Matthiessen State Park

State Park • IL

Photo: By Joseph Gage from USA - Matthiessen State Park lower dells waterfall • CC BY-SA 2.0 • Source

Overview

Matthiessen State Park is a scenic Northern Illinois park known for its dramatic canyons, waterfalls, and rugged terrain carved by water over thousands of years. Often paired with nearby Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen offers a quieter but equally striking landscape that appeals to hikers and visitors seeking a more immersive natural experience.

Landscape & Geology

Landscape

The park features deep sandstone canyons, steep cliffs, lush ravines, and seasonal waterfalls created by streams flowing toward the Illinois River. Prairie grasslands and open savanna areas sit above the canyon system, creating a sharp contrast between open uplands and the enclosed, shaded canyon floors below.

Trails & Scenic Views

Trails

Matthiessen State Park offers a network of hiking trails that range from moderate to challenging, with staircases, steep descents, and uneven surfaces. Trails guide visitors through narrow canyons, past rock formations and waterfalls, and across prairie sections, providing varied scenery and elevation changes throughout the park.

Recreation

Hiking is the primary recreational activity at Matthiessen State Park, drawing visitors year-round. The park also supports picnicking and photography, particularly in the canyon areas. Due to the rugged terrain and protected landscape, the park does not offer camping or boating facilities.

History

The land that became Matthiessen State Park was donated to the state by Frederick William Matthiessen, a prominent industrialist and conservationist. His gift helped preserve the area’s unique geological features and ensured public access to one of Illinois’ most distinctive natural landscapes.

Why Visit

Find Your Next Adventure

With its striking canyon scenery, waterfalls, and challenging trails, Matthiessen State Park stands out as one of Illinois’ most visually dramatic parks. It is an ideal destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking to explore rugged terrain and experience a quieter alternative to nearby, more heavily visited parks.