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

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# Matthiessen State Park Tours and Activities

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

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

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

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

![Matthiessen State Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532658436/776961ec-7997-4502-b7b7-b4e40c5fcb0d.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.

![Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel - A Caesars Rewards Destination](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/560000/554500/554417/5a40507c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel - A Caesars Rewards Destination

CA $617

per person

May 22 - May 25

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)

I enjoyed my stay here. Clean and friendly environment

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2026

![Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/58000000/57660000/57651200/57651125/6c1738b5_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Downtown Chicago

CA $1,156

per person

Jun 18 - Jun 21

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,401 reviews)

Beautiful rooms at an amazing location. Parking is terribly expensive though, and breakfast is not included. There is no mini fridge, so good luck saving leftovers to reduce expenses. There is also no swimming pool which I found weird for a place this elegant. Their main restaurant does not have good breakfast. Go for dinner or lunch and you will be very happy. But don't bother with breakfast, it's just a bunch of cheese and grease and it's unpleasant.

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2026

![Level Chicago Fulton Market](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95830000/95823700/95823687/989904ac_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Level Chicago Fulton Market

Downtown Chicago

CA $1,041

per person

Jun 18 - Jun 21

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (421 reviews)

Was a little noisy but I think that was just my unit. Facilities were top notch!

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Starved Rock State Park](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](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 relaxing 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

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-04-05&endDate=2026-04-06)[Apr 5 - Apr 6](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-04-05&endDate=2026-04-06)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-04-06&endDate=2026-04-07)[Apr 6 - Apr 7](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-04-06&endDate=2026-04-07)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)[Apr 10 - Apr 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=10%2F04%2F2026&endDate=12%2F04%2F2026)

![Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1510000/1500900/1500830/02ac7a1e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

2643 IL-178 Utica IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Ottawa-Hotels-Grand-Bear-Resort-At-Starved-Rock.h1500830.Hotel-Information)

![Days Inn by Wyndham Oglesby/ Starved Rock](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/21100/21068/933ac314_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Days Inn by Wyndham Oglesby/ Starved Rock

120 N Lewis Ave Oglesby IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Ottawa-Hotels-Days-Inn-By-Wyndham-Oglesby-Starved-Rock.h21068.Hotel-Information)

![SPACIOUS AND COZY VILLA LOCATED ON RESORT WALKING DISTANCE FROM STARVED ROCK](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/41000000/40010000/40000500/40000421/d3bb7988_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

SPACIOUS AND COZY VILLA LOCATED ON RESORT WALKING DISTANCE FROM STARVED ROCK

 Oglesby IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Utica-Hotels-SPACIOUS-AND-COZY-VILLA-LOCATED-ON-RESORT-WALKING-DISTANCE-FROM-STARVED-ROCK.h40000421.Hotel-Information)

![The Happy Traveler - Cabin at Starved Rock State Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108400000/108392400/108392349/8a4d5b27_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

The Happy Traveler - Cabin at Starved Rock State Park

 North Utica IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Utica-Hotels-The-Happy-Traveler-Cabin-At-Starved-Rock-State-Park.h108392349.Hotel-Information)

![Lifetime Memories, Hiking Trails, WIFI, Near River, Play Ground, NO CLEANING FEE](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/23000000/22660000/22651900/22651839/90-b6643a40_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

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

 Oglesby IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Utica-Hotels-Lifetime-Memories.h22651839.Hotel-Information)

![Charming woodland villa located in a secured resort across from Starved Rock ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108200000/108197400/108197372/331fe78c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

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

 North Utica IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Utica-Hotels-Relax-In-This-Modern-Villa-With-AC-And-WiFi.h108197372.Hotel-Information)

![Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/73000000/72400000/72397400/72397339/6bec2bbb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Entire Cozy Villa 2 min Near Starved Rock!

 North Utica IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Oglesby-Hotels-Entire-Cozy-Cabin-2-Min-Near-Starved-Rock.h72397339.Hotel-Information)

![Bella Villa familiar. WIFI. Close to Starved Rock Park Hiking trails. Relaxing!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83710000/83709600/83709595/bfa620c0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

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

 North Utica IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Utica-Hotels-Bella-Villa-Familiar-Plus-2-Sweaver.h83709595.Hotel-Information)

![Beautiful place  at Starved Rock - North Utica ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/90000000/89210000/89205400/89205308/98720a80_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Beautiful place at Starved Rock - North Utica 

 North Utica IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Utica-Hotels-Beautiful-Place-At-Starved-Rock-North-Utica.h89205308.Hotel-Information)

[See all 302 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.