Enjoying the outdoors at Matthiessen State Park

Living in Chicago we don't have many options for hiking, but just two hours from the city is Matthiessen State Park. We recently visited for the first time and enjoyed hiking and exploring this hidden gem. Matthiessen is located in Utica and is a short drive from Starved Rock State Park. We hiked down into the Dells area and walked to the waterfall. I would recommend going earlier in the year or after it rains because the waterfalls were more of a trickle on our visit. I would imagine as the leaves continue to change, this park would be a great spot for some fall foliage fun!