Agencies
Services
Hours
7 a.m - Sunset
Hike App
- November 21-23, & December 4-7 Shotgun Season and DOO (Deer)
- December 12-14 Muzzleloader Season (Deer)
- January 1-4, & 16-18, 2026 CWD Firearm (Deer)
- The restroom building located at the Matthiessen Dells parking lot is currently closed for repairs. Porta-potties are available for park visitors.
- Horseback riders: please note that trails will be closed for at least 24 hours after rainfall.
- The Matthiessen Dells area and Vermillion River Area typically shut down on weekends from May through October when they have reached full capacity (parking lots are full) around 11 a.m. and will not reopen again until 3 p.m.
- Playgrounds and picnic shelters are first-come, first-served.
- Sunflower fields bloom from mid-July through the first week of August for the dove hunting season, located on the back side of the Matthiessen Vermillion River Area. Signs will be posted along Route 178 and the Vermillion River Area entrance road into the park.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Public Trail/Area Closures Hunting Season 2025-2026
Starved Rock State Park hiking trails are open!!
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): Starved Rock Campground, Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Hennepin Parking Lot, Matthiessen State Park, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve.
Starved Rock State Park hiking trails are open!!
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Hennepin Parking Lot, Matthiessen State Park, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve.
Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park hiking trails are open!!
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (except for hunters): Starved Rock Nature Preserve, Matthiessen Nature Preserve, Sandy Ford Nature Preserve, Mitchell's Grove Nature Preserve, and Margery C. Carlson Nature Preserve.
Park Closures and Information
No Swimming in park waterfalls, creeks, or the River.
Rock Climbing/rappelling is not allowed anywhere in the park.
Bicycles, scooters, skates, and skateboards are not allowed on the trails in the Matthiessen Dells Area. Bike trails can be found at the Matthiessen Vermillion River Area only.
Drones are not allowed at either park.
Metal detecting is not allowed at either park.
It is illegal to possess alcohol at the park.
It is illegal to possess intoxicating substances at either park.
It is illegal to go off-trail or make new trails at either park. Please follow paved trails that are wider than two people and marked with posts, dots on trees, and maps at intersections.
NOT ALLOWED FOR YOUR SAFETY, the SAFETY OF OTHERS, and the SAFETY OF THE SITE:
Trails and Trail Map
Canyons, streams, prairie, and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park. Located in LaSalle County, approximately 4 miles south of Utica, and 3 miles east of Oglesby, Matthiessen is a paradise for those interested in geology, as well as recreation. Visitors can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. All of this, along with park and picnic facilities, make Matthiessen State Park a popular choice for an outing.
Matthiessen Trail MapNorthwestern Illinois
Box 509
Utica
61373
41.286
-89.025
