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Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

  • Horseback riders:  please note that trails will be closed for at least 24 hours after rainfall.
  • 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.

CLOSURES

Shotgun (Deer) Season: 11/22-24 & 12/5-8
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.
Starved Rock Nature Preserve (not the park)
Matthiessen State Park
Sandy Ford Nature Preserve
Margery C Carlson Nature Preserve

DOO Hunt (Deer): 11/22-24 & 12/5-8
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Starved Rock Campground

Muzzleloader (Deer): 12/13-15
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Starved Rock Nature Preserve (not the park)
Matthiessen State Park
Sandy Ford Nature Preserve
Margery C Carlson Nature Preserve

CWD Firearm (Deer): 12/26-29 & 1/17-19
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Starved Rock Nature Preserve (not the park)
Matthiessen State Park
Sandy Ford Nature Preserve
Margery C Carlson Nature Preserve

NOT ALLOWED FOR YOUR SAFETY, the SAFETY OF OTHERS, and the SAFETY OF THE SITE:

  • 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.

     

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 MapMatthiessen Trail Map

Matthiessen

Park Information:

Northwestern Illinois

Box 509

Utica

61373

815-667-4726

41.286

-89.025

Matthiessen site map

Other Parks in Illinois:

Map of Illinois DNR Regions State Parks in Northwestern IllinoisState Parks in Northeastern IllinoisState Parks in East Central IllinoisState Parks in West Central IllinoisState Parks in Southern Illinois