Photos: Aerial views of the Matthiessen State Park annex

An aerial view of a large lake in the Matthiessen Annex area on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, near Oglesby. In October 2018, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources purchased 2,628 acres from Lone Star Industries Inc. near Oglesby. This formerly mined property is adjacent to Matthiessen State Park and is now referred to as the Matthiessen Annex property. In its reclaimed state, this property will provide recreational opportunities, as well as habitat and public access to the Illinois River and Bailey Creek. (Scott Anderson)