Matthiessen State Park is such a gem. The trails take you through gorgeous canyons, lush greenery,…read moreand peaceful streams that make you forget how close you are to the city. The waterfall views are the highlight and absolutely worth the hike in, especially when the sun hits the rocks and everything feels like a hidden escape. The trails are well marked and offer a good mix of easy walks and more adventurous climbs, so there is something for everyone. Even on a busier day you can still find quiet corners to enjoy the sound of the water and the view of the sandstone cliffs. If you enjoy hiking, photography, or just want a beautiful spot to reset in nature, this park is a must visit. Bring good shoes, some water, and be ready to take a ton of photos.

Beautiful park and very similar to Starved Rock as they are just down the road from each other. We…read moreliked our time here and our son did have fun on the little playground, but it was unfortunately looking very neglected.

Located between Ottawa Illinois and Utica,this park is along the Illinois River across from Starved…read moreRock State Park. We didn't stay long but walked to the lookout where we saw many kayakers on the river. Picnic areas and kids play areas are throughout the park. Plenty of parking.

We were at Mattheson State Park and Starved Rock and worker said this state park had 2 Buffalo…read more Say no more! Tatanka and Bison are so beautiful. There is really nothing here other than 2 Bison. We are enroute to Illinois State in Normal for NDSU football game on Saturday. So it comes full circle.

Visited Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and it was absolutely beautiful! The trail was…read moremoderate ‍ -- just the right mix of adventure and relaxation. Perfect for soaking in nature's beauty , hearing the birds sing , and breathing in that fresh forest air . The scenery was stunning with towering trees , rocky cliffs , and peaceful river views . Whether you're a casual walker or a nature lover, it's a great spot to slow down, explore, and recharge . Highly recommend bringing your camera because every corner is a photo-worthy moment!

I've been coming to Starved Rock for years, and it truly is a spectacular park in a state that is…read morefamously so flat in most parts. I know the crowds are infamous here, and I've had good luck with coming on weekday afternoons. Hiking-wise, you can spend an entire day here or even tack on an extra day if you want to take your time. I typically have a few hours when I come, and I can easily get hike 4-5 miles of trails. There are stunning canyons I still need to check out, and I'll keep returning until I've seen them all!

Big fenced in area, people benches, doggie doo-doo disposal supplies provided, water fountain for…read morethe pooch. Very nice and safe place for fido to run and meet other doggie friends.

Only GOD loves you more than a DOG! #ReflectDogs Love &…read moreForgiveness This looks like a fairly new park. It is basically a fenced-in square with a very nice water feature, poop bag holder and trash can plus a few benches to sit on. There is no shade as of yet but there is a tree planted then in a meer 10 to 15 years will provide some shade you can park right on the street next to the dog park.

Go see a tribute to one of the most important figures of the American West, at his birthplace. In…read moreTroy Grove, there's not much in town except a memorial for Wild Bill Hickok. He is among the best known of the Western culture, so kind of a big surprise he was born in Illinois. Besides this there isn't much else. There's an information marker and a statue. Around here besides this there isn't much of anything. It's good for making a quick stop on the way to somewhere else. The plot of land its on is where the house he was born in was. Even though the house isn't there anymore, the informational marker has a photo of it. There's also a big bust of Hickok and there's a granite marker with a plaque. It's not much to look at, but it's interesting for a bit. There's not much else around it mostly. Best way to get here is if you're going somewhere like Starved Rock State Park, then it isn't real far away. It's a few miles off Interstate 39 to the east. There's no parking lot or anything like that, but there's plenty of room roadside to get out.

Dedicated on August 29, 1930 The Wild Bill Hickok Memorial is a state historic site operated by the…read moreIllinois Historic Preservation Agency. It is located across from a large picnic and play ground in a small green at the intersection of Main and Ottawa Streets in Troy Grove (Troy Grove was known as Homer at the time), Illinois. The Monument marks the approximate site of the birth of "Wild Bill" Hickok. The site features a plaque on a stone monument that honors Hickok's various services, as well as a facial bust of Hickok. If you are traveling by be sure to keep your eyes peeled Troy Grove is only .69 square miles so if you yawn you might pass it. Little historical sites such as this are common in the area as around the time of the civil war Illinois was sort of a Gateway to the west. I would also like to point out the site has changes since its dedication several years ago there was a wooden bust (it was attacked by termites) and has since been replaced, gardening and landscaping are always revolving as well. If you're a history buff or if you just like little trivial facts take the time to stop out and stretch your legs.

Visited Starved Rock State Park in Illinois and it was absolutely beautiful! The trail was…read moremoderate ‍ -- just the right mix of adventure and relaxation. Perfect for soaking in nature's beauty , hearing the birds sing , and breathing in that fresh forest air . The scenery was stunning with towering trees , rocky cliffs , and peaceful river views . Whether you're a casual walker or a nature lover, it's a great spot to slow down, explore, and recharge . Highly recommend bringing your camera because every corner is a photo-worthy moment!

Wow - unexpected with hills, scenery, and views - given this is surrounded by relatively flat…read morefarmland and associated towns for many miles in all directions. A visitor center on the history is a good place to start - takes only 15-20 minutes. Then much of the rest is trails both dirt and boardwalk - overlooking the river, in canyons, or just through rolling terrain in the woods. I'd recommend doing the 80-stair climb to Starved Rock. Then if you handle that fine, you can do a loop where you follow the signs on trails to Wildcat Canyon where you can go down the steps into the canyon - then take the river trail back - which both runs along the river at river level and on bluffs many feet above it with overlooks. We did this "loop" and it took us 2.5 hours for just shy of 3 miles with stops to enjoy, take in the views, and take pictures. But, there are quite a few different options.

Searching for true love and forgiveness? Talk to GOD and get…read morea DOG! #ReflectDogs Love & Forgiveness remember the company that said before the name goes on the quality goes in? That actually could have been the slogan for most rotary dog parks across the country. The rotary, PetSafe and Kane's seem to sponsor the best dog parks. I read the reviews and a lot of people said this is the nicest one in the area and I have no reason to disagree, except, the only poop bag dispenser is a 3 hole one just outside the main gate? Which leads to a lot of biological landmines in the back corners and along the back fence line. The park itself is built on a gently sloping Hill with plenty of room for your dogs to run and more than enough places for you to sit. Eventually the trees should get big enough to provide some shade but currently there is none:-(you park in a nice little gravel parking lot right next to the dog park, the big dog park is the one with the 6-foot fence and the small side is the one with the 4 ft fence?

You can mountain bike here, and if you're truly hardcore you can try and conquer "oooo heck hill"…read more Great park with loads of parking, lots of space, and very few people. The trails aren't always in the best shape, but they're never impassable.