Adventure at Matthiessen State Park

Whenever we are craving some adventure, we hop into the car and head to Matthiessen State Park.  Sometimes the whole family goes, and sometimes we go when Mom is at work, and we guys are feeling the need to get out of the house, and do some exploring.  Charlie, our female chocolate lab mix, usually comes along with us, because Matthiessen Park is pet friendly, provided they are properly restrained.  Matthiessen is one of our favorite Illinois State Parks.  We really enjoy hiking the trails, and especially the waterfalls.  It always ends up being a fun, sometimes muddy, wet day, for all of us!  Best of all, Matthiessen State Park adventure is available almost in our own backyard.

We think everyone in Illinois and the surrounding states should explore Matthiessen State Park, especially families.  First, it is absolutely free, and second most of the places and experiences are family friendly.  Mom, dad, the kids, the dog and grandma could all explore the park together.  So, to help everyone get out and have a great day in the outdoors at no cost, we will share a little about the park history and grounds, how to get there, things to do in the park, and where to find food and lodging in the area if it is needed.  Somewhere in there, we will also share our Matthiessen State Park Adventure.

 

About Matthiessen State Park

Matthiessen is a gorgeous Illinois State Park, between Utica and Oglesby, in LaSalle County, Illinois. It started out as a private park of about 175 acres, owned by LaSalle industrialist Frederick William Mathiessen, name Deer Park. After his death, the park was donated to the state, and since 1943 has expanded to include over 1900 acres.

Matthiessen is often overshadowed by big sister park, Starved Rock, which is within a few miles. It does not have the reputation of Starved Rock, or all of the amenities, so it receives far fewer visitors. There is no lodging or camping available, nor is there a nature center or museum.  While that may be a downside for some people, it was great for us.  We were looking for a quieter adventure without so much traffic.

For the overview, Matthiessen is basically separated into two sections that used to be called the Upper Dells and Lower Dells.  Now they are more commonly called the Upper Dells, and the Vermillion River area.  The upper Dells entry area has picnic shelters, public facilities, a play ground, and a restored french outpost fort, representative of those built in the late 1600s. The Vermillion entrance has additional picnic shelters, tables and grills.  Entrance for all the regular activities is free.

 

Our Matthiessen State Park Adventure

 

Matthiessen State Park is amazingly beautiful, with hiking trails that descend into gorges and traverse through canyons, and skirt along creeks and a lake.

Millions of years of erosion have carved through the land, leaving behind the sandstone cliffs, with their stunning display of geology, the canyons, and one more feature special to Matthiessen- several beautiful waterfalls, plunging into shallow pools that are cool and refreshing on a hot summer day.

Be prepared to get your shoes muddy if you plan to really plan to explore Matthiessen.

Be prepared to get wet, at least if it is a hot day, and you really need some refreshment, like Charlie.

Expect to crawl under some overhangs and climb over some fallen trees.

Best of all, most of the time, be prepared to explore on your own, without a crowd.

Things to do in Matthiessen State Park

Hike the trails.

There are 5 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, which are well marked.  They are also well surfaced, rendering them fairly accessible to people of a variety of different ability levels and ages.  There are some challenges though, some areas would not be accessible with a stroller, or a wheelchair.

Chase Waterfalls

Matthiessen is known for its beautiful small waterfalls.  Our favorite is the Cascade Waterfall, in the photo where you see everyone splashing around.  Bring your water-shoes along in your backpack if you plan to wade around, for your safety.

Horseback Ride

There are 9 miles of trails that are available for horseback riding.  If you don’t own a horse, you can find horse “rentals” near the main entrance to the Upper Dells area.

Mountain Biking

The same 9 miles of trails that are used for horseback riding are technically termed as multi-purpose trails, and mountain biking is allowed.

Cross Country Skiing

In the winter, there are 6 miles of trails that are specifically put aside for cross country skiing only.  Ski rental is available on the weekends from December through March, for those who do not ski often enough to purchase a set.

Practice Shooting

In the northwest portion of the part there is a field archery range.  The range includes a sight-in area, and 4 target areas.  Use the entrance near the Deer Park Country Club off of Illinois route 71 to get to the archery range.

Flying Radio Controlled Airplanes

Near the Vermillion entrance there is a radio-controlled airplane field.  The field includes a large expanse of open space, and watching others fly their planes is almost as much fun as flying your own.

Picnicking and Playing

There are several picnic areas near each of the entrances, so pack a cooler and bring along lunch.  We recommend using the shelters in the Upper Dells area for your picnic, which you see in our photos above.  Afterwards run off some steam in the playground area, or explore the old French outpost fort.  The kids really enjoyed the playing around the fort.

Things you cannot do In Matthiessen State Park

No rock climbing, ice climbing or rappelling is allowed.  Off-trail hiking is not allowed.  These rules are for visitor safety, as serious injuries have occured when they were not followed.

 

Getting to Matthiessen

To get to Matthiessen State Park, use Interstate 39, if you are coming from the north or the south.  Interstate 39 which runs north to south through the center of Illinois.  Matthiessen is a couple miles south of the Illinois River, just outside of Oglesby, Illinois, but you will take the Oglesby exit to get there.  There are plenty of signs to lead you from the Interstate to the parking area of the State Park.

If you are coming from the east or the west, or from Chicago, us Interstate 80 to get to the LaSalle area, then take the Interstate 39 south exit.  After you cross the Illinois River you will start seeing signs for the state parks in the area.  Again, take the Oglesby exit, and follow the signs.

You can get a copy of the full Illinois DNR pamphlet which includes all of the park information and regulations, and a trail map here. 

 

 

 

If you are planning to spend the night, and explore more of the park the next day, you may want to check out the Starved Rock Lodge, in Starved Rock State Park.

If you are looking for something a little more main stream, see what Trip Advisor recommends near Matthiessen State Park.  

 

For more detailed information on the park, and to plan for your own Matthiessen State Park Adventure, see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website at:   Illinois State Parks, Matthiessen.

Matthiessen  also has the following Facebook page:  Matthiessen Facebook Page

You are going to want to remember Matthiessen State Park, so PIN it!!

 

 

 

 

While we love Matthiessen State Park, it may not be the park you are looking for.  A couple other Illinois State Parks that we love are Giant City State Park, with its huge sandstone bluffs, and Lincoln’s New Salem State Park, with its recreated historic village.  

If neither of these are what you are looking for, start on our on our Budget Travels Page.

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About the Author

Douglas Pusey is not a travel writer.  He is a a regular guy who make steel rigging for a living.  More importantly, he has a lovely wife, and 4 beautiful children, although his youngest son is no longer with us.  Doug and his family love outdoor experiences, especially those that can be done on a budget, over a weekend.  His Adventure at Matthiessen State Park is one that any family in the Midwest could have.