Matthiessen State Park & Starved Rock State Park

A popular state park in central Illinois is Starved Rock State Park, and just a few minutes down the road from it is beautiful less traveled on Matthiessen State Park. Although these parks are similar, they both offer their own unique things that set them apart and them being so close together makes it easier to do both parks in one day!

A Little History of the Parks

Starved Rock state park gets its name from The Illinois Indiantribe long ago. There were many Indian wars on these grounds and one that ended it all between the Illinois tribe and Ottawa tribe, at Starved Rock monument, where the Illinois tribe was lead and held until death from starvation on that rock. Matthiessen State Park got its name from Fredrick William Matthiessen who had owned the property at the heart of the park.

Important Things to see at the Parks

At Starved Rock there are A LOT of stairs, and you hike mostly on a boardwalk. There are many different Canyon trails to take and view all the beautiful canyons! Another place I would definitely stop at is Lover’s Leap it is a really pretty view, and you might be able to see some bald eagles!
At Matthiessen State Park there are a lot of waterfalls and a lot more areas with water in general compared to Starved Rock. Another special aspect of Matthiessen is that in mid-July they have a HUGE sunflower field that you can view and walk through to see up close!

Link to Starved Rock State Park Website 

Link to Matthiessen State Park Website