Matthiessen State Park
Oglesby, IL
A quieter neighbor of Starved Rock with the Upper and Lower Dells, a stream-cut canyon of sandstone walls and small waterfalls. Trails are short but muddy after rain.
Matthiessen State Park is a state park near Oglesby in LaSalle County, Illinois, only a few kilometres from Starved Rock State Park. Its heart is a sandstone canyon, the "Dells", cut into the rock by Deer Creek. The Upper Dells begin at Matthiessen Lake with Lake Falls, and the Lower Dells begin at Cascade Falls, which is about 14 metres high. Minerals in the groundwater colour many of the canyon walls.
The core of the park was about 176 acres owned by the industrialist Frederick William Matthiessen, who ran it as a private "Deer Park". After his death in 1918 his heirs gave the land to the State of Illinois, and in 1943 the park received his name. Today it covers about 785 hectares (1,938 acres; the infobox gives 1,700).
There are about eight kilometres of hiking trails, plus mountain-bike, horse and cross-country ski routes. A popular loop passes Lake Falls, Giant's Bathtub and Cascade Falls. Sturdy shoes are advisable. The park is temporarily closed during hunting periods, on some days in November and December 2026 (as of October 2026); please check trail conditions and closures with the Illinois DNR in advance.
- Nearest town
- Oglesby, IL
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.2970, -89.0220
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State ParkCampsite0 mi from Matthiessen State Park
- Starved Rock CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Matthiessen State Park
- Starved Rock Youth Group CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Matthiessen State Park
- Pleasant Creek CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Matthiessen State Park
- Illini State Park CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Matthiessen State Park
- Tony's CabinCampsite20 mi from Matthiessen State ParkWi-Fi
All campsites in Illinois · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Matthiessen State Park?
Matthiessen State Park is in Oglesby, IL, at GPS 41.2970, -89.0220. It is about 10 mi from Ottawa.
Can you camp near Matthiessen State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Matthiessen State Park?
Matthiessen State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Starved Rock canyons and Lincoln’s Springfield and Sandstone canyons, towpaths and lead-mining brick – by camper from the Illinois & Michigan Canal via Starved Rock and the Rock River to Galena.
What is there to see near Matthiessen State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Starved Rock State Park (2 mi), Gemini Giant (45 mi), Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (76 mi) and Mississippi Palisades State Park (82 mi).
When is the best time to visit Matthiessen State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)