Hiking Matthiessen State Park -Canyons, Streams, and Forest

Beautiful Matthiessen State Park which is part of the of Illinois State Park with canyons, stream, caves, and forest trails. Hiked December 21, 2020 on a 40 degree day and sunny. It’s located just south of Utica, Illinois in northern Illinois, and just south of the the Starved Rock State Park. It’s easy to do both in one day. Also known for its original name Deer Park which attracted deer to its mineral springs. The area was lurched in the early 1900s by the industrialist and philanthropist Frederick Matthiessen who the built bridges and stair cases to give access to the public. A hidden gem for hikers. To access the canyon there are numerous stairs cases. There is also a river trail which was closed during my visit.