Title: Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Matthiessen State Park Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Matthiessen-State-Park-Hotels.0-l553248621532658436-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Oglesby](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Oglesby.d9242.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Matthiessen State Park Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Matthiessen-State-Park.d553248621532658436.Car-Rental-Guide)[Oglesby Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Oglesby.d9242.Destination-Travel-Guides) # 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) --- --- #### 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. ![The Wade](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1400/1346/109a2156_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Wade Downtown Chicago CA $800 per person Apr 26 - May 1 just found Roundtrip non-stop flight included Edmonton (YEG) to Chicago (ORD) 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,705 reviews) Room decent. Bartendars very friendly. Reviewed on Mar 10, 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 $1,253 per person May 14 - May 17 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Hamilton (YHM) to Chicago (ORD) 9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,438 reviews) Everything was great, except for the rooftop that was not open because which was the main reason we chose this hotel Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026 ![Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown - The Loop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11070000/11062300/11062225/57098577_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown - The Loop Downtown Chicago CA $1,461 per person May 29 - Jun 1 found 13 hours ago Roundtrip flight included Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD) 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,201 reviews) We flew all night and were very tired when we arrived at the property. We were so grateful to be able to check in early. Reviewed on Mar 9, 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 relaxing area, or simply enjoy its restaurants. [](https://expedia.ca/Deer-Park-Country-Club-Oglesby.d6186912.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## 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®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-10&endDate=2026-03-11)[Mar 10 - Mar 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-10&endDate=2026-03-11) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12)[Mar 11 - Mar 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-11&endDate=2026-03-12) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 13 - Mar 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 20 - Mar 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621532658436&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%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) ![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! 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