Park Closures and Information Updated 8/9/26 The restroom building located at the Matthiessen Dells parking lot is currently closed for repairs. Porta-potties are available for park visitors. The Lake Falls bridge/trail is closed to all hiking traffic until further notice. A trail detour is posted and available. The Matthiessen Dells area and Vermillion River Area typically shut down on weekends from May through October when they have reached full capacity (parking lots are full) around 11 a.m. and will not reopen again until 3 p.m. Playgrounds and picnic shelters are first-come, first-served. Sunflower fields are done blooming for the season and will soon be pushed down in preperation for the Dove hunting season at the park.
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Current closures The following areas are closed until further notice: bridge over Lake Falls, a trail detour is posted and available. The restroom facility at the Matthiessen Dells parking lot is presently closed for repairs. However, porta-potties are accessible. Horseback trails may be closed depending on weather from May 1 to October 31.
Canyons, streams, prairie and forest meet four miles south of Utica, and the rock formations make it a park for anyone interested in geology. Trails run through the Dells; bikes belong on the Vermilion River side, and swimming is not allowed.
Things to do
🥾 Hiking
🚲 Biking
🎣 Fishing
🐎 Equestrian
🧭 Geocaching
🏹 Hunting
Amenities & facilities
🏕️ Campsites
👥 Group Sites
🛝 Playground
♿ Accessible Facilities
RV / campsite hookups
⛺ Primitive / No Hookups
Camping options
Campsites
Equestrian campground
Entrance fee
Free entry
Hours
7 a.m - Sunset
Hours as published by Illinois DNR. Check the official page before a long drive.