Matthiessen State Park

"I ALWAYS love going to Matthiessen! Lower Dells, Upper Dells, it's always a beautiful hike. Be prepared for a wet experience and it can be busy at times. Many families. Quite a few dogs. Plenty of photo opportunities."

"What a gorgeous park in January. We did the loop in 1.25 hours and felt really great, even with lots of steps! The frozen waterfalls were fantastic, I can only imagine how beautiful it is in the spring and summer but it was extremely cool to be able to walk on the frozen river right up to it and see the ice formations. We brought our dog in his jacket and booties and he loved it!! Just be careful walking around - but it is a great time to go!"

"Very nice state park. I did a 2 mile loop hike with my dog using the Alltrails app as a guide/map. It was a fairly strenuous trail with a lot of steps down and back up. Took about an hour and half to complete the 2 miles. Crossing the creek was fun as well. I did carry my small dog through some of that part as the rocks used as stepping stones were spaced far but it was fun to hop across."

"Fantastic natural areas, "historic" style French fort, beautiful views, and miles of trials to be hiked. The facilities are good enough, typical IL state park bathrooms. The trails are rough, erosion and traffic take their toll. Be patient with each other and the other hikers please."

"The park was beautiful and well maintained. The trails can keep you busy for hours if you want. Before heading down into the Dells, there is a covered shelter with picnic tables, restroom facilities, and vending machines with water, Gatorade, and other drinks. Be careful if going after a rainy day since most trails are not paved and will become muddy and/or slippery."