Matthiessen State Park | Best Illinois Adventures

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I will shut down any arguments about cairns & rock stacking. There is NO argument in favor, it disturbs the natural environment, and it is ILLEGAL in protected areas such as Matthiessen. It is rock graffiti. More info on why it is bad: friendsofthesmokies.org/blog/dont-move-rocks/

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

@@independentmissile200 There's life in those rocks. If you can't respect that, stay home.

[@jessecantu5130]

Went to starved rock yesterday and there were hundreds of pelicans! Such a sight

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Now that is cool! They must be migrating.

[@jessecantu5130]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditionsyes they are !!! They came back from Canada 🇨🇦 I stay in Elgin and there’s a town called Batavia where they also migrate too ! I was stunned seeing them there definitely didn’t expect that 😎

[@TerryX2Explore]

Beautiful formations and scenery! Love that you can wander the caves. I never knew Illinois had such a place, so that is nice to see! ;-)

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Illinois' best area is the extreme southern area, Shawnee National Forest, lots of canyons, bluffs, & waterfalls down there. But Matthiessen and Starved Rock are just as amazing, unfortunately far more overcrowded. Thanks for watching!

[@ProVest97]

If you can make it on a weekday it's rarely crowded. Same with Starved Rock. I live only 8 miles from Starved Rock so it is very convenient.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

That is by far the best way!

[@jackterrill2475]

Thank you gentlemen, my curiosity is running wild and I am going to have to visit.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Please do, it's a wonderful park.

[@WanderingWiley]

That is a great park, and hike. Thanks for the education also, i think we all appreciate it.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

If not for the crowds, it would be an amazing park (but you can't blame the people for enjoying it!)

[@SantosChronicles]

Didn’t know this State Park existed in my own state till we passed it going to Starved Rock. We had to get to Starved Rock by 7:30 am to get in. Thanks for tip regarding the dangers of Rock Stacking. I get lost easy that not having a good map. We’ll have to go here next. Thanks for sharing. Loved the caves and waterfalls.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

If your kids like splashing in water, they will love it (leave the stroller in the car!) Obviously go early as possible. I recommend downloading the app "Alltrails" as it has a MUCH more detailed map of the trails. Rock on!

[@SantosChronicles]

Slone's Wilderness Expeditions I’m downloading the app now. We had a hard time with the map at Starved Rock also. Baby Rosalie would love that water!!!!

[@ssssaa2]

A handful of years ago I got there right as it opened near dawn on a weekday, and it was just me walking through the whole thing. I saw only one other person near the biggest fall taking photos. As I left about 2 hours later, a few school buses were pulling in. Good thing I went early!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

You did it right! That is the only way I will visit now.

[@jimmyprantalos6482]

Illinois is full of hidden gems

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yes it is! I wouldn't necessarily consider this one hidden, LOL, but I do know what you mean!

[@maygrace6738]

Thank you for sharing. I am planning to go next week.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Enjoy! Try to go early, you will love it.

[@prettylittlemissy]

We are going tomorrow! Really excited!!

[@markuse3472]

Thank you! So nice.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad you like it!

[@laurenandseth]

I have always wanted to visit there! The rock formations are stunning but I had no clue that they have such a negative impact... thanks for sharing your adventure! 😊

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Go early in the morning to beat the crowds, and you will love it!

[@TravelKiwi]

another great hike!!! very muddy!!! the waterfalls were so beautiful!!!! great cave what a stunning place!!!! so picturesque !

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! We don't usually visit places so crowded, but the scenery is unbeatable.

[@mikeprzlomski2092]

Illinois beauty who would of thought.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

There are a few gems in Illinois, for sure!

[@fluorite1965]

Illinois has some really pretty areas but they are pretty scattered throughout the state.

[@CreativeGinge]

Interesting video guys as always love the info! Thanks so much for sharing! As always stay safe!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks! You too!

[@Schmitty1021]

Really enjoyed this video. We just came back from Matthiessen & I was hoping to find something exactly like this! Such beautiful natural areas to absorb, I was eager to see it again. Completely agree about their maps - sorely lacking! I hope the IDNR can revamp them soon - prevent more frustrated hikers. I didn't know how harmful the cairns are - never done them but definitely learned something new today. Thanks for your effort making this!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It is a wonderful park, we just happened to be there at a way too busy time, LOL. I think it's one of those places that you have to visit multiple times to get a true lay of the land and understand their maps, so I guess that's just an excuse to go more often! Cairns in creeks is one of my pet peeves, but in retrospect, the creek in Matthiessen is constantly disturbed by people walking through it, so I doubt those particular cairns really make much difference.

[@goinvisible]

Beautiful!

[@StepsbyKaatje]

A lot of mud and a lot of people at the start. 😀 Nice exploring. Greetz!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yes, thanks!

[@stephaniemcguire]

Beautiful video as usual! Had to share this with my FB friends this morning, and linked your FB page also!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Awesome thank you!

[@mariomario9209]

We just visited starved rock and it was amazing the fall colors really enhanced the experience it was warm as well so that helpedI also never knew the canyons here were that huge lol! We went to some small towns nearby like Utica and Lasalle and had lunch and dinner looks like we need to come back to the Illinois valley and visit Matthiessen during spring since we would probably see some waterfalls that time lol they were all dried out when we went to starved rock I never knew about these hidden gems in Illinois like the Illinois valley or Shawnee national forest but now that me and my family knows we got lots of plans

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

They are both great parks, I bet it really is beautiful with the fall colors!

[@inspectorgadget7488]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions when there is no snow on the ground or bitter cold they are beautiful and then if u go down route 71 also called dee Bennet road they have a park called Buffalo state park that's another hidden gem and they do have 3 live buffal there and planned to get another few it's rich in history and the views are outstanding

[@nightmaster6381]

Contrary to popular belief - the best time to visit is winter. Sure, you dont have all those colorful leaves - instead you can see far into the forests and canyons unobstructed by leaves. Also, less people means you can actually enjoy the views without a whole bunch of people talking and ruining your time in nature. And for the waterfalls....they flow during the winter too - unless the temperature is below freezing enough days consecutively. Then they freeze. I'm sure you've seen a waterfall flow somewhere in your life.....but a frozen 100' waterfall?!!! Dress warm, wear boots. The trees and canyons block the wind in most places.

[@mariomario9209]

@@nightmaster6381 Sounds great! Might check it out when winter rolls around!

[@nightmaster6381]

@@mariomario9209 Lol maybe you can go this winter when it gets here in spring!!

[@aventurasdealan.]

Saludos desde elgin illinois.

[@KathysOutdoorAdventures]

This looks like such a great place to hike. Thanks for sharing it with me but will definitely go in the winter time. Another great upload

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yes, any time that is off season would be best! Thanks for watching.

[@CAR316]

I grew up in this area and went cross-country skiing in the park several years ago. I'm not sure if they still offer that, but this and Starved Rock are so beautiful year-round. It was such a blessing to practically have this as my backyard growing up. Great footage of the area, and I totally agree about the rocks. It's annoying to see such disturbances.

[@mikek.9980]

Great presentation Guys!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks so much!

[@Parr4theCourse]

Thanks for the lesson on Rock Stacking, I've seen that in the Bahamas and couldn't figure out what it was . . .

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

In the right environment, rock stacking is pretty, and rock cairns (particularly out west) make for good trail markers. It's really just a matter of educating people. And honestly, as busy as this park is, with everybody walking through the creeks, it might not make any difference.

[@IslandLaker]

Starved Rocks little brother, great place to go because less people and just as nice

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I agree, love both parks, just not the crowds!

[@nightmaster6381]

I agree on the beauty of Mathieson, but 110% disagree on it being less crowded than starved rock. Its smaller and less famous amongst tourists, but almost everyone in IL I ask likes Mathison better for the same reason you stated. Therefore, it's always populated by IL residents where when I'm @ Starved Rock I meet people from around the country(even more now that the Starved Rock murders have been re popularized by HBO documentary). Yet still, at any time of day, any day of the week, any season - you can go to the eastern end of Starved Rock and pretty much have the place to yourself.

[@bradical7772]

@@nightmaster6381 Why would you tell these idiots about the gems only locals know. Now that’ll be over crowded as well. Hidden gems need to remain so.

[@FLACKFAM]

This is so beautiful, love the caves and water features! Water shoes needed! I will remember to not move the rocks in the water, but do you agree with using them on land if a trail is difficult to follow? Lots of people getting out!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I wish we had brought our water shoes! We would have just skipped the mud and walked the creek the whole way. Yes, particularly out west, rock cairns are essential in marking trail routes. Definitely lots of people out!

[@johnclassified36]

Who else went and got lost and never found the waterfall

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Their on-site maps can be very confusing!

[@herbieburbie]

I love this place. You'd never know such a terrain is in this area. I avoid these areas on weekends.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Totally agree! Weekends are hard with the crowds, would be awesome to hike the park early in the morning, during the week.

[@sabtahi13]

"The scenery's not that bad..." Nudge Nudge, Wink Wink

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

🤣🤷‍♂️

[@biggestmexi]

If you are ever this way again send me a message. I live in the area and can show you other areas and smaller trails.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks, that'd be awesome.

[@gigitycrabity123]

Guess what we were couht on camra at 4:53 time of it

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Ha that's awesome! Small world!

[@neilfpv]

We're thinking of going there this Saturday. Is it muddy?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I haven't been there since this video (4 years ago) but in my experience, the lower section is always muddy this time of year. Be ready for some creek walking, wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty, and enjoy!

[@loganarkels2023]

Well this is the only thing we’ve got around here might as well enjoy it

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

For sure! It's popular for a reason.

[@genesistorres6136]

I love it@

[@sallykasper61]

We’ve been to Starved Rock State Park but not in Matteson State Park.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

You will love it. Go early (or through the week) to beat the crowds, enjoy!

[@ElectrickSoundz]

❤

[@snakeboren4814]

It's south of North Utica illinois !!!!

[@ElectrickSoundz]

Nicetimes

[@charlesolinger6250]

Great job Catfish! I haven't been to this park but man it sure looks nice. Do you know how many miles of trails? Thanks again for the upload

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It's hard to say how many miles of trails, since their maps are lacking and don't cover everything. The Alltrails app lists more trails than what they show at the park.

[@55inchSamsungTV]

Catfish is the star of the show

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yes! I've suggested we change the channel name to "Following Catfish" 🤣

[@sallykasper61]

We’ve been to Starved Rock State Park but not the Matthiessen.

[@Aspen_Gold]

Great video on the park. I wanna get there this summer, since ive never taken the time to check it out. I usually go to starved rock but need to find a new place to explore. I’m glad you pointed out the rock stacking. It’s amazing how many nut jobs go to the parks to create content and have no respect for the wildlife there.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I need to get back there as well, it's been awhile! Always go early as possible to beat the crowds. Hope you can make it! It's not as big as Starved Rock, but the scenery is just as beautiful.

[@HikeCamp]

So many places I just have no desire to go simply because of the amount of people... I guess there is something to be said for winter hiking in populist places..

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

We typically still hit up popular places, but try to go before the crowds arrive. That seemed to be impossible here, as amazing as the scenery is, it'll be a long time before we return.

[@lianghong2161]

were is the notifacation bell

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It should be right beside the "Subscribe" button.

[@Dbone69420]

10:30 chick got weirded out lol

[@miked6782]

Way to crowded

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I agree, and recommend for people to go during the week, and arrive as early as possible!

[@bradical7772]

This park sucks. Never go there!!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It would be funny, as a local, to make videos showing all the negative aspects of these places to try to discourage the large crowds they receive! 🤣 "There's so much mud! Look at all these bugs! Don't come here!"

[@angelrio8776]

Hate Starved Rock and this one , they are very dirty , over crowded and really not taken care of that’s why I prefer visiting States like Colorado Wyoming etc way less crowded and very scenic

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Well of course, we'd all prefer places like Colorado or Wyoming. But this is the Midwest, we have to take what we can get.

[@Blaisecruz408]

if you look into it the ST.Luis falls has a dark past .. I knew something bad happened there I hust had a creepy feeling so I did some research.. two mile aged woman were killed in the two caves by the lodge cook.

[@Blaisecruz408]

it was in starved rock

[@ElectrickSoundz]

❤