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Matthiessen State Park

Oglesby, IL

Nature

A quieter neighbor of Starved Rock with the Upper and Lower Dells, a stream-cut canyon of sandstone walls and small waterfalls. Trails are short but muddy after rain.

Nearest town
Oglesby, IL
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
41.2970, -89.0220

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State ParkCampsite
    0 mi from Matthiessen State Park
  • Starved Rock CampgroundCampsite
    2 mi from Matthiessen State Park
  • Starved Rock Youth Group CampgroundCampsite
    3 mi from Matthiessen State Park
  • Pleasant Creek CampgroundCampsite
    3 mi from Matthiessen State Park
  • Illini State Park CampgroundCampsite
    17 mi from Matthiessen State Park
  • Tony's CabinCampsite
    20 mi from Matthiessen State Park
    Wi-Fi

All campsites in Illinois · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Matthiessen State Park?

Matthiessen State Park is in Oglesby, IL, at GPS 41.2970, -89.0220. It is about 51 mi from Peoria.

Can you camp near Matthiessen State Park?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Horseback Campground @ Matthiessen State Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 8 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Matthiessen State Park?

Matthiessen State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Starved Rock canyons and Lincoln’s Springfield.

What is there to see near Matthiessen State Park?

Places worth a stop nearby: Starved Rock State Park (2 mi), Gemini Giant (45 mi), Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (76 mi) and Mississippi Palisades State Park (82 mi).

When is the best time to visit Matthiessen State Park?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)