Title: Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Matthiessen State Park Tours and Activities

![Matthiessen State Park which includes forest scenes and a bridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658436/dc47f4f4-38f6-4001-9ba9-aed41a91c440.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Matthiessen State Park which includes forest scenes and a bridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658436/dc47f4f4-38f6-4001-9ba9-aed41a91c440.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Matthiessen State Park featuring a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658436/c5970f62-8466-4a7a-a136-ac1c8accc58c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Matthiessen State Park which includes forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658436/7885b9f6-91b2-4a99-abd2-caf13a89ebaa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Matthiessen State Park which includes forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658436/f58662b3-3070-4b99-b5cf-d594e4191d38.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Matthiessen State Park

Activities

[Oglesby travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Oglesby.dx9242)

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#### Look down the chute of Cascade Falls from a rickety bridge and admire the brilliant hues decorating the canyon’s sandstone walls in this eclectic park.

Dwarfing the rock formations, forests and streams of Matthiessen State Park are the colorful canyon walls that make it stand out. The vast park has a varied terrain, featuring prairies, waterfalls and a labyrinth of hiking trails. Observe the intriguing phenomenon of water oozing out from the canyon’s sandstone walls.

Bring food and drinks to use the picnic facilities dotted around the park. Let kids enjoy the playground facilities and water fountains. Follow myriad trails leading through the park. Many of these paths are lined by the exposed sandstone walls of canyons formed by thousands of years of water erosion. Reach the middle of a bridge overlooking the 45-foot (14-meter) drop of Cascade Falls, one of the park’s highlights.

Stroll through the Upper and Lower Dells of the park’s principal canyon, which connects Deer Park Lake with the Vermilion River. Wild deer are attracted to these water sources and often visit the natural springs. Notice the different types of moss and liverwort decorating the shady canyon walls. Spot salamanders, frogs and toads in the park’s damp areas.

As you wander through the denser thickets of woodland, gaze up at red cedar, black oak and white oak trees. Let magenta and orange blossoms of shooting star and columbine plants light up your eyes in spring.

Note that the park was named for Frederick Matthiessen, a local philanthropist who bought this terrain in the late 1800s. It was donated to the State of Illinois after his death.

Matthiessen State Park is a little south of the Illinois River, as it creeps through the center of LaSalle County. Drive south from Utica for less than 10 minutes to reach the park and leave your car in the parking lot. See other nearby landmarks such as Senica’s Deer Park Golf Club, Lehigh Memorial Park and Starved Rock State Park.

## Plan a trip to see Matthiessen State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Level Chicago Fulton Market](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95830000/95823700/95823687/b2962364_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Level Chicago Fulton Market

Downtown Chicago

CA $701

per person

Apr 17 - Apr 21

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (347 reviews)

Hot tub wasn’t working(freezing cold) and no robes in my room. Need bigger roller carts and cheaper or free parking. Other than that the room, view, amenities were excellent.

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2026

![Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102630000/102622800/102622712/3e21593f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Downtown Chicago

CA $894

per person

Apr 17 - Apr 21

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,790 reviews)

Friendly staff, tasteful room

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026

![Waldorf Astoria Chicago](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2720000/2717600/2717582/1040fa3a_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Downtown Chicago

CA $1,720

per person

Apr 2 - Apr 6

found 3 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)

Completely loved our stay. Probably the best hotel in all Chicago. Amenities are great and the staff are even better.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Starved Rock State Park showing forests](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658430/74a43e50-632a-40eb-8b13-2226619f442d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Starved Rock State Park

The lodge provides a luxurious base from which to explore trails leading to bluffs and canyons of this riverside park. Try ice climbing and eagle spotting in winter.

[](https://expedia.ca/Starved-Rock-State-Park-Illinois.d553248621532658430.Vacation-Attraction)

![Old Mansion](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6187013/9b11746d-9050-4cf1-867f-75588d2d3251.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Hegeler Carus Mansion

You can find out about the history of La Salle with a stop at Hegeler Carus Mansion. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hegeler-Carus-Mansion-La-Salle.d6187013.Vacation-Attraction)

![402-62 I&M Canal Sate Trail in Autumn](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658426/224f9e5b-5446-4473-ba2b-eb65bdacef22.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail

You can take time to visit Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail during your travels to La Salle. You can seek out the hiking trails in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Illinois-Michigan-Canal-State-Trail-La-Salle.d553248621532658426.Vacation-Attraction)

![Carillon at Baker Park, in Frederick, Maryland.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6187021/0160883d-a662-45a6-9ecd-cf871e985290.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Baker Park

Explore the great outdoors at Baker Park, a lovely green space in Peru. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Baker-Park-Peru.d6187021.Vacation-Attraction)

![Buffalo Rock State Park featuring a park and forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6186954/70a87180-3eed-4bbd-b18f-8d90eb3fc904.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Buffalo Rock State Park

Adorning the fields and riverbed are five enormous artistic mounds portraying regional animals. Enjoy views of the Illinois River at this undulating park.

[](https://expedia.ca/Buffalo-Rock-State-Park-Ottawa.d6186954.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Deer Park Country Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Oglesby at Deer Park Country Club. Wander around the parks in this family-friendly area, or simply enjoy its restaurants. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Deer-Park-Country-Club-Oglesby.d6186912.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Matthiessen State Park

## Check availability on hotels close to Matthiessen State Park

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[Next weekend

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Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

2643 IL-178 Utica IL

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120 N Lewis Ave Oglesby IL

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Lifetime Memories, Hiking Trails, WIFI, Near River, Play Ground, NO CLEANING FEE

 Oglesby IL

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Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

 North Utica IL

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Beautiful place at Starved Rock - North Utica 

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Charming woodland villa located in a secured resort across from Starved Rock 

 North Utica IL

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Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!

 North Utica IL

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Newer Rustic WiFi Villa by Starved Rock sleeps 7\. A guest favorite!!

 Utica IL

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[See all 396 properties in Matthiessen State Park](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=553248621532658436)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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