One of America’s Riskiest Parks for Ticks Is Near Rockford

Two Illinois state parks have been named among the 10 highest-risk parks in America for tick-borne illness.

It's just one of those things that, no matter where you go, when you're in heavily wooded areas, you start thinking about. I can't imagine me being the only one.

Anyway, World Atlas ranked parks based on the severity of tick-borne disease in the surrounding region.

On this list, Starved Rock State Park ranked #8 nationwide, and Mississippi Palisades State Park was ranked right behind at #9.

READ MORE: Warning Issued for Ticks in Illinois State Parks

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High-Risk Trails: Starved Rock and Mississippi Palisades Make Top 10 Tick List

While both are about an hour away, with Mississippi Palisades Park being just a bit further, the most concerning part from World Atlas, for those of us in Rockford, was this nugget:

In April, Stacy Riley, her family, and their dog picked up an estimated 30 to 35 ticks during a short walk at nearby Rock Cut State Park, a reminder of how quickly an encounter can escalate in northern Illinois parkland.

READ MORE: Top Dog-Friendly State Parks to Visit in Illinois

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Northern Illinois Tick Warnings: Rock Cut State Park Incident Highlights Local Danger

Excuse me? While Starved Rock and Mississippi Palisades get the headlines for the parks with the highest risk of tick-borne illness in Illinois, the issue is more widespread.

Wisconsin was also mentioned on the list, as Devil's Lake was ranked 5th overall, and considering it's the most visited park in the state, it's worth being aware of the next time you make a trip up north.