Officials: Starved Rock visitors should watch crowds

UTICA, Ill. (AP) - Authorities say those planning to head to a popular park in central Illinois during the Fourth of July weekend should watch Facebook and Twitter feeds for updates on the size of crowds.

Starved Rock State Park received around 94,000 visitors over the Memorial Day weekend and there was a temporary closure of parking lots as they filled up. Similar action could be taken this weekend.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will post updates through social media.

State Sen. Sue Rezin's district includes Starved Rock. She calls it "a gem" of the Midwest. She says it's critical to keep it as clean and safe as possible as crowds flood in.

Conservation police will also be out to enforce park rules against littering and the possession of alcohol on trails.