“This was definitely a great hike! This place is beautiful! Make sure you bring lots of water because you will need it. I was a bit disappointed I didn’t see any waterfalls but I heard that it’s best to go on a day when it just finished raining or I could have been at the wrong trail.” —Chloe

Matthiessen State Park is a little-known BEAUTIFUL park! Though it only offers 5 miles of hiking trails, compared to Starved Rock's 13, it's well worth the visit. While researching for a trip to Starved Rock, I learned about Matthiessen State Park. We visited on a Sunday in mid-September of 2023 and were pleasantly surprised to find far fewer visitors than what we experienced the day before at Starved Rock. It's a hidden gem. Ample parking, a pavilion, and a historic fort can be found at the trailhead. The map at the trailhead was a little confusing as it made it appear that we were standing at a section on the horse trail. I appreciated the blurb about the founding of the park placed beside the map at the trailhead. The park is split in two parts- the upper and lower dells. The hiking trail goes around and into the dells, providing views of waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. In the lower dell section, there's a large, well-constructed concrete staircase to bring hikers down into the center. In the upper dell section, there's a decline and a smaller staircase. Also in this section are large concrete stepping stones to take hikers across a pond created by the waterfall. We saw every location marked on the map and had plenty of time to enjoy each spot, as the trail is only 5 miles. In the lower dells, we hiked into the main canyon and found a mini cave system that brings you to a secluded, gorgeous view of the waterfall. Highly recommend visiting this park. It deserves far more recognition than it's getting. Can't wait to return.

Absolutely stunning, bathrooms were cleaned but rather small. Be sure you have good shoes. Lots of steps but worth the view. I didn't care for the safety gate at the top of the waterfall but I'm sure they have their reasons why. I plan on going again

Beautiful park! Lots of nice hiking trails, bridges, caves, stairs, water areas, and more! Lock up your cars, hide any valuables that may be inside! Idiots have been on the loose in this area stealing other people's things while a person tries to have a nice time, and enjoy a beautiful area. Be safe! Watch surroundings! Watch your steps, and it's usually better to stay on an actual path. 😁

If your the outdoorsy type of family then this is a great place to visit. Been there a few times and always enjoy ourselves. They seem to be on top of trails that are dangerous. We saw a few barriers so people didn’t get hurt. Appreciate that.

Very beautiful but crowded. Unique dells with wooden steps and boardwalks in most locations in order to handle the crowds. Nice little waterfalls which attracts lots of kids and their families. We had to park in overflow parking and walk over a quarter mile to get to the trails even though we got there relatively early in the morning (before 10).

my wife and I had the time of our lives both days out!! first day we learned the ropes of the park! followed people, signs, etc. Second day we truly enjoyed the park!! took pictures, smiled, laughed and enjoyed the incredible November sights of this majestic beauty!! Extremely clean, ready for visitors and be ready for the experience to tell your kids about one day so they visit as well!! Truly an Illinois gem!!!

Beautiful park. Lots of great trails. Be warned, parts of the trails get muddy if there's rain, or the waters is high. It's usually just the lower trails. Can't wait to go back !

Beautiful place with restrooms and a few log cabins to explore. Unfortunately the waterfall was dry but I bet it’s beautiful in late spring. We went in August. Great for families with children because the trails are not dangerous or difficult.

This place is absolutely beautiful! Loved it even more than Starved Rock State Park! Will plan another trip. Better to go during rainy season when there is more waterfalls.

Starved Rock’s smaller sister. I LOVE Matthiessen so much. If you live in Chicago and need to escape the city, this gorgeous park is only an hour away. I highly recommend if you’re a beginner hiker in the area! Pro-Tip: go after a day with lots of rain and you’ll see gorgeous waterfalls!

Would recommend for an afternoon hike.quiet, not a lot of people when I was there. Waterfalls at this point were a small trickle or nonexistent. Loved walking in the canyon

Hidden gem the only downside is there is no camping unless you have horses. You will have to camp at starved Rock. We went early and only two other cars were there but by the time we left it was still Not nearly as crowded as starved rock. Best to go early still because some areas are hard to walk through and you don't want to have to wait for multiple people to cross the water/rocks it will probably get old fast. It might also be hard to cross if you have smaller or younger children. Expect puddles/ waterways throughout certain areas I'd suggest hiking boots or rain boots.

Very nice state park. I did a 2 mile loop hike with my dog using the Alltrails app as a guide/map. It was a fairly strenuous trail with a lot of steps down and back up. Took about an hour and half to complete the 2 miles. Crossing the creek was fun as well. I did carry my small dog through some of that part as the rocks used as stepping stones were spaced far but it was fun to hop across.

Fantastic natural areas, "historic" style French fort, beautiful views, and miles of trials to be hiked. The facilities are good enough, typical IL state park bathrooms. The trails are rough, erosion and traffic take their toll. Be patient with each other and the other hikers please.

The park was beautiful and well maintained. The trails can keep you busy for hours if you want. Before heading down into the Dells, there is a covered shelter with picnic tables, restroom facilities, and vending machines with water, Gatorade, and other drinks. Be careful if going after a rainy day since most trails are not paved and will become muddy and/or slippery.

This was one of my new favorite spots to hike. It rained lightly while we were here, but it added to the whole experience. I wish we lived closer because I would be here every day. The trails are beautiful. The sights are just breathtaking. Add this little known park to your list right away!