At the base of the stairs leading to the Lower Dells of Matthiessen Illinois State Park, visitors can explore the
Devil's Paint Box just to the right.
The local sandstone is high in iron content which is dissolved in to the groundwater. Once the groundwater breeches back to the surface, it is stained with a bright yellow, brown, or orange color.
When the groundwater evaporates and the dissolved iron remains and colors the local landscape the same color.
This part of the canyon has consistently produced a mud that is reminiscent of the Devil and will stain everything it touches - including clothes so tread with caution.
While you are down in the Lower Dells, do not forget to visit
Cascade Falls.
In order to visit and fully explore the Dells Area, you must be in good enough physical shape to walk stairs -
A lot of stairs. If you pace yourself, you will be fine.
Other notes for visiting:
- Bring plenty of water. It may feel cooler down in the dells area, but with all the stairs you will need some extra water. As noted, the stream water is high in mineral content and not recommended for drinking.
- Wear clothing you think can get permanently stained. If you bump against on one of the colorful sandstone walls, the color may not wash out of your clothing.
- Wear good hiking shoes that can get wet. Not only do you need good footwear for the stairs, but also for the creek crossings. Many creek crossings are stepping stones and not bridges, so if your foot slips it will get wet.
- Leave a change of clothes in the car. After long afternoon of hiking, our family usually needs to change out of our hiking clothes, whether or not we have gone to Cascade Falls. The bathroom facilities by the main parking lot (
N41° 17.757' W89° 01.549') are large enough for you to clean up a little and change. Sorry, no showers.
- Is it hunting season? If your are visiting during the fall or winter, check the
IDNR website to see if the park is closed for hunting.