Matthiessen State Park

Key information: Matthiessen State Park

• Matthiessen State Park near Utica in Illinois contains widely varied landscape, from canyons to forest and prairie, unusual rock formations, including exposed sandstone throughout, often gorgeously coloured through water evaporation leaving minerals deposits. 
• These are some 5 miles of good (if popular) and varied hiking trails There are also a selection of less formal trails to enjoy. Best (if less easy) walking includes the canyon known as The Upper and Lower Dells, which are separated by the 14m Cascade Falls.
• There are many different species of flora and fauna in the canyon, including mosses and liverworts, and salamanders on the canyon floor and cliff swallows and rock doves on the canyon walls. 
This page is at an early stage of development. Please help us by recommending your best walks, making suggestions and sending photos! Thank you!