Matthiessen Dells trails

Dogs on a leash all year

Trails along the rim and floor of a stream-cut canyon. No bikes in the Dells Area.

Source: Illinois DNR, Matthiessen State Park. Checked October 29, 2026.

Follow the signs at the trailhead: parks can close areas to dogs for wildlife.

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Matthiessen State Park: the rule in full

The park's visitor rules say pets must be kept on a leash at all times, and you must clean up after them. No swimming in waterfalls or creeks, and no bikes on the Dells Area trails.

Dog walks nearby

• Starved Rock State Park trailsDogs on a leash all year

Nearby beaches

• Montrose Dog BeachNo dogs midnight to 6am and 11pm to midnight, all year. Dogs allowed the rest of the time (local leash laws apply)
• Evanston Dog BeachOff-leash dogs allowed 6am to 11pm, all year. No dogs midnight to 6am and 11pm to midnight, all year. No dogs the rest of the time