$11M In Land Being Added To Starved Rock, Matthiessen State Parks

ACROSS IL — Governor Bruce Rauner announced two Illinois state parks are about to get even bigger as the state acquired a massive sum of land from a private company. According to Rauner, more than 2,600 acres of land are being added between Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park. WMAQ said the price of the land is just over $11 million and was acquired from Lone Star Industries in LaSalle County and paid for through the state's Open Land Trust. The news report said the land will be managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources dedicated to expanding tourism, recreational activities and natural resources, according to the state.

Several different ways to use the new land are being explored, including campgrounds, restored forecast, wildlife habitats and picnic areas.

“I want to thank Gov. Rauner for his vision in supporting this expansion of our busiest state park complex, and thank Lone Star Industries for working with the state to make this property available for the use and enjoyment of area residents and visitors from throughout the state, the nation, and around the world,” IDNR Director Wayne Rosenthal said in a statement, according to WMAQ.

RELATED: This Is The Most Beautiful Place In Illinois

In May, Conde Nast named Starved Rock State Park the most beautiful place in the state.

Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks are getting bigger. Adding 2,600+ acres for kayaking, white water rafting, horseback riding, hunting, more. The parks host 3 million+ visitors a year. Now even more can enjoy these wonderful Illinois treasures. pic.twitter.com/ba5bWTClzo
— Governor Rauner (@GovRauner) October 25, 2018

Public domain photo of Starved Rock State Park