Adventuring through Matthiessen State Park (Illinois)

If you ever visit Illinois, stop by Matthiessen State Park for some great views and jaw dropping scenes. This State Park is known as Starved Rock sister park and the comparison is wickedly similar. The best thing about Matthiessen is The Lower and Upper dells. Both offer you an awesome and unique experience.

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The lower dells gives you a decent amount of ground to walk on in between the canyon walls. Once you reach the waterfall a small pool is formed where people like to swim during the summer months. You can also find caves through this area and crawl through them to reach secret openings, with views of the waterfall. I recommend this area if you are traveling with young children, that way they can explore more with you!

The Upper Dells is a treat to say the least! With lots of waterfalls that you will have you beaming in awe. I suggest starting at the beginning and working yourself up through the canyon; that way you can see all the beautiful tiers of waterfalls leading up to the massive one at the top that's formed from when the lake over spills with water.

I will warn you though these trails can be a bit dangerous if you come at a time when it has rained a lot, so check the weather and make sure it's a good time to visit, that way you can get the feeling of what Matthiessen State Park is. You WILL get wet if you travel through the Upper Dells, but not necessarily in the Lower Dells; I do recommend, however, you do get dirty. It's an experience about nature and everything beautiful about it. I hope you enjoy the trails and waterfalls as much as I do!

Check out their website to learn more: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/About/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx

Have a great day and Travel on!