4 May 2026

Locks and Dam 14 Auxiliary Lock to Remain Closed for Summer

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces the auxiliary lock at Locks and Dam 14 in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, will remain closed during the 2026 summer season. Recreational boaters will have access to the main lock chamber to navigate between pools.  

23 Apr 2026

Neal Smith Trail Temporary Closure Scheduled May 6-8

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a portion of the Neal Smith Trail, from Red Feather Prairie Access north to the Cherry Glen Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake, will be closed May 6-8. The closure is necessary to allow a contractor to perform finishing work on the newly repaved sections of the trial.

31 Mar 2026

Repairs at Red Rock Dam necessitate Highway T15 Closure

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces a full road closure to Highway T15 across the Red Rock Dam April 1-3.

14 Jan 2026

USACE Rock Island District Announces Volunteer Opportunities for 2026 Recreation Season

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District is looking for volunteers to serve at its recreation areas for the 2026 season. Opportunities exist in Iowa at Saylorville Lake near Des Moines, Lake Red Rock near Pella, Coralville Lake near Iowa City, and at the Farmdale Reservoir in Peoria, Illinois. Opportunities can also be found in Iowa and Illinois at recreation areas and visitor centers along the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway.

23 Oct 2025

Temporary Boat Ramp Closures at Saylorville Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces temporary closures of two Saylorville Lake boat ramps during ongoing construction projects.

22 Sep 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seeks Public Input for Mississippi & Illinois River Habitat Restoration

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with state and federal partners, announces the launch of the Mississippi & Illinois River Experience Tool, a new initiative to gather public input to inform future restoration efforts under the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP).

15 Sep 2025

Army Corps of Engineers waives fees and invites volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day, Sept. 27

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today that it will waive day use fees normally charged at boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at its recreation areas nationwide in recognition of National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on Saturday, Sept. 27.

5 Jun 2025

Army Corps of Engineers waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of Army Corps of Engineers’ Birthday and Juneteenth Celebration

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced today that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,600 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of the USACE birthday, June 16, and Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19.

22 May 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Nationwide Recreation Operational Status Website Launched

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has launched its Recreation Operational Status website to keep the public informed about the operational status of USACE recreation areas nationwide.

13 May 2025

Mississippi River Visitor Center Operating Days Change

Starting May 20, the Mississippi River Visitor Center operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, at Locks and Dam 15 on the Rock Island Arsenal will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday each week.