Matthiessen State Park

About

Matthiessen State Park sits on over 1,900 acres of dramatic terrain in LaSalle County, Illinois, roughly four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby. The park is a geological wonderland where sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, winding streams, and lush forests create a setting that feels worlds away from the flatlands Illinois is known for.

The park is divided into two main areas: the Dells Area and the Vermilion River Area. The Dells Area is where you'll find the park's most famous features, including deep canyons carved by centuries of water erosion and the beloved Cascade Waterfall, where visitors love to wade and splash on warm days. The canyon walls reveal layers of sandstone and moss-covered rock that make every turn feel like a discovery. In spring and after heavy rains, the waterfalls are at their most impressive.

The Vermilion River Area offers a different experience. Here, you can explore bluffs overlooking the river, hike through prairie grasslands, and spot wildlife along quieter trails. Together, the two areas provide roughly five miles of trails that wind through forest, prairie, and canyon environments.

Matthiessen is often compared to its famous neighbor, Starved Rock State Park, but tends to draw smaller crowds, making it a great choice for visitors who prefer a more peaceful outing. The park includes picnic areas, shelters, and restroom facilities, so it's well-suited for a full day outdoors.

Whether you're a geology enthusiast, a photographer chasing waterfall shots, or a family looking for an outdoor adventure close to Chicago (about 90 miles southwest), Matthiessen delivers. The park is open year-round, and each season brings something different: spring wildflowers, summer greenery, fall color, and icy canyon formations in winter. Admission is free.

Accessibility

Matthiessen State Park presents significant accessibility challenges due to its natural canyon terrain. The trails leading into the Dells Area involve steep stairs, uneven rocky surfaces, and narrow paths that are not wheelchair accessible. Visitors using wheelchairs or mobility devices will find the canyon floor trails difficult or impossible to access. Some areas are also challenging for strollers.

The upper portions of the park, including picnic areas and some overlook points, are on more level ground and may be more manageable for visitors with limited mobility. The park does have accessible restroom facilities and designated parking areas near the main entrance.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has stated a commitment to improving accessibility across its parks and historic sites, though specific accommodations at Matthiessen are limited by the rugged natural terrain.

For visitors with sensory needs, the park offers a relatively quiet, low-stimulation environment compared to busier parks like Starved Rock. The sounds of flowing water and birdsong provide a calming atmosphere.

Contact the park directly at (815) 667-4868 for the most current accessibility details, including trail conditions and any recent improvements. Visitors with specific mobility needs should call ahead to discuss which areas of the park will be most suitable for their visit.

More accessible places in Illinois

• Starved Rock State Park (Utica)
• Adler Planetarium (Chicago)
• National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago)
• Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago)
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield)
• DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Chicago)