Six southern Illinois parks reopen in time for holiday weekend

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has reopened all or portions of six state sites in southern Illinois that had been closed due to flooding.

DNR director Marc Miller said staff worked long hours to get the sites reopened after unprecedented spring flooding.

Sites that will reopen - at least in part - are listed below:

Portions of Fort Massac State Park (Massac Co.) reopened to the public this week, including the visitor center, museum and the 1802 American fort. 

The park’s shelter, day use picnic area along Highway 45, trout pond, old fairgrounds shelter and playground will reopen Friday, May 27.

The shower building, campground, hiking trails, boat ramp and lower day use area on the Ohio River front remain closed.

Facilities at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area (Franklin Co.) are open, except for the primitive tent camping area, which remains closed.

Portions of Horseshoe Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area (Alexander Co.) are open to the public. 

The lake is open for fishing, along with four boat ramps.

Two pavilion areas are also open; however the privies and campgrounds remain closed.

Tunnel Hill State Trail (Johnson Co.) reopened earlier this week.

Golconda Marina State Recreation Area (Pope Co.) will be open to boaters for the Memorial Day weekend.

Most of the Cache River State Natural Area (Johnson Co.) has also reopened. 

The Section 8 Woods Nature Preserve Boardwalk remains closed.

For updates on other park closures, please visit http://www.dnr.illinois.gov  .

Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to the appropriate park office before traveling to check current weather conditions and accessibility.