OTTAWA, Illinois. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has temporarily closed the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center located at Starved Rock Lock and Dam in Ottawa, Illinois, due to rising river levels.
Minor to moderate flooding is ongoing on portions of the Illinois Waterway due to recent rainfall events. The Visitor Center will remain closed until water levels recede and visitors can safely access the facility on Dee Bennett Road.
For safety reasons, the Corps reminds everyone it is not safe to play, wade, walk, bike or drive through floodwaters. Play it Safe: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
For more information about the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center closure please contact the park rangers at 815-667-4054.
Release no. 19-015