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.

![The Glen Club](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/9000000/8060000/8057600/8057591/3040fa9d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Glen Club

CA $711

per person

May 25 - May 29

found 8 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Chicago (ORD)

9/10 Wonderful! (360 reviews)

We booked the bridal sweet for a romantic overnight stay. The room and bathroom were very spacious. We also enjoyed the shared balcony.

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2026

![La Banque Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/15000000/14710000/14702200/14702161/90cf0aed_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### La Banque Hotel

CA $906

per person

May 28 - Jun 1

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Montreal (YUL) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (467 reviews)

Room was amazing and beautiful and comfortable Only issue was when we arrived they had a plumbing issue and the whole place smelled horrific like a sewer. We didn’t go eat at the restaurant because the smell made us nauseous

Reviewed on Mar 1, 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 $1,653

per person

May 15 - May 18

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Chicago (ORD)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,438 reviews)

Just a block off of Michigan Avenue made this hotel a great location for shops food and people watching! Great selection of breakfast buffet. Stayed 2nd time staying at this hotel. Will continue to stay here when we’re in Chicago. No valet parking though but parking garage is just around the corner street.

Reviewed on Mar 5, 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

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-06&endDate=2026-03-07)[Mar 6 - Mar 7](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-06&endDate=2026-03-07)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-07&endDate=2026-03-08)[Mar 7 - Mar 8](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621532658436&startDate=2026-03-07&endDate=2026-03-08)

[This weekend

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![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)

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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)

![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)

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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)

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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)

![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)

![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)

![Jacuzzis & Family Kitchen & Entertainment Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82960000/82959700/82959618/a1ed84f0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Jacuzzis & Family Kitchen & Entertainment Area

 North Utica IL

[](https://expedia.ca/Utica-Hotels-Jacuzzis-Family-Kitchen-Entertainment-Area.h82959618.Hotel-Information)

[See all 395 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.

![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh)

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