When it comes to places to visit in Oglesby, Illinois, there are a number of top choices. Check out Buffalo Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, and McPhedran Park. These places are sure to impress your friends and family.
Matthiessen State Park
If you’re looking for a nature park that is close to Oglesby, Illinois, Matthiessen State Park is worth checking out. The park features many waterfalls, a great hike, and paved trails. The trails run through the forest and cross beautiful bridges. You can even try rock-hopping across the falls. However, you should be aware that the water levels at the park can vary greatly, so you should be prepared to walk in a wet environment. Hiking poles are especially helpful when rock-hopping over rivers, and snowshoes are a good choice for hiking in winter.
A popular midwestern park, Matthiessen State Park is located near Oglesby, Illinois. The park features natural rock formations and abundant wildlife. It is also popular with geologists, and visitors can enjoy geocaching, hiking, mountain biking, and archery. The park is open to the public seven days a week, so you can take advantage of its diverse recreational opportunities.
Matthiessen State Park was named after a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, Frederick William Matthiessen, who was responsible for the development of the park. He hired 50 people to make the park a reality, and he invested time and money into preserving its natural beauty. He later passed away in 1918, and the park was renamed in his honor.
Those who enjoy hiking may also want to take advantage of Matthiessen State Park’s five-mile loop trail system. These trails meander between bluffs, canyons, and cliffs and feature three waterfalls. The trails begin from the Dells Area parking area and extend to the Lake Matthiessen and the Canyon. From there, you can see Giant’s Bathtub waterfall.
Buffalo Rock State Park
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor activity, consider visiting Buffalo Rock State Park and Effigy Tumuli in LaSalle County, Illinois. This 298-acre state park sits across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park and south of the Illinois and Michigan Canal trail.
The park features a rustic feel, with primitive picnic areas and fire rings. The park also has two large stone fireplaces and two shelters that are available for camping on a first-come-first-serve basis. There are also picnic tables and barbecue facilities, and the campground is shaded by mature trees.
Before becoming a state park, Buffalo Rock was a religious sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. The Crane Company of Chicago bought the property in 1912, and kept it as a summer vacation home and sanatorium for its workers. In 1928, the company donated the land to the state as a state park.
Visitors to Buffalo Rock State Park can hike along a scenic trail and see wildlife up close. The park also features two observation decks on the river. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have a better chance of viewing buffalo feeding in the morning. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy the early morning fog on the Illinois River.
The area near Buffalo Rock State Park was once home to the Illinois Indians during the time of George Washington, who visited the region in 1673. The natives were later wiped out in a long war between the United States and their Indian neighbors.
Starved Rock Lodge
Starved Rock Lodge is the only lodging option within Starved Rock State Park. The lodge is a scenic spot and offers guided hikes, live music, and a pool for the kids. It’s also close to Chicago, Bloomington, the Quad Cities, and Rockford, Illinois.
The hotel opened in the late 19th century, along the Illinois River. The hotel also included a dance hall, concession stand, and natural pool. The Civilian Conservation Corps later built park facilities, which have been granted historic designation. The park’s geology was created by a catastrophic flood that occurred 14,000 to 17,000 years ago.
Starved Rock State Park is 90 miles northwest of Chicago, and is one of the most popular Illinois state parks. More than two million people visit the park each year. That’s more than most top-tier national parks. The lodge is one of the few original log buildings in Illinois and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed. The historic lodge wing rooms feature floor-to-ceiling knotty pine paneling and handcrafted furniture. Modern amenities are available in the hotel’s larger hotel wing rooms. These rooms also feature a kitchen, a coffee maker, and a DVD player.
McPhedran Park
McPhedran Park is a popular park in Oglesby, Illinois. It is an eight-acre park with ample space for walking, running, and relaxing. The park is situated near the Utica Quarry and Piety Hill. Oglesby is located in LaSalle County, Illinois, and is just north of La Salle.
The park features a large wave pool, a lazy river, and kiddie pools. It also has a hot tub area. In addition to the waterpark, there’s a Rootbeer stand, serving burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs. You can even purchase a root beer float and a cup of root beer to take home!
The park is dog-friendly and offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. There are playground equipments for kids and an amusement park with bongo drums. The park also has a fishing pond and pier. This is the only dog-friendly park in the city, and it also hosts many youth sports tournaments.
If you’re looking for a place to take your kids for a picnic or take a stroll, the town of Oglesby offers several parks. McPhedran Park is just a few miles away, and you can get there easily by car or on foot.
Days Inn Oglesby
The Days Inn Oglesby, Illinois, is located off Interstate-39, just a short drive from downtown Oglesby. The hotel offers free WiFi, a heated indoor pool, and comfortable rooms with cable TV and refrigerators. It also has pet-friendly rooms.
The Days Inn Oglesby, Illinois offers an inviting decor and many modern conveniences. The hotel’s amenities include a restaurant and a cafeteria. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, a heated indoor pool, and coffee and tea in the lobby. Guests can use the in-house laundry and fitness center.
Rootbeer Stand
If you’re looking for a classic drive-in restaurant in Oglesby, Illinois, you might want to try The Rootbeer Stand. This classic American restaurant is located at 225 N Columbia Ave. You can also find it near Starved Rock State Park.
The Rootbeer Stand has the traditional drive-in feel, but it also offers a nostalgic indoor feel. In addition to serving tasty root beer in frosty glass mugs, this restaurant offers a variety of specialty floats, hot dogs, and sandwiches. The Rootbeer Stand is also known for its friendly service and fancy decor.