This is a park visited more by locals. It lacks the amenities of nearby Starved Rock State Park, which has a lodge and visitor's center. However, Matthiessen has much better scenery (waterfalls, the chance to climb down near the water). Matthiessen is also more physically challenging (you have to climb down about 50 steps to get to the trail). If you are visiting Starved Rock, consider a trip to Matthiessen - you'll be glad you did!!
My sister and I like to hike during the summer. We normally go to Starved Rock, but tried Matthiessen. It is beautiful! We were able to take some wonderful pictures right down by the water. Loved it!
If you do not have enough time to explore US go to Matthiessen State Park. Enjoy easy walk and don't forget waterproof boots. Fun for children but strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended. Hard to find parking...
We've reviewed Matthiessen before, but we took some more cool pictures this trip. We didn't know about the lower dells, so we climbed down there this time. How absolutely gorgeous....the Fall colors, the caves (not deep). I would call it crowded this day (Sat., October 11) -- hard to find parking. They were down water, after finding it plentiful in the Spring. Some waterfalls were reduced to almost a trickle. Still breathtaking -- don't hit Starved Rock and miss this one!
Matthiessen State Park is a hidden gem just outside of Starved Rock. If you enjoy hiking, this is a beautiful area any time of the year!
Upon entering the park, the parking lot was completely full (There would be room for side parking along the parking lot parameter if the state was smart and would do it, would add quite a few more spots), there is overflow parking but it seemed far away? LOTS of people this time of year. Lots of steps and the trails arent to rugged, but it is so worth it for the views! We did see a couple with a stroller and that is not advisable, the trails are not paved and again, lots of steps! Always stay on the paths, there were a few close calls with animals that we saw today..it only takes one wrong step and there are plenty of slick spots!
This place is a lot like starved rock except it's not on the illinois river but it does have year round waterfalls it's a great place in the summer but in the winter it gets a little difficult because the trails are really rough but it's still great
Living in Illinois doesn't give you many really picturesque hikes. But Matthiessen never fails to deliver. My family and I have come here many times over the last few years and each season is a different experience. This gem is right down the road from the more well known Starved Rock State Park. To me though this is a better hike and there are always many fewer hikers at Matthiessen than at Starved Rock.
Lovely place to hike. Easy trails but the stairs down & up are tough for some. Just do it. I have been all times of the year and it is great.
LOVE this park!!!! Went on a Wednesday in late September and it was PERFECT!!! No crowds, shaded trails, the ~Lower Dells~ have awesome caves to explore. This time of year most the waterfalls are dried up (kind of a bummer) But don't let that stop you, it may be the perfect time of year to go. We got *Amazing* pictures.***DONT FORGET***-Bug spray-Camera-Tri-pod-WaterWe had a blast!