The trails at Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are closed because of the damage from Monday’s storm. The derecho that swept across northern Illinois tore through both parks. Site Superintendent Alan Harper was in the Visitor Center at State Park helping hikers get to safety when it hit.
"The trees went to like a 45-degree angle," he said.
Now there are numerous downed trees in the parks and there are some railings on the trails that are broken. Harper said that Matthiessen was hit harder than Starved Rock.
"There's a lot of tree debris. I mean a lot."
Though the trails, picnic, fishing areas and boat ramp are closed at both parks, the Starved Rock campground and the Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center are still open. Matthiessen is completely closed until further notice.
Campers who wish to change their reservations are welcome to do so by accessing their reservations at Reserve America.
Because weather-related damage is so widespread in Illinois, anyone interested in visiting any parks or recreational area is advised to call ahead to make sure they are open.