Question

Has anyone been to Starved Rock lately? I was wondering if the parking lots are open? I know the buildings are closed but wondered if we could park in normal lots to do some hiking.  

Answer 1

WHAT'S ESSENTIAL FOR YOU MAY NOT BE ESSENTIAL FOR SOMEONE ELSE AND THAT IS OKAY  - Saw a parent at the store with a cart full of Easter toys and treats and thought to yourself, BUT THAT'S NOT ESSENTIAL… Maybe they are waiting for a prescription to be filled and chose to use their wait time to fill their cart with things to make their sick kid smile and enjoy the upcoming holiday. - Saw the same person at the grocery store 4 times this week and thought, ONLY ONE PER FAMILY ONCE A WEEK… Maybe they are volunteering their own time to get groceries for those who are high risk and unable to do so themselves. - Saw someone with a coffee from Tim Hortons and thought, they should make coffee at home THAT IS NOT NECESSARY… Maybe they just had an argument with their partner and that coffee and cry in the parking lot was necessary for them. - Saw someone with McDonald's for lunch and thought THEY DO NOT NEED FAST FOOD RIGHT NOW… Maybe their anxiety is getting the best of them and they parked at the grocery store for the 3rd time this week, but couldn't step out of the car and go inside without having a panic attack. - We need to stop pointing fingers and shaming people for the choices they are making when we have no idea what they are going through. - WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER ❤️ BE KIND! SOME OF YOU WHO THINK YOUR SHIT DONT STINK, read this. K, now stop pointing fingers bc when you do, 3 point back at you. Seriously.  

Comments

@heilman amen!  

---

@heilman THANK YOU! Sending love and best to you and your family!  

---

@heilman amen! Thank you! Mental health is also important! So disappointed in people shaming others right now.  

---

I wish i could love this post 12 times.  

---

You go girl! Agree #bekind we do not know other people’s situations

---

@heilman omg thank you for posting this! I am so sick of everyone pointing the finger at people.  

---

Thank you! I have had a post like yours in my head for days. I absolutely LOVE that 50+ people like it.  

---

@lianne798 same but I’ve held my tongue on so many things, because I know this is all scary for us. Then a friend posted this and I’m like, I NEED to share.  I’m so happy many others people feel the same way. God bless!  

Answer 2

All state parks are closed.  

Answer 3

Stay home

Answer 4

Closed  

Answer 5

They closed it on March 21  

Answer 6

We saw that starved rock was closed on line- but Indiana Dunes was great! . Have fun enjoying this spring with your family!  

Comments

@suborbital13 Pretty sure I just saw a notice that the Indiana dunes are going to be closed starting tomorrow, but I’m not that familiar with them so maybe it didn’t mean all. We’ve just been waking in our neighborhood.  

---

Oh darn! We were there a few days ago and it was so wonderful to have the big open space and dunes to climb on for our four boys! All of the facilities were closed and one of the trails – but we never came close to anyone. Beautiful place! We can’t wait to go back someday  

---

@suborbital13 weird question, but what do you do if you need to go to the bathroom and places are closed? I have always wanted to go there but heard bathrooms are sparse even at regular times before this. . Also, here is the update from their FB page: “Important COVID-19 Update 04/06/20: Indiana State Parks remain OPEN for day use only with entrance fees temporarily suspended. All campgrounds (modern, equestrian, primitive, rent-a-camp, group and rally camps) are CLOSED effective April 6, 2020 through April 20, 2020. All those with reservations will be contacted by our Central Reservation System and reservations will be fully refunded with no cancellation fees. For those who wish to reschedule for a later date instead, cancellation and transfer fees will be waived. This timeframe may be extended. For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and DNR properties, visit on. IN. gov/dnrcovid19. ”

---

So it looks like the Indiana Dunes are still open, just campgrounds (and buildings) are closed. And I will answer the bathroom question. We have been doing mostly local, so we try to go to the bathroom before. But we do a lot of hiking in National Parks and there are times we have to go to the bathroom on the trail and we just find a place in the woods. Much easier for the boys, but the girls have learned to squat and pee if needed. You could also use a gas station or rest area (not sure if they are open? ) before you go to the Dunes.  

---

@viddah I was at the dunes this past week it was beautiful and the bathroom are open just the main ones are closed but every shelter has a open bathroom ! The hike up trail 8 is by far the best view ! Everyone kept their distance and we spent 8 hours in the fresh air ❤️

Answer 7

(All state parks)

Answer 8

Even if they aren’t closed, just stay home. There have been tons of people out on trails and at parks. It kind of defeats the whole purpose of a shelter in place, don’t you think? If you need some fresh air, take a walk in your neighborhood and keep a good distance from anyone else out walking.  

Comments

@ballance5926 You’re absolutely safe, if you keep your distance, and wear a mask

---

Not gonna lie, my neighborhood has more people walking down the streets than any state park. Literally can’t stay away from people.  

Answer 9

They have chains and picnic tables lined up at the entrance so you can't enter. Friends took a drive and checked it out last week.  

Answer 10

Shelter in place. Don’t go to crowds. Parks. Nothing.  

Comments

@ster2481 seems to be a simple enough directive to me.  

Answer 11

Ladies you’ll most likelY be miles apart ‍♀️ it’s not healthy.  

Answer 12

So many of you are judgmental. What people want to do on their break is their business. Hiking along a trail doesn’t mean crowds. You do realize when you allllll go to Costco, you’re causing more problem than someone walking outside. Believe me, the Napervillians outside my complex are wayyyy closer than you would be at a state park. Want my address so you can shame them? Do something better ladies than judge. Don’t like it, shut up. Move on.  

Comments

@michelinamicheline I appreciate that❤️

---

@heilman for real! The poor mom asking about Easter activities with neighbors got treated like she was a dumbass. Some people are taking this as you must seal up your house, no one in or out, or you'll die. In reality, no, that's not what they're saying. No large gatherings, only go to public places when necessary, and social distance the rest of the time if they don't live in your house. My friend had her neighbors over and they sat in the driveway, more than 6 feet apart, and drank wine. Totally acceptable and doesn't break the rules. but there are moms in this group that would lose their shit. I'm so tired of the mom shaming. I can't wait until my son is older (he's only 5 mos) and I know everything like some of these women do.  

---

@ricardaricardama yes, asking about the eggs from her neighbors. My heart goes to that poor mom. Thank you! It means so much to see people agree. I thought I was probably only one of a few who felt this way the way the majority of this group seems to feel

---

@heilman but the nasty comments are so much louder unfortunately.  

---

@heilman so true! People don’t realize that they are all complaining yet they are all going to the store where your touching and being around more people then going for a walk. I wish everyone would just stop being so judge mental and let everyone else do what they want. If someone chooses to go out, go onto a big gathering or go to the store is their problem not anyone else’s. We all need to do what we think is right not what everyone else tells us. Yes there’s an order for social distancing, but they also said we can exercise. So it’s kind of a blurred line. Someone might think walking the aisles of target is exercise while someone else might think a walk on the park is exercise. Let it go. If you don’t like what you’ve read scroll on and keep opinions to yourself. We are a community and should support each other not being each other down. If you don’t like what you see look the other way and hope and pray those not abiding by the rules are going to be on. ‍♀️

Answer 13

Thanks @heilman%21/activity" class="qa-user-link">heilman! @broken42 is a friend of mine. Thanks for having her back! Debbie, @heilman is a friend of mine! ❤️

Answer 14

Now is not the time to go hiking in a crowded state park OR linger around in crowded grocery stores whatever your personal justification might be. You don’t want to get sick during the peak, which is projected to be a week or two from now. That’s a very bad time to get sick. Do you wish to recover in a makeshift hospital?  

Answer 15

Illinois State Parks & Wildlife Areas were ordered closed on March 15

Comments

Now why couldn’t everyone just give this simple answer that the lady asked for. Y’all have too much time on your hands. Go exert that negative energy on the treadmill and let people search for answers without being attacked.  

Answer 16

Regardless of your opinion on going to a state park in the current times (DON'T), the RESTROOMS WILL BE CLOSED so that would be problematic for most.  

Answer 17

We are staying in, as I am an introvert and a hermit by temperament and my kids have had to get used to it. But, hypothetically speaking, I think the whole neighborhood taking walks in the subdivision is a lot more questionable if safety is the concern than finding enough isolation at a state park.  

Answer 18

All IL park closed even neighborhoods park

Answer 19

Corona virus stay in air for several hours. I would say walking outside is not very safe as virus spreading with Fibonacci no

Comments

@britton I read it dissipates much better outside, and you're pretty safe out there, and they recommend airing out rooms in the house, and hospital rooms, etc.  

---

@britton one of the best things for your immune system is vitaminD - go outside. Get fresh air. Get some sunshine! A hike is healthy! Just be responsible about it by practicing social distancing - from people. Not nature or the outdoors. That being said, I really don’t know if it’s open  I just go in the backyard and neighborhood walks.  

---

@mathematical303 thanks I agree with you

---

@britton that is not quite true. If you’re outside jogging you’ll be fine. It’s Aerosol air that lingers inside which is mostly from patients on vents, bipap machines. You don’t have to fear walking outside. Now if your close to someone who suddenly begins to cough that’s where things get dicey & why the 6ft rule was put in place. I’m an RN & try not to listen to the media. I listen to the facts & what Dr Fauci’s briefings tell us to do & the IL dept of public health briefings & medical journals If this was true airborne like small pox & measles, Dr Fouci wouldn’t be able to stand next to anyone another let alone the president bc he’s a marathon runner and runs every evening with his wife who I believe is also a dr. I’m trying to be rude, I just don’t want to spread panic & fear & keep from going on a little walk. Keep your 6ft distance & wash your hands often and get those nails. I wear a mask in public to keep your droplets in the mask in case you’re someone who carries it & doesn’t show symptoms.  

Answer 20

Last year hope to go back soon !  

Comments

@synchronic thos is at starved rock? Wow, I didn't realize it has dunes. I haven't been there in 16 years I guess it's time to go back soon.  

---

@aware - That is the Indiana Dunes National Park. It was referred to in a comment earlier. There are no dunes at Starved Rock.  

---

@viddah oh gotcha.  

---

It’s silver lake sandunes and they are closed until May 1st in Michigan

Answer 21

Closed. I just read an article about Starved Rock si know for certain it’s closed