Illinois
52

Illinois State Parks

USA Parks
Illinois
Northern Region
Matthiessen State Park
Matthiessen State Park Old Bridge © Chris McCormick
Bridge over Cascade Falls
Matthiessen State Park Winter Thaw © Chris McCormick
View of Cascade Falls in early Spring.
Park Visitor: Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 16 A Peaceful Getaway
This park is lke paradise on earth. I could stay for weeks at a time and never get tired of exploring it.
December 20 A geologic laboratory!
This park is on the largest anticline in the state! A great place for geologists, fisherman, and peace of mind.
November 11 A Place to remember by Melissa
My fiance proposed to me in a cave next to the waterfall. Even though the water fall was not active it was still beautiful and PERFECT. This park is very clean and the hiking is fun, some challenging parts but exciting and beautiful. Great to take the kids there too!
October 20 by LINJOE
Clean. If each visitor would bring a single piece of trash out of the park, most would come out empty handed.
September 7 What a great place for horse back riding by Bronc Rider
This park is a hidden wonder, the primitave camping is great and the trails for horseback riding is fantastic. What a view from horseback.....
July 12 Excellent Mountain Bikes Trails added! by Captain Powerbar
They have added about 8 miles of mountain bike trails, 5 of it sweet single track, to their current system of hike and horse trails. Biking is in the south section only. Careful as some trails are for hikers or horses only.
May 25 Horse Trails Closed for Bicyclists
We have ridden these beautiful horse trails for twenty five years. They are being closed to horses and given to a bike group. Multi-use trails are supposed to be used by all - hikers, bikers, and horsemen. Never had any trouble before the bicyclists moved in and took over these trails. Need your help to get the horse trails back - PLEASE!
May 14 Beautiful! My fave place in the world
I go there all the time, its wonderful! I got engaged by the waterfall and married on top of the bridge over top the same waterfall. Its absolutely gorgeous, if you havent been there you need to go!
March 31 A true adventure by Mamawolf
While they try to prevent erosion with some decking it is still a charm with rocks to cross over the stream. It still feels like a real hike. Fun for all.
February 5 Adventures await you by lonesomedove6
this park is amazing,each season it has something new to offer,my family n I go every season and enjoy the beauty.the waters are not for swimming,but the creeks make good wadding to cool off on a hot summer day ,the water falls are amazing each season
January 19 The most beautiful park in Illinois
I have made many trips to Matthiessen over the years and each time I find something new. The waterfalls are amazing.
May 24 More scenic than Starved Rock
We came for Starved Rock and decided to stop by. Boy, we are glad we did. We spent the better part of two days exploring and admiring the park. The water falls were beautiful and accessible. The trails were scenic and peaceful. Some trails were quite muddy, so bring proper foot attire as well as bug repellant.
May 22 Splendid by NR2112
This is a great park to go to and enjoy a day, sunny or not. The trails are kept nicely, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore off the beaten path. Bring your suit, there is a lot of opprtunity for water fun. This park is the best on an uncrowded day, allowing you to breath freely.
August 29 Hidden gem
This is a hidden gem state park. The hikes in the canyon are interesting and you are rewarded with 4 waterfalls. Our family enjoyed it very much.
July 12 Incredible horseback riding trails
The trails are incredibly beautiful for horseback riding!
May 30 Beautiful
I got engaged at the beautiful waterfall we hiked to! A great park to visit and revisit
May 26 Well kept and clean by catzgomew
Didnt see much wild life but it was a holiday weekend and there were alot of people there. If I was an animal, I would hide too.
Reviews by Park Visitors

Illinois
52

Illinois State Parks

X