The IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals has identified a significant seepage of water from neighboring lake embankments within Kickapoo State Recreation Area.
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Out of an abundance of caution, the river has been closed to public access until IDNR can fully assess the stability of the riverbank. IDNR will follow up with more information as it becomes available. Middle Fork Vermilion River Project: Beginning September 14, 2026, a portion of the river south/downstream of Mile Marker #8 will be CLOSED and marked by buoys, float lines and/or signage. This is a streambank stabilization project which will impact 750' of shoreline and 30' into the river, lasting approximately 90 days. During active construction, contractor personnel may hold watercraft for periods of up to 15 minutes or require portage along the left descending bank for public safety. MAP UPDATE: The following areas of the park are CLOSED: All Mountain bike trails following rain events are closed until they dry out. Mountain Bike Trails from the Monday before shotgun deer season until the Monday following muzzleloader season. All Activities until 1:00 PM except permitted turkey hunters, in open hunting areas during spring youth and regular turkey season. Mushroom hunting activities in nature preserves and land and water reserves. Areas posted notifying of a prescribed burn on the day of the burn. Sportsmans Lake Road, I-74 Loop, Fox campground, Erie campground, Redear campground and the Road to Inland Sea will be closed at first snowfall until spring. Visitors Should Watch For: Low water crossing on 1180 E becomes slippery with algae, caution should be used, or the area avoided for walkers, bikes and motorcycles when wet.
Current closures
The IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals has identified a significant seepage of water from neighboring lake embankments within Kickapoo State Recreation Area. Out of an abundance of caution, the river has been closed to public access until IDNR can fully assess the stability of the riverbank. IDNR will follow up with more information as it becomes available. Recreational boating will close on the Middle Fork River in Kickapoo SRA when the Middle Fork River is 4.0 or above on the USGS river gauge above Oakwood. The low water crossing on 1180 E is closed to foot and bike traffic when wet due to slick conditions. Sportsman's Lake Road, I-74 Loop, and the road to Inland Sea will be closed upon the first snowfall until spring. Fox, Erie, and Redear campgrounds will close November 1st. Areas open to deer hunting will be closed to all activities except to hunters in possession of a site-specific permit during firearms and muzzleloader deer season. Areas open to spring turkey hunting will be closed to all activities (including mushroom foraging) until 1:00 PM except for hunters in possession of a site-specific permit during turkey hunting hours. Periodic trail closures may occur for prescribed fire. Mountain bike trails are closed from the Monday before shotgun deer season until the Monday following muzzleloader deer season. Mountain bike trails will be closed after a rainfall or during the spring thaw until trails become dry. Mushroom hunting is prohibited in nature preserves and land and water reserves. Areas posted notifying of a prescribed burn are closed on the day of the burn.