Matthiessen State Park - Oglesby, Illinois

Jen L.

We had a great family day of hiking and exploring nature!! We loved all the climbing, exploring little caves, the beautiful waterfalls and hopping rock to rock to adventure further. Our kids loved getting to catch some wildlife, our youngest was thrilled to spot a snake and point it out to everyone.

Becca M.

This is a must-see if you're in that area!!! We went when everything was frozen. All the waterfalls, etc. Even so, the trails we walked were well kept and easy, and the scenery was absolutely stunning... breathtaking. I've been to many parks on different levels but I was not expecting something like what I saw when I went there!

Jennifer L. B.

A lot of options at this park for hiking of all levels. There are a lot of trails into the dells that have stairs but you can get around some of them by starting on less obvious trails and taking them down into the park.

Beautiful scenery and good facilities. Have only been off peak season but always had an amazing time.

mimi W.

Matthiessen State Park, located in Oglesby, Illinois, is a hidden gem that offers visitors an enchanting natural experience. Known for its stunning landscapes, the park features diverse terrain, including forests, prairies, and impressive rock formations. One of the park's main highlights is its picturesque canyons, with streams running through them, providing a peaceful atmosphere for hiking and exploration. The Dells Area, in particular, is a favorite for those who enjoy waterfalls and winding trails through lush foliage.

The park offers several trails of varying difficulty levels, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned hikers. The highlight for many visitors is the aptly named "Canyon Trail," which leads hikers past cascading waterfalls and striking rock walls. The park is also home to abundant wildlife, with birdwatching opportunities and the chance to spot deer, foxes, and other local animals.

For those looking to enjoy a quiet day in nature, Matthiessen State Park is the perfect escape. It also offers ample picnic areas, making it a great spot for family outings. While the park can get crowded on weekends, especially during peak seasons, the serene beauty of the park makes it worth the visit.

Overall, Matthiessen State Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a peaceful retreat with plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and simply enjoying the great outdoors.

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Awe-inspiring views!

We had a very nice time hiking here. It had just rained, and the temperature and humidity got pretty high, but it was still very much worth stopping.

We spent about 2 1/2 hours taking in the sites. There was one section that was closed off (didn't deter at least one hiker), but otherwise, we saw quite a bit. One section was a little too muddy to go in all the way (deep, thick, quicksand-like mud, lol), but I could still get in enough to get a few good shots.

I highly recommend visiting, though it's probably a bit easier to traverse if it hasn't just rained.

Absolutely loved this park! The rocks are so beautiful and amazing! My best advice is, wear your old tennis shoes and not white ones! There was lots of slick and muddy places that are an absolute “must see”. Wear shoes with good grip. Carry your water and snacks before heading out to the trails. To be able to see the good spots you have to go down lots of stairs, so I highly suggest that you be prepared! There’s a place to wash your feet and shoes at the entrance of the trail.

matt M.

Matthiessen State Park is absolutely excellent!
One of the best family friendly Short but beautiful walk/hike that you can do throughout the the year.

And if it's during the summer, it's even better during the short section of the season where the sunflowers are there. Then take your family to eat at a restaurant right outside of town in the middle of the street.
Makes for a not busy. Fun. Great day

Skip the busy hiking paths of starve. Rock right next door. Go straight here even if the waterfall's not there. There are intricate little small sections of caves where the kids can climb through.

Judy D.

This park has always been recommended to me, great if you are on a road trip and want a stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights. Yes, feet could get wet if you wish to go down in the canyon, but well worth it.

Deanne C.

We absolutely love coming here! The road in was completely redone so no worries about busting a rim like before. I like that it is less busy than nearby Starved Rock. Access to multiple waterfalls is easily accessed within 1-2 hours of hiking with opportunities to extend hikes further. It is fun exploring the lower dells area but be warned water crossings are not in the best shape. I would suggest water sandals and maybe a hiking pole during the summer. During the winter, after a cold spell you can just walk along the creek itself to get up close to the waterfalls which is our favorite! I would recommend ice cleats for shoes as it does get really icy even on the main paths. There are bathrooms by the parking area but none along hiking trails so keeping that in mind. Also lots of stairs for those who do not e joy such things lol.