Matthiessen State Park

        Matthiessen State Park is located 15 minutes away from Starved Rock National Park in central Illinois. Matthiessen has beautiful and unique canyons, waterfalls, caves, flora, and fauna. Matthiessen State Park had its beginnings in the late 1800's when philanthropist and industrialist Fredrick William Matthiessen purchased the property known as Deer Park. He constructed dams, bridges, and trails. Since then, the park has had huge land additions and has been renamed in honor of Matthiessen. Here I showcase some of the beauty of Matthiessen such as the ubiquitous maples, oaks, and some rare liverworts and ferns that Matthiessen has to offer. For further information such as the geology, flora and fauna, history etc. check this link out http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/landmgt/parks/R1/mttindex.htm#Flora.

 Beautiful fall scenery.

 Nice trail.

 Beautiful rock formations.

 A fern clinging on to the wall of the canyon.

 My friend Trevor taking in God's grandeur manifested in nature.

 A liverwort in the order marchantiales.