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.

Fantastic place to hike and explore. Not too crowded and lots of space to wander and exploreread more

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!

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.

This looks like a great place to launch a boat. It is definitely the place to observe geese! If we…read morehad had more time, we would have parked, sat on a bench, and watched them do what geese do. We pulled into the parking lot, didn't have time to see if there was more to do, so we drove on. The GPS directed us away from the neighborhood into which the parking lot exit dumped us, so there are two ways in and out. But GPS only showed one way in and out.

We love going here for a walk down the pathway and walk over by the river it's really beautiful and…read moreit gets pretty busy on the weekends in the summer with the boaters and people out for a picnic like us

Shabona Lake is a relaxing place to enjoy nature. It's nice to walk by the lake on the paved side…read morewalks & stop at the different picnic tables & benches for just a little rest or bring a picnic to enjoy ... sunny or shadey options. Also WheelChair friendly!

Tried to make reservations online but because I'm within 72 hours I must do walk in 1st come 1st…read moreserve. I showed up to camp and found out the park has different rules than idnr or the reservation website and do not allow walk in for prime sites. All sites not registered online must sit empty. So my family was turned away, the site along with many other prime sites are going to sit empty all weekend. I even offered to pay double and I spoke to the deputy director of the park. Sad to see the park turning away money over a 72 hour online only policy

Our family loved this place; especially the swimming hole. Three sounds come to mind when I think…read moreof Maple Leaf Park: Bullfrogs, Freight Trains, and Motorcycles. Valerie B., I am sad to say it appears that MLP IS closed; their phone is out of service and the web site suspended. I hope Marilyn is alright (the manager who rode around on a golf cart); she was the best! She used to give our kids rides on the golf cart. Maple Leaf Park, you will be sorely missed!!!!!

My friends and I have been camping at this park for15 years. We've seen it change owners over the…read moreyears and each new owner has made improvements. The property is well maintained and family friendly. They have clean bathrooms, a cute little beach/swimming hole, BBQ on Saturdays, and friendly owners. It's a great little getaway even for a day trip to get the kids outside and enjoying nature. Tent and RV camping.

Well maintained. Not too crowded…read more Challenging enough on a bike for me. Beautiful and well maintained trails that are well marked. Love it. If you're out of shape this place can whip you back into shape if you let it.

Waterfall Glen is a beautiful display of nature. Trails offer a robust adventure. Two parking lots,…read moreone off of Cass Avenue and the other off of Lemont Road.

Great park for kids of all ages! Splash pad in the summer is a great time as well!! The restrooms…read morewere very clean and I have no complaints!!

Great park for young kids. Gets busy during summer afternoons. There's a decently large playground…read morewith a padded ground, multiple tall slides, monkey bars. Next to the playground is a large splash pad with several shaded benches. Not much shade to be found elsewhere in the park. Small concession stand open when we went (June). Bathrooms at the entrance to the playground/splash pad. Several picnic tables on the other side of the parking lot that are partly shaded by trees.

Review Visit: October 11th, 2014…read more Rollingbrook Park is just many one of many parks in the Bloomington-Normal area. My dad and I came here during a day of exploring and was greeted with a nice park. It has your typical playground and spacious grounds. But this one has a pretty nice tennis court. So if you get the urge to play, there is a place to play in Blo-No area. I really don't remember much about this park aside from the cool tennis courts. Definitely one to check out if you are park exploring!

Large playground with many disabled friendly pieces of equipment. There are trees very close so…read morethere's shade over some part all the time. There are also nine pickleball courts and three tennis courts

This isn't a hiking place for people who aren't outdoorsy. The trails are not maintained, and it's…read moreabout a mile's walk to even enter the park. If these things don't bother you, then this is an amazing park. From the parking lot, which can hold perhaps half a dozen cars, visitors can trek down a footpath that follows Mitchell's Creek. Once the treeline starts, the trail continues down the creek until it merges with the Tommohawk Creek. Technically, this is the end of the trail. However the woods of the park extend for miles past the end of the trail. There are huge sandstone bluffs, rapids, and several endangered trees in the area. You will not see other people here. One star off for the sound of I80 which can be heard on quiet mornings. Really wouldn't be to hard to build a noise barrier on the bridge if Illinois were so inclined.