • Spitler Woods - All outdoor pavilions, trails, playgrounds, and associated restrooms are open to groups of 50 or less.  The indoor pavilion (Ida B. Spitler) remains closed due to COVID-19 parameters, refunds are being automatically populated on a rolling calendar basis. There is no need to request a refund.
    • Walnut Point State Park – The concession, camping and shower building are now open for the season.
    • Weldon Springs State Park – The campground is open year-round, however, the shower building and wells are closed for the season.  Treasure Cove concession and Union School Interpretive Center will reopen in Spring 2021.
    • Wolf Creek State Park – Due to campsite and road work, the Sand Creek Camping Section will be closed from Monday, Oct. 19th until at least Thursday, Oct. 22nd. The Lick Creek Section will have rolling closures for the remainder of the month which may impact reservations.  Campsites will be available, but site specificity can’t be guaranteed.  The boat ramp and fish cleaning stations are open.  Wolf Creek beach is closed for the season.  All trails including the equestrian trail are open and shelters are open to groups of 50 or less. 

     

 Region 4 - West Central Illinois
  • Last updated:
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    • Beaver Dam State Park - The restaurant and bait shop are closed for the season.  Campers can register for campsites at the park office.
    • Fall Creek Rest Area - This area is open to foot traffic only.  Visitors are reminded to take all litter with them.
    • Frank Holten State Park – The Northview pavilion is closed.  
    • Horseshoe Lake State Park (Madison County) - the Bend Road area is closed to vehicle traffic; however, it is open for foot and bike traffic.  Camping is closed for the season.  
    • Illinois Caverns – Site is closed due to White Nose Syndrome. Closures will be reviewed quarterly. Complete details has been listed in separate closure notice.
    • Jim Edgar Panther Creek -  Questing Hills campground and equine trails are closed for the season.  Please call the office for additional trail information at 217-452-7741, which is updated daily after 9am.  Office hours are 7:30am - 3:30pm, Monday through Friday or a time for return will be posted on the door.  
    • Pere Marquette State Park –  One vault toilet in the Upper Picnic area is closed.  Horse trails West of Graham Hollow Road are open, the Horse trails East of Graham Hollow Road are closed due to the hunting season.  Please adhere to the open/closed signs as the park DOES CLOSE the Equine Trails during adverse weather to protect the trails.  The Class A campground, Class B campground and the Campground picnic shelters will be closed through November for electrical/water and sump station upgrades.  As construction moves forward, the agency will be better able to predict the campground re-opening.   The Large Riverside Shelter, Small Riverside Shelter, Stone Shelter are available for reservations at ReserveAmerica.com.  Please note that Covid 19 protocols (social distancing, face mask, 50 persons or less etc) are to be followed.  The Equestrian concessionaire is open for business.  Reservations can be made at 618/786-2156.  Purpose of reservation only is so that the concessionaire can comply with the social distancing group protocols.  The Upper Group Camps are open with Covid-19 protocols.   The pools within the camps will remain closed for the season.  The Pere Marquette Lodge Concessionaire has re-opened.  Customers should call 618/786-2331 for reservations and for booking information.  Duncan Hill Youth Group camp is closed as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic.
    • Sand Ridge State Forest - Equestrian trails are closed and all persons in the field are required to wear solid, vivid blaze orange/ pink caps and vests during the Firearm Deer season Nov 22-22 and Dec 3-6,2020; group camping remains closed until further notice.  Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions by calling the site office at 309-597-2212 after 9am daily and are asked to observe posted CoVid-19 guidelines upon arrival.
    • Sangchris Lake SP - The Deer Run campground, Group camping, the fish cleaning station as well as the West Horse trail are closed.  The west arm of the lake as well as a section of the east arm is closed for waterfowl season.  The entire lake will be closed for the first firearm season.
    • Siloam Springs SP - site has no concessionaire; therefore, there is no boat/kayak rentals.  Horse trails are closed for the season.
    • ​Washington County CA - Shower house and Concession are closed for the season.  Class B/E and Class C camping and Rent-A-Cabins are available.
    • Weingberg King State Park - Horse trails are closed for the season.

 Region 5 - Southern Illinois
  • Last updated:
    • Beall Woods - Tuliptree, White Oak, Schneck and Sweet Gum trails are open, Ridgway Trail is currently closed.
    • Cache River State Natural Area - Please be aware that IDNR is working in conjunction with Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge to re-develop a Containment Basin located one half mile south of the Lower Cache Access boat ramp. This work is being performed using heavy equipment and will continue on and off through the 2019-2020 Waterfowl hunting season. 
    • Cave In Rock State Park - The shower house has been closed for the season.
    • Dixon Springs State Park - The public swimming pool and barracks (group camp area) will remain closed until further notice due to COVID-19.
    • Embarras River Bottoms State Habitat Area - is closed due to flooding.
    • Fort Massac –  The road in back of the park will be shut down while bridge repair is completed beginning Tuesday, July 27th. Bikers may access the concrete bike trail from Belgrade Road and Strawberry Road, however it will not be accessible from the park. The inside of the 1802 American Fort will be closed to the public until further notice for public safety.

    • Giant City State Park - Giant City Visitors Center will be closed November 26th-29th. Giant City State Park remains open and we are following the most recent safety guidelines: Giant City Group Camp remains closed due to Covid-19. Shelters and playgrounds are open to a limit of 25 people max. Please wear a mask while in the Visitors Center and all locations where a 6' distance cannot be maintained.  Giant City Lodge cabins remain open for lodging, and the restaurant is open for carryout menu.   For further details please contact them directly, 618-457-4921 or visit their facebook page, for details. Giant City Stables is open for trail rides,therapy and lessons; contact them directly at 618-529-4110 for hours and/or reservations.

    • Horseshoe Lake - Shelter areas and playgrounds are closed due to COVID guidelines.
    • Kinkaid Lake - The Kinkaid-Reed Conservancy District will begin lowering Kinkaid Lake on Monday November 4. Depending on winter rainfall amounts, Kinkaid Lake may drop a total of 3.5 feet. The two main boat ramps (Mt Joy and Paul Ice) should remain functional during this drawdown. Although recently dredged, caution should be used when attempting to launch at the Johnson Creek boat ramp. The stop logs will be replaced in the beginning of March 2020.
    • Lake Murphysboro -  Walk-A-Way Trail will be temporarily closed for trail improvements.
    • Newton Lake – Section 6 Pond (Hamm James) is currently closed. The mountain bike trail is closed indefinitely due to washed out areas.​ 
    • Rauchfuss Hill - Closed until further notice.
    • Red Hills State Park - The Trace Inn is currently closed.
    • Sahara Woods - The OHV construction area at Sahara Woods will be closed to all activities until further notice due to ongoing construction. This includes roughly 1400 acres of the northwest part of the park.
    • Stephen A Forbes State Park - The Equestrian Camp and Trails are closed for the season. The Fish Cleaning station at the East Marina is currently closed. Due to COVID 19 mandated closures the Stephen A Forbes Beach will be closed until further notice. Lakeside Restaurant is currently closed. Lakeside Marina is open, please contact the Park office for Information.

    • Trail of Tears State Forest - Indian Creek Trail and Red Cedar Backpacking Trail will be closed during Illinois Firearm Deer Season. Trail of Tears Group Camp remains closed due to Covid-19. Shelters and playgrounds are open to a limit of 25 people max.

    • Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park - Shelter areas, playgrounds and drinking fountains are closed due to COVID guidelines. The Primitive camping area has been closed for bow hunting. The Bay Area has been closed for the winter.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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