Matthiessen State Park: A Canyon Escape
Discover Illinois' hidden gem: Explore canyons, waterfalls, and historic charm at Matthiessen State Park, a natural escape for all!
Matthiessen State Park, near Oglesby, Illinois, offers a stunning natural escape with deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, and unique geological formations. Originally a private park named 'Deer Park,' it was donated to the state and renamed after industrialist Frederick William Matthiessen, becoming a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Matthiessen State Park Fort
- Oglesby, Illinois, 61348, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during summer, as parking lots in the Dells Area fill up quickly.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes; trails can be muddy and slippery, especially in spring.
- Stay on marked trails; steep cliffs and canyons can be dangerous.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before your visit.
Getting There
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Driving
From Oglesby, Illinois, head south on IL-178. Matthiessen State Park's main entrance is located on the right. Follow park roads to the Dells Area parking lot, which provides access to the fort and main trails. Parking is free. During peak season, the Matthiessen Dells area and Vermilion River Area typically shut down on weekends from May through October when they have reached full capacity (parking lots are full) around 11 a.m. and will not reopen again until 3 p.m.
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Public Transportation
Take the Amtrak train to the La Salle station. From there, take a taxi or rideshare service to Matthiessen State Park, approximately 8 miles away. Expect to pay around $15-25 for the ride. Please note that public buses do not operate directly to the park.
Discover more about Matthiessen State Park Fort
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Starved Rock Family Campground
8.2 km
A family-owned campground near Starved Rock State Park, offering a peaceful retreat with modern amenities and a welcoming community.
Buffalo Rock State Park
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Starved Rock Country
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Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial
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Explore the humble Illinois origins of Wild Bill Hickok, legendary lawman and icon of the American Wild West, at his birthplace memorial in Troy Grove.
Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial
26.5 km
Honor the fallen at the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles, IL: a place for reflection, remembrance, and respect.
Indian Creek Massacre Historic Site
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Reflect on a pivotal event in Illinois' history at the Indian Creek Massacre Historic Site, a place of remembrance and contemplation.
Owen Lovejoy House
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Explore the Owen Lovejoy House in Princeton, IL—a historical museum dedicated to the life of abolitionist Owen Lovejoy and the fight for freedom.
Robert Waugh House
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Gebhard Brewery Building
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Oughton Estate Windmill
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Edith Farnsworth House
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Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
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Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
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Strevell House
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The River Corridor
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Unmissable attractions to see
Dells Canyon and Bluff Trailhead
0.0 km
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Bridge - Matthiessen State Park Trail
0.1 km
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Cascade Falls
0.1 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cascade Falls in Oglesby, Illinois—a haven for hikers and nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure.
Matthiessen State Park
0.2 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife at Matthiessen State Park, a must-visit natural gem in Illinois.
Devil’s Paint Box
0.3 km
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️Matthiessen Lake Waterfall
0.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Matthiessen Lake Waterfall in Oglesby, Illinois, a must-visit natural attraction for every nature lover.
Lehigh Memorial Park
1.1 km
Experience the tranquility and beauty of Lehigh Memorial Park, a perfect retreat for relaxation and outdoor fun in Oglesby, Illinois.
Remote Control Airplane Field
1.6 km
Discover the joy of flight at Oglesby's Remote Control Airplane Field, a perfect spot for families and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Hiking parking Matthiessen state park
1.9 km
Discover the breathtaking hiking trails and scenic beauty of Matthiessen State Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers in Illinois.
Matthiessen State Park River Area
2.0 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and serene trails of Matthiessen State Park River Area, a must-visit destination for nature lovers in Illinois.
Grand Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark
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Experience the thrill of water adventures at Grand Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark, a family-friendly destination in North Utica, Illinois.
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock
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St Louis Canyon Falls
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Memorial Park
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Saint Louis Canyon Trailhead
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Essential places to dine
Año Del Gallo
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Bear Island Outdoor Bar & Grill
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Mr. Salsa's, Inc.
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Claudette's
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Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar
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Brennan's
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CortiLeno's
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Sam's Pizza
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The Rootbeer Stand
3.5 km
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Garzanelli's Supper Club
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Main Dining Room at Starved Rock Lodge
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Starved Rock Lodge Restaurant
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The Back Door Lounge
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Lodi Tap House - Utica
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Joy and Ed’s Bar and Grill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jack's Camp Store
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Starved Rock River and Trail Supply
4.5 km
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Jamie's OutPost
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Bakery & Cafe Nonies
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The Rock and Soul
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Green Thumb Industries
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Bruce & Ollie's Ice Cream, Specialty Coffee & Deli
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The Bickerman Building
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Nina's Market
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Scout Outdoor Apparel
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That Guy's Secret
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Country Cottage, Inc
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E & B Tobacco & Liquor
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Guitar Junkyard & String Instrument Museum
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Savvy Custom Tees LLC
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kasap's Tavern
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Laura's East End Tap
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J.H. Higby's
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Bulldogs Bar
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Mercer's Rooftop
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Lizzie's Lounge
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Archway Tap
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Red's City Limits/ Clarks Run Campground
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Greg’s Dew Drop Inn LLC
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Morts
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Doc's Pub
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Speakeasy on 1st
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The Camden Bar and Lounge
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Sanctuary LaSalle
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Borderline Bar & Grill
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