(KMOX) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) says it's ready to allow visitors back into some of its parks starting this weekend. People will be allowed to hike, fish, bird watch and do some other activities at the select parks reopening on Friday.
The parks will be open from sunrise to sunset and visitors are required to comply with social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 best practices.
Site visitor centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, beaches and concessions will remain closed.
IDNR Parks Reopening Beginning May 1:Region 1 (Northwest Illinois): Argyle Lake State Park, Jubilee College State Park, Lowden State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Rock Island Trail, Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area.Region 2 (Northeastern Illinois): Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park/North Point Marina, Chain O’ Lakes State Park, Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail (includes Buffalo Rock SP, Channahon SP, Gebhard Woods SP and William G. Stratton SP), Kankakee River State Park, Moraine Hills State Park.Region 3 (East Central Illinois): Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, Eagle Creek State Park, Kickapoo State Recreation Area, Wolf Creek State Park.Region 4 (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.Region 5 (Southern Illinois): Fort Massac State Park, Giant City State Park, Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area, Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area.
Five Missouri State Parks – Weston Bend State Park, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site, Elephant Rocks State Park and Castlewood State Park – will reopen on May 11 for day-use only, according to a release this week.
Camping and cabins will remain closed through May 18 at Missouri park, as well as visitor centers, tours, programs, enclosed shelters, playgrounds, pools and beaches. The department will reevaluate its plan in mid-May.