When we went to Starved Rock State Park the first time, our cabin was not ready yet so we decided to take a drive and see what was around. We noticed a sign for Matthiessen State Park so decided to check it out just to kill a bit of time. Wow, was I impressed at what was waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs! It is what they call the Dells Area and it is formed between Matthiessen lake and the Vermillion River. We hiked the Upper Dells and it was so amazing! The trail basically winds along and through a creek leading you past small waterfalls, across stepping stones and through the creek all while the sandstone rocks are towering above you on each side. The trail leads back to Lake Falls which is well worth the hike.

But, there is still more hiking to be done at Matthiessen State Park! You can also hike the Lower Dells! Of course, we ran out of time the first time we were there and due to flooding the second time we were the there, the Lower Dells were closed, but it is on my list of places to hike!