BENTON, Ill., (WSIL) -- Illinois firearm deer season starts this Friday, which is prompting some temporary closures at Rend Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to put out a reminder to recreationalists that many areas will close during the hunting season.
The first wave of closures come with the firearm deer season, happening this year between November 22 - 24, 2024. The closures do include several popular sites, which are listed below:
- North Sandusky day use area, boat ramp, and campground
- South Sandusky day use area, campground, beach and boat ramp
- South Marcum day use area and campground
- Blackberry Nature Trail
- North Marcum Archery Complex, Mountain Bike Trails, and North Marcum Bike Trails
The above-mentioned areas of Rend Lake will be used by guides and participants in the Rend Lake Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities.
The Army Corps also would like to make sure visitors are aware that all sections of the Rend Lake Bike Trail, under their care, will be temporarily closed for the duration of firearm deer hunting season. The only exceptions are those actively involved in the sport of deer hunting.
Bike Trail areas affected by the closures include:
- The section beginning west of the Franklin Cemetery and continuing to the North Marcum day use area, and trail sections beginning in the North Sandusky day use area and continuing to the South Marcum campground.
Catfish Cove Pond and Trail adjacent to the Rend Lake Visitor Center will also be closed. If you are not a deer hunter, the trails will be completely off limits on the following dates:
- November 22-24
- December 5-8
- December 13-15
- December 26-29
- January 17-19, 2025
If you would like further information on these temporary closures, you can contact the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitors Center at 618-724-2493
