Places to Explore • Illinois
Sandstone canyons, winding creeks and waterfalls transformed by the seasons.
Green canyon walls and stepping-stone crossings give way to snowy ledges and curtains of ice in Brian’s photographs. Matthiessen rewards a close look at both its dramatic rock formations and the small discoveries along the way.
Shaped by water
Water carved the sandstone gorge stretching from Deer Park Lake toward the Vermilion River. The park’s Upper and Lower Dells meet at Cascade Falls, a roughly 45-foot drop. Mineral-bearing groundwater helps create the colored streaks on the rock walls.
Cool, damp canyon surfaces support mosses, liverworts and ferns. Look for the contrast between these sheltered pockets and the brighter woodland above.
LaSalle industrialist and philanthropist Frederick William Matthiessen developed this former private retreat in the late 1800s. Workers built trails, stairs, bridges and dams into the landscape. After his death, the property was donated to Illinois; it received its present name in 1943.
The original 176-acre property grew into today’s approximately 1,938-acre park. These photographs focus on canyon scenery and seasonal details rather than every part of the park.
Plan your visit
The park is about four miles south of Utica and three miles east of Oglesby. The Dells Area is the starting point for the canyon scenery featured here. Use the official map to distinguish the Dells routes from the separate Vermilion River Area.
Published park hours are 7 a.m. to sunset. Check the official page for seasonal hunting closures before making the trip.
The park has about five miles of marked hiking trails. Bluff-top routes are generally easier; descending into the Dells involves stairs and more demanding footing. Wet rock, muddy ground and creek crossings can make conditions difficult, especially in spring and early summer.
The canyon routes are not step-free. Consult the park’s accessibility information when planning an accessible visit.
Snow and ice create striking scenes but can also hide slippery steps and uneven ground. These images document past visits, not current trail conditions. Stay on designated routes, respect barriers and turn back when footing or water levels are unsuitable.
Swimming, rock climbing and rappelling are prohibited. Bicycles are not permitted on the Dells hiking trails. Leave plants, rocks and wildlife undisturbed.
Checked October 23, 2026: Illinois DNR lists the Lake Falls bridge/trail as closed until further notice, with a posted detour. The Dells parking-lot restroom building is also closed for repairs; portable toilets are available.
Check official alerts before visiting and follow signs on site. A bridge appearing in a photograph does not mean it is currently open.
Photographs by Brian Woolman
50 selected photographs from 129 images. Open any photo for the slideshow, or load more photographs into each gallery.
Visitor guidance, park history and trail information: Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Read more about the park’s history and natural features and hiking routes.
Official Visitor Information Official Trail Map ← Back to Places to Explore