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.

17 Mar 2026

Saylorville Lake Visitor Center Opening Delayed

Due to safety concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, is delaying opening day of the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center. The facility, which was originally scheduled to open April 1, is now scheduled to reopen to the public for normal operating hours starting May 1.

2 Mar 2026

Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway Visitor Centers Closed Temporarily for Employee Training

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces the Mississippi River Visitor Center at Locks and Dam 15 in Rock Island, Illinois and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center at Starved Rock Lock and Dam in Ottawa, Illinois, will be closed March 3-4. The closure is needed to facilitate annual training for all visitor center staff. Both facilities will reopen to the public Thursday, March 5, for normal operational hours.

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.

31 Dec 2025

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center to Host “Submarines Down the River” Lecture

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center at Starved Rock Lock and Dam in Ottawa, Illinois, will host “Submarines Down the River” on January 4 at 1 p.m.

19 Dec 2025

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center to Close for Holidays

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center at Starved Rock Lock and Dam in Ottawa, Illinois, will be closed December 24-26 and January 1, for federal holidays. Public access to the facility and parking lot will be unavailable during the closures.

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).

25 Aug 2025

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Encourages Safe Boating Practices on Illinois Waterway

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, issues a reminder to all recreational boaters regarding the restricted use of mooring cells along the Illinois Waterway. These large, circular concrete structures, located near each lock and dam, are essential for commercial navigation and are not intended for recreational activities.

25 Jul 2025

High Water Causes Boat Ramp Closures at Saylorville Lake

For public safety, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, has closed the Cherry Glen Lower Boat Ramp and Oak Grove Beach Access at Saylorville Lake due to rising water levels caused by heavy rains in the Des Moines River watershed. These closures will remain in effect until lake levels recede, and the areas can be cleaned and safely reopened.