Matthiessen State Park is a state park in LaSalle County, Illinois, spanning nearly 1,950 acres. The park is characterized by its unique geological formations, including deep canyons like the Upper and Lower Dells, sculpted by water erosion over centuries. Exposed sandstone cliffs, waterfalls such as Cascade Falls, and diverse plant life define the terrain, making Matthiessen State Park suitable for several outdoor sports like hiking.
Matthiessen State Park offers a range of outdoorβ¦
25
Routes
4.5
(51)
Average rating
698
People visited
16
hikers
12.5km
03:22
160m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
597m
00:10
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.41km
00:23
10m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
73
hikers
5.01km
01:23
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Matthiessen State Park offers various outdoor activities, primarily hiking. The park features over 10 routes for hiking. Other activities include mountain biking and horseback riding on designated trails, as well as cross-country skiing in winter. An archery range is also available.
The park is known for its unique geological formations, including the Upper and Lower Dells canyons. Key sights include Cascade Falls, Lake Falls, Giant's Bathtub, Devil's Paintbox, and Strawberry Rock. These features are sculpted from sandstone and exhibit unusual colorations.
Yes, Matthiessen State Park offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including options for beginners. Visitors can find routes that are less strenuous and provide an accessible way to experience the park's natural beauty. For specific easy routes, consult the Easy hikes in Matthiessen State Park guide.
Matthiessen State Park provides several family-friendly hiking routes. These trails are designed to be enjoyable for visitors of all ages, allowing families to explore the canyons and natural features together. More information can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in Matthiessen State Park guide.
Routes in Matthiessen State Park have an average rating of 4.68 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 400 individual route ratings. Over 5,500 visitors have recorded their experiences in the park.
Komoot offers several guides for Matthiessen State Park to help plan visits. These include Easy hikes in Matthiessen State Park, Waterfall hikes in Matthiessen State Park, and Family-friendly hikes in Matthiessen State Park. A general Hiking in Matthiessen State Park guide is also available.
The park generally permits dogs, but specific rules and restrictions may apply to certain areas or trails. Visitors should ensure their dogs are leashed and follow all posted regulations. It is advisable to check the official park website for the most current pet policies.
Matthiessen State Park features a trail system totaling over 5 miles (8 kilometers). Individual routes vary in length, offering options for short walks and longer excursions. The Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail is a popular route for exploring the park's unique features.
Yes, mountain biking is an available activity in Matthiessen State Park. The park provides designated trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. Visitors should adhere to trail signage and regulations specific to mountain biking.
The official website for Matthiessen State Park is provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It can be accessed at dnr.illinois.gov/parks/matthiessen.html. This site offers current information regarding park operations and visitor guidelines.
The office phone number for Matthiessen State Park is +1-815-667-4726. Visitors can use this number for direct inquiries regarding park information, hours, or specific regulations. It is recommended to call during standard business hours.

