Illinois Beach State Park reopens Sunday

After months of restoration, Adeline Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park in Zion will reopen to the public on Sunday, April 1.

The park has been closed since last summer’s two major storms caused significant damage to several areas, including the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center and campground. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said Friday storm cleanup and park restoration is now complete, making public areas safe again.

Several hundred trees felled by 90 mph winds were removed and others trimmed, and park buildings, picnic areas, trails and camp sites have been repaired.

“While a tree service contractor with specialized equipment was brought in to handle major tree and stump removal during the winter, the work of IDNR personnel in cutting dangerous trees, snags and branches, clearing trails and general cleanup saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and helped ensure a safe reopening of the park,” IDNR Director Marc Miller said in a news release.

Parking areas, the bathing beach and trail areas will be open Sunday.

The Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center also has been extensively repaired. The resort was reopened for business shortly after last summer’s storms, but it’s pool facility remains closed. The pool is scheduled to reopen this summer.

Through the spring, visitors will notice ongoing restoration work in the park, such as the planting and mulching of hundreds of replacement trees and revegetation of grassy areas.

The campground at what is one of Illinois’ most popular state parks will be open for first come/first served camping only for the month of April.

Online reservations can be made at reserveamerica.com for May 1 and beyond.