Matthiessen State Park — Attraction in LaSalle

The park is pretty. I think it's worth one visit, as long as you're in good shape with no health problems and do not go if there's been rain at all at least a week prior.

I have bad knees and the stairs are overwhelming. My friend kept track and we went on 34 flights of stairs that whole three hours we were there. It was brutal.

The vegetation was pretty and some spots were just breathtaking but a lot of it is kind of nothing special. The park also smelled bad especially by the water. I was really suspicious of it and some spots on the trail kind of require you to go into the water. I was thankful for my balance and waterproof boots because I tried to skip rocks as often as possible.

The mud made things dangerous. Right at the first bridge of the trail there was a huge puddle of mud. Someone placed a big branch by the railing of the bridge so I walked on that, as did my friends. Others behind our group turned back around though.

We stopped to help people across mud a few times, ourselves and other groups.

My friend slipped in the mud and I'm so glad he didn't hurt himself.

When we got above the waterfall, we looked out at the lake feeding it and it was nothing but algae and it was not appearing to move at all from our perspective. Perhaps the algae was just so thick. I figured that's why the water stunk.

The picnic area by the parking lot was mowed, however so it was nice to sit down after all those stairs to have lunch.

I will also say the trails are not marked at all and the maps don't make sense. My group got turned around at least 3 times and ended up on a horse trail that we didn't intend on going to. Colored markings on a tree every now and then would be really helpful.

The restrooms also did smell of old urine but the toilet bowls were clean from what I saw. The sinks were not good though. Water came out of the faucet knob fixtures and pushing too lightly on them by one person cause a racket of noise for all the other sinks and weird water flow. Which is bound to happen at such...

Matthiessen State Park: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering Matthiessen State Park truly stands out as a remarkable, often-overlooked natural wonder that many people might never know about, yet it offers an incredibly rewarding experience. Tucked away from the more commonly frequented spots, this park is a genuine hidden gem that deserves far more recognition.

What makes Matthiessen so special are its beautiful dells and an abundance of great trails that lead you not just over the landscape, but also inside it. The park is characterized by its deep canyons, lush forests, and stunning rock formations carved by ancient waterways. As you explore, you'll find yourself immersed in a serene environment, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The trails here are diverse, catering to various levels of hikers. You can choose from easy strolls along the bluff tops offering panoramic views, or venture down into the dells themselves. Descending into the canyons reveals a cooler, shaded world of moss-covered rocks, trickling waterfalls, and fascinating geological features. Exploring the dells feels like stepping into another realm, with paths sometimes winding through narrow passages and over small streams.

The park's unique topography means there are plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk amidst nature, a challenging hike, or simply a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery, Matthiessen delivers. It's a place where you can genuinely connect with nature and appreciate its raw beauty.

In summary, Matthiessen State Park is an absolute must-visit for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and outdoor exploration. Its beautiful dells and extensive, varied trail system make it a captivating destination. Don't miss the chance to discover this truly hidden park; it offers a unique and unforgettable experience that easily rivals more...

This was the most fun I have had in recent memory! The drive was about 80 minutes from the West Suburbs, not a bad ride either. I had been here briefly in 2000, but my memory didn't do it justice! First off, BE READY FOR STAIRS!! The elevation changes are wild. You enter the park and go down maybe 5 or 6 flights of stairs (they're harder on the way up lol) and then you have to decide which way to go. There are about 3 levels to the park- top middle and bottom. There are a couple routes that are just simple walking, but the bottom level has a lot of standing water and navigating your way through without slipping from a stepping stone or fallen branch and getting wet is a challenge. The signs say not to go off the trail- they aren't kidding. If you fall from parts of the top level you are going to get seriously hurt. There are many stairs cases, some are slanted from age which was nerve wracking. Still, the park is gorgeous, especially in mid October when the leaves are starting to really fire up. I'm going back next weekend, I want one more visit before it gets too chilly! Everything is free (parking, admission) and there were a couple vending machines with water or soda, but it would be wise to bring your own water and snacks. It seemed there was phone reception whenever I checked, so take a Pic of the emergency numbers posted at the entrance just to be safe. Not the best choice for young kids as there are not railings or other safety features to guard against falls. I was there for about 5 hours, got 18,000 steps, and 35 flights of stairs registered on my watch. Do check out the Devil's Paintbox because the iron soaked mud/water is incredibly cool and if you follow the bottom level towards the entrance there are some neat cave type areas that are fun to explore. I would give this park a million stars if we could rate higher than...