National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
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Matthiessen State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Nature of the Area
Geological Features
The many unusual and beautiful rock formations make a trip to Matthiessen State Park an educational as well as a fun experience. Exposed sandstone can be seen throughout. The main canyon, consisting of the Upper and Lower Dells, provides an unusual and interesting walking tour. The Upper Dell begins at Deer Park Lake and continues to Cascade Falls, where the canyon drops 45 feet and the Lower Dell begins. The canyon, formed by water erosion, is approximately one mile long, from Deer Park Lake to the Vermilion River. Visitors may observe ground water seeping out along the sandstone of the canyon walls. As the ground water evaporates along the canyon walls, the minerals that are carried in solution in the water contribute to the beautiful coloring of the rocks.
The park has several mineral springs and
each was a popular spot for the large deer population that used it as a salt lick.
Flora and Fauna
Visitors will delight at the abundance of plant and animal life. The park is alive with common and uncommon species of flora and fauna. The canyon provides a perfect habitat for many mosses and liverworts which thrive on the damp shady walls. Ferns also grow in the rich soil. Other vegetation in the canyon interior is limited to the simpler or lower orders of plant life, because most plants cannot take root on the steep rock walls. Cliff swallows and rock doves may be seen perching on the canyon walls, while frogs, toads and salamanders seek out the cool, moist canyon floors.
Along the dry, sandy bluff tops - the canyon edge, black oak, red cedar and white oak grow in abundance. White pines and white cedar are also found here, carried south by the glaciers of long ago. Shrubs common to this area include serviceberry and northern honeysuckle. Scarlet tanagers and cedar waxwings can be seen feeding on the berries of these shrubs. Holes made by yellow-bellied sapsuckers can be found on the cedar trees -s these birds feed on the sap and small insects located there. In the spring, beautiful magenta-colored blossoms erupt on the shooting star plants and the bright orange of the columbine delights the eye. By summertime - rainbow of color emerges with the yellow partridge pea, the violet spiked lead plants and purple square-stemmed mint plants.
Farther back from the bluffs, bur oak and hickory grow. At the foot of these trees grow American witch hazel, black huckleberry and bracken fern. Nuthatches and chickadees can be seen feeding on the nuts, seeds and insects here.
Jack-in-the-pulpits, pastel-colored hepatica and delicate pink spring beauties blossom in the shaded forest soil during the spring. In the area where the sun breaks through the trees, black-eyed Susans and pink, spiked tick-trefoils bloom through the summer. Raccoons and flying squirrels spend hours among the trees searching for and gathering berries and nuts.
Along the forest edges, bright blue indigo buntings fly among the wild crabapple and plum trees. Cottontail rabbits scamper through the bluestem and Indian grasses. Red-tailed hawks soar overhead searching for field mice. Three-leaved poison ivy plants are found in all areas of the park, growing both as a vine and as an individual woody plant. Its greenish-white berries are a prime source of food for the many birds residing here.
Trails
The park has five miles of well-marked, well-surfaced hiking trails for a relaxing walk or a vigorous hike. Large trail maps are located at all major trail intersections so visitors can choose a variety of routes. The upper area and bluff tops are easy hiking paths for the novice, but the trails into the interiors of the two dells may be difficult to negotiate, particularly during spring and early summer. Hikers must stay on marked trails -s steep cliffs and deep canyons can be dangerous. Hikers will marvel at the plant and animal life along the trails and
have an unparalleled view of geological wonders as they travel through the park. Alcohol is prohibited on all trails.
On the north side of the Dells Area entrance is a parking lot with a hitching post, which marks the access to nine miles of horseback riding trails. Horse rental is located on Route 71 a half mile west of Route 178. It is open weekends in April and November and Wednesday through Sunday from May through October. There are also six miles of cross-country ski trails with ski rental available weekends from December through March.
PLEASE NOTE! It is a state offense to remove any archaeological or Native American material from any Illinois state park.
Picnicking
The Dells Area of the park provides a perfect setting for picnics and an afternoon of relaxation. This area has picnic tables, water fountains and playground equipment -s well as a large parking lot and toilet facilities. An added attraction is the restored fort representative of the fortifications the French built in the Midwest during the 1600s and early 1700s. The main trail to the Cascade Falls area originates in this area.
To the south -t the Vermilion River Area -dditional picnic shelters, picnic tables, grills and drinking fountains provide convenient picnic facilities.
Alcohol is prohibited Jan. 1 through May 31 in the picnic area.
History of the Area
More Info
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Last Minute Specials ? Beat the Winter Blahs! stay 2 nights get 25% off second night stay 3 nights get 50 % off third night stay 4 nights get 4th night free!! ? January 2nd 3rd
...LOGICAL HISTORY OF MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK by TRACI ABRAHAM Introduction Erosional forces at work on the environment groundwater joints stream erosion and groundwater Ancient environment sand
...thiessen State Park. DSC01059. DSC01060. DSC01061. DSC01062. DSC01063. DSC01064. DSC01065. DSC01066. DSC01067. DSC01068. DSC01069. DSC01070.
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Parks & Recreation Publications Research/Surveys State Museums Search DNR Illinois [IL Search Tips] MatthiessenState Park Northwest Region Box 509 Utica, IL 61373 815.667.4868 E-mail Site
St. LaSalle 815/223-3755 STATE PARKS I & M CanalLock #14 Canal Rd & Rt. 351 LaSalle Matthiessen State Park Route 178 Utica 815/667-4868 Starved Rock State Park Route 178 Utica 815/667-4906
Area Attractions
A field archery range with a sight-in area and four separate targets is located in the northwestern portion of Matthiessen State Park - Deer Park Country Club just off Illinois Route 71.
A radio-controlled model airplane field is located at the Vermilion River Area. Hobbyists and visitors will enjoy flying or watching as these crafts are maneuvered around this open field area.
Horseback Riding/Camping
An equestrian campground for horseback riders and their horses is located west of Route 178 between Route 71 and the Dells Area entrance. The horseback riders campground and horseback trails are open as weather permits. Call the park office to check conditions and status before coming to use these facilities.
Matthiessen State Park