MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin officials have decided to close several campgrounds at Merrick State Park as the Mississippi River rises.
The park is located adjacent to the Mississippi in southwestern Wisconsin about 40 miles north of La Crosse.
The Department of Natural Resources says the river is near or at its crest after a spate of recent rain and isn't expected to recede for a week or so. The agency decided as a precaution to close the south, group and island campgrounds at the park. The DNR hopes to re-open them by mid-July, barring more rain.
The park's north campground will remain open.
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