Whether you’re looking for adventurous hiking trails in IL or just scenic views, one of your best options is going to be Matthiessen State Park Fort, located near Oglesby, just south of the Illinois River. Thanks to canyons, streams, forests, and more, visitors can expect to take in a vast array of views while hiking through Matthiessen, a hidden and one of the best state parks in Illinois.

There are beautiful rock formations to be found all throughout the park. Anybody with an interest in geology will be sure to take an interest. Minerals in the groundwater cause interesting coloration throughout many of the canyons.
Jason C/TripAdvisor
Originally called Deer Park, it is now named after the original owner of the land, Frederick William Matthiessen. The park was donated to the state of Illinois after his death in 1918.
Peter C/AllTrails

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Some of the best views can be found in the canyons, especially when you find cascading waterfalls. Visitors comment that there are fewer crowds to fight through in comparison to some other parks, especially Starved Rock State Park which is a few miles to the north.
Tonya B/TripAdvisor
There are currently five miles worth of hiking trails throughout the park. Mountain bikers will be happy to find an additional nine miles of trail for them. Hikers and bikers alike share the park with a large population of white tail deer.
Amy Bucher/AllTrails
Pictured above is the Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail, a two-mile loop trail that's rated moderate.
The park offers helpful accommodations for travelers. There is a parking lot making it easy to get to your hiking start point, and there are also restroom options for all visitors.
clp2csp/TripAdvisor

Check out this YouTube video by Slone’s Wilderness Expeditions to see some of the top sights at Matthiessen State Park:

Matthiessen State Park Fort is located in Oglesby, Illinois, and is open every day from 7 a.m. until sunset.

Have you ever hiked any Matthiessen State Park trails? If so, let us know about your experience down in the comments. Don’t forget to nominate your favorite IL state parks for a chance to see them featured in an upcoming article! Also, make sure to check out our previous article to discover another one of the best state parks in Illinois.

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State Parks In Illinois & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | January 30, 2023

Besides Matthiessen State Park Fort, what are the best state parks in Illinois?

The best state parks in Illinois besides Matthiessen State Park Fort include:

  • Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
    Practically next door to Matthiessen State Park, Starved Rock State Park is characterized by steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial runoff. The park features waterfalls that flow in the spring and after heavy rainfall.
  • Giant City State Park, Makanda
    Located in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park boasts sandstone bluffs created over 12,000 years ago and more than 75 different types of trees.
  • White Pines Forest State Park, Mt Morris
    Spanning nearly 400 acres, White Pines Forest State Park is known for its lush greenery, seasonal wildflowers, and plentiful campsites.

Where can I find the best hiking trails in IL? 

Some of the best hiking trails in IL are:

  • Lover's Leap Overlook Trail, Starved Rock State Park - Oglesby
    This 1.7-mile loop trail features a waterfall and a beautiful scenic overlook.
  • Trail to the Glen, Rocky Glen Park - Peoria County
    In the winter and early spring, hikers can marvel at frozen waterfalls and a snowy landscape on this kid-friendly trail (but it's also gorgeous in every other season.)
  • Hickory Trail (Red), Pere Marquette State Park - Grafton
    Less than a mile long, this leisurely stroll boasts lovely riverfront views and beautiful foliage. It's especially worth embarking on when the leaves start to change during autumn.
  • Cache River and Heron Pond State Natural Areas - Belknap
    This 7.4-mile swampy hike isn't too difficult, and the unique terrain is something that isn't seen very often in Illinois.

 

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Featured Addresses
Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA