What are the park’s hours?

All parking lots and trails open at sunrise and close at sunset. Park is open every day of the year unless otherwise stated.

Is there an entry fee?

No, all state parks in Illinois (with the exception of beaches) are free!

What is the parking situation?

Parking is a first-come, first-serve basis. There are parking lots located at the Starved Rock Visitor Center, a few of the trailheads, the Lodge, and overflow lots. There is no parking or entry fee to any of the parks.

How difficult are the hiking trails?

There are trails for every skill level. Check out our “find a hike” page, to find the perfect trail for you!

No swimming is allowed at any of the parks, in the canyons, or in the waterfalls. There is an indoor pool for registered guests at the Starved Rock Lodge.

Yes, dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Illini State Park | Illinois, USA

Illini State Park

A riverside state park in Marseilles known for picnics, camping, fishing, river views, and Civilian Conservation Corps history.

Hike through the Matthiessen's 5 miles of winding trails and discover cascading waterfalls, breathtaking rock formations, and panoramic views of the Vermillion River. Traverse through the park's canyons and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of exposed sandstone and mineral springs.

SIGHTS TO SEE

The park boasts an array of spectacular sights to see, including the majestic Lake Falls, the awe-inspiring Giant's Bathtub, the picturesque Cascade Falls, the vibrant Devil's Paintbox, the rugged Strawberry Rock, and the serene Matthiessen Lake.

Adventure awaits as you hike through the park's winding trails, with popular trails such as the Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail, the River Trail, the Dells Area to Vermillion and the Interior Canyon Trail leading the way. Each trail offers a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty, with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Dells Canyon and Bluff

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Dells Area to Vermillion

Interior Canyon

For those looking for a different kind of adventure, Matthiessen State Park also offers hunting, field archery range, model airplane field, sunflower field and 6 miles of cross country skiing (in winter) and 9 miles of mountain bike/horseback riding trails (in summer).

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History

Illini State Park offers more than river views. The park also carries a strong sense of local history. The park is known for its rustic Civilian Conservation Corps-style buildings, which give the area a historic character not found in every state park. The park’s name also honors the Native Americans who once inhabited the region.

Several reminders of the area’s industrial past can also be found nearby. The park is part of the Marseilles Moraine area, and the surrounding region has connections to coal mining, early transportation, and the Illinois & Michigan Canal.

Together, the river, landscape, and historic structures make Illini State Park a unique stop in Starved Rock Country. once a private property owned by Matthiessen himself, but after his passing, it was turned into an Illinois State Park in 1943.

Frequently asked questions

General

Visitor Center