Matthiessen State Park is a hidden wonder nestled among the rolling farm fields of Northern Illinois. It is often overlooked by the famous Starved Rock State Park which is just a few minutes down the road. I highly recommend you check out this park!

The land was owned by a local philanthropist, Frederick Matthiessen which he developed into his private estate in the early 1900’s. Eventually the land was donated to the State of Illinois in 1943.

Matthiessen State Park boasts a long, narrow canyon with a stream that has carved unique rock features over the years. From the parking lot, you first pass by a re-creation of a French fort that was found throughout the Midwest. A set of stairs leads down to the top of the canyon where a bridge spans the upper and lower dells.

We first hiked the Bluff Trail along the east side of the Lower Dells and then descended into the canyon using the staircase at the south end. The trail winds up the canyon and eventually ends at a breathtaking waterfall. We had the place to ourselves and watched the golden leaves float down from above.

There is only one way in and one way out of the Lower Dells, so we hiked back to the staircase and completed the Lower Dells Bluff Trail taking us back to the middle bridge.

From here, we hiked down into the Upper Dells from the staircase on the west side of the bridge.

Stepping stones and small dams are scattered throughout the canyon which allow you to walk along the stream. Please be careful for flooding though. Once time I did try to visit the park and the canyons were flooded so please do not hike when it is unsafe.

After a large bend in the canyon, Devil’s Bathtub awaits. It is a large pool of water created by a series of smaller waterfalls. I loved how you can be so close to nature.

The canyon trail ends at another waterfall created damming Matthiessen Lake.

From here, we hiked the Bluff Trail back the main bridge and back to our car.

We visited during peak call colors during the middle of October and it was STUNNING! This was also a mini-honeymoon for us since we had just gotten married! They do allow dogs so Ellie was able to join us on this hike!

Please remember to pack out what you pack in and leave no trace. Thanks for reading!