Matthiessen State Park, State park in Deer Park Township, Illinois.
The park spreads across 1,938 acres of natural terrain, featuring deep canyons, flowing streams, forested areas, and sandstone formations shaped by water erosion.
Frederick William Matthiessen developed this land as a private park in the 1890s, later donating it to Illinois, which opened it as a public park in 1943.
The park maintains a collection of hiking paths that lead visitors through geological formations, including the Upper and Lower Dells sections of the main canyon.
The park operates from 7 AM until sunset, offering facilities for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and picnicking throughout different sections of the grounds.
Three waterfalls punctuate the landscape: Lake Falls at Matthiessen Lake, followed by two additional cascades within the canyon system of the Dells.
Location: Illinois
Inception: 1943
Website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx
GPS coordinates: 41.29560,-89.02530
Latest update: March 11, 2025 20:06
Illinois features historical landmarks, nature parks and architectural structures. The region presents pre-Columbian settlements, geological formations, state parks with waterfalls and canyons. Visitors find lighthouses, gardens, historic villas and specialized museums.
Starved Rock State Park
4.1 km
Grand Village of the Illinois
5.6 km
Hegeler Carus Mansion
6.8 km
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge
5.4 km
Wild Bill Hickok Memorial
19.6 km
Starved Rock Lock and Dam
4.5 km
Washington Park Historic District
16.5 km
John Hossack House
16.2 km
Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve
10.6 km
Julius W. Hegeler I House
6.8 km
Silas Williams House
25.3 km
Shippingsport Bridge
5.9 km
Ottawa Rail Bridge
15.8 km
Jeremiah Strawn House
17 km
Andrew J. O'Conor III House
17.4 km
Ruffin Drew Fletcher House
25.1 km
Clear Creek Meeting House
21.1 km
Veterans Memorial Bridge
16.3 km
Ottawa East Side Historic District
17.1 km
Fisher-Nash-Griggs House
14.8 km
Streator Public Library
25.3 km
LaSalle City Building
6.9 km
Ottawa Commercial Historic District
16.5 km
LaSalle Downtown Commercial District
7 km
Marseilles Lock and Dam Historic District
23.1 km
Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum
16.3 km
LaSalle Rail Bridge
5.7 km
Majestic Theatre
25.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes