Utica, IL – Visitors heading to Starved Rock State Park this fall will need to prepare for parking changes as construction begins on the Starved Rock Lodge parking lot starting Monday, Sept. 2.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, parking will still be available during the project, but the number of spaces will be reduced. Construction is expected to last several months, and open parking areas will shift over time as work progresses. Signs will be posted to direct drivers to available spaces.
Officials urge visitors to use caution when entering the lot and to follow posted construction signs. The state agency emphasized that while parking may be limited, all park operations — including the Starved Rock Lodge, Visitor Center, hiking trails and campground — will continue without interruption.
The Starved Rock Lodge and Matthiessen State Parks social media pages also noted that improvements to the parking lot are part of ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experiences. Staff thanked the public for their patience while the upgrades take place.
Starved Rock State Park, located near Utica along the Illinois River, is one of the state’s most visited natural attractions, drawing more than 2 million visitors annually. With construction set to overlap the busy fall hiking season, guests are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for parking.
Visitors looking for updates on available parking and construction progress can check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or Starved Rock Lodge’s official social media channels.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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