Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3.0 star property

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Experience the charm of this log cabin-style hotel, featuring a covered porch and a symmetrical facade with multiple windows.
Enjoy group dining at this restaurant with a long table and six chairs, surrounded by exposed beams and pendant lighting.
Cozy cabin interior with a stone fireplace, flat-screen TV, and comfortable seating area.
Relax by the pool surrounded by a playhouse and comfortable seating areas.
Relax amidst lush greenery and a serene stream, surrounded by a peaceful outdoor space perfect for golf or leisure activities.

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL, 61373
  • Starved Rock State Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Matthiessen State Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
    ‪1 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(46 reviews)
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

7.6 out of 10
Good
(20 reviews)
  • 167 sq m
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 260 sq m
  • Sleeps 18
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Large Twin Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds, 2 Queen Bunk Beds, 2 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

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About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Family-friendly hotel with free water park access and bars
This smoke-free hotel features free water park access, an indoor pool, and a restaurant. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include 2 bars/lounges, a 24-hour fitness center, and a lazy river.
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offers 92 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

An indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a complimentary water park, a lazy river, and a 24-hour fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Starved Rock State Park. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas and free self parking, plus 2 bars.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Enjoy a bite to eat at Jack's Place, a family restaurant that serves American cuisine
  • Buffet breakfast served weekends for a fee
  • Splash around at the free water park with a lazy river or swim in the indoor pool
  • Amenities include free lobby newspapers, meeting rooms, and a gift shop
  • Onsite recreation includes a 24-hour gym, mini golf, and a playground
  • Just a 4-minute walk from Starved Rock State Park and 12 minutes by foot from Matthiessen State Park
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offers its guests a complimentary water park, a lazy river, and a waterslide. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. WiFi is free in public spaces.

An indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are also featured at the family-friendly Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Utica hotel is smoke free.

For a fee, guests can enjoy buffet breakfast on weekends from 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Jack's Place - This family restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves breakfast and dinner.
Treetops Cafe - This café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily.
J.H. Higby's - Onsite bar. Open select days.
Bear Island - This bar overlooks the garden. Open select days.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Weekend buffet breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 15 for adults and USD 12 for children
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Bear Island
  • J.H. Higby's
  • Jack's Place
  • Treetops Cafe

Things to do

  • 18-hole adjacent golf course
  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's pool
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Free water park
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Lazy river
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Volleyball
  • Waterslide
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Children's games
  • Children's pool
  • Free water park access
  • Indoor pool
  • Lazy river
  • Lifeguards on site
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • In a state park
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Lifeguards
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Ice maker

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday:
  • Bar/lounge
  • Dining venue(s)
  • Indoor pool
  • Hot tub

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 500 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service fee: 3 percent

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 15 for adults and USD 12.00 for children
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Certain facilities might have restricted access. For details, you can contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort Utica
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Utica
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort Oglesby
Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Hotel
Grizzly Jack`s Grand Bear Hotel Utica
Grizzly Jacks Grand Bear Resort
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Oglesby
Grizzly Jack's Bear Oglesby
Bear At Starved Rock Utica
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Hotel
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Utica
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Hotel Utica

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 296 out of 888 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 247 out of 888 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 166 out of 888 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 888 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 89 out of 888 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Alexandria

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
We did enjoy our stay but it could have been much better. The property had quite a few unsafe damages from previous guests that have not been remedied (stair handrail coming off the wall, busted outlet covers, sharp edges of metal on table legs) and the unit itself definitely could have used a better cleaning prior to our arrival. I expect some dust and dirt but I should not have been able to fill a dustpan upon arriving. We had several little ones so lots of anxiety around these issues and their safety. Other than that, we had one last issue with only being able to use hot water in one bathroom at a time. For the price of the unit and the amount of guests it is meant to accommodate (10-18), we should have had not problems using the water. Zero pressure in any other bathroom if someone was using hot water. I discussed all of these issues with the staff so they are aware and will hopefully get those fixed. This sounds like a lot of complaints but we enjoyed all other aspects of our stay! Our kids loved the water park and are definitely interested in returning.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Kiyuna

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Make over villa

The Grand Bear resort was out Spring Break destination this year. Given a last minute change to a villa from a regular room I expected more. The unit we were put in (R2) seemed to need a complete make over. There was visible water damage and repair spot along the ceiling in the washrooms and kitchen. Because this was a last minute change we didn't bother to ask for a switch being that we would spend more time in the hotel pool and game area. Outside of the villa we had a great time and will return again but hopefully another unit will be offered.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Ivan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Amber

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Close to home
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keyanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Really nice reso
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Dennis

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
No amenities available got a call two hours after cancellation time to inform me said I would get a full refund when booking agency called the resort they transfered them to corporate manager who did not answer or reply. Terrible experience will never use booking agency again or go to this resort ever.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johnny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Bed was comfy. The only downsides were that the restaurant wasn't open and some light switches weren't working. Other than that, our stay was decent.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Rebecca

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Ggg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The food is not good
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

kimberley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was my 65th birthday and I wanted a little getaway not far from home ( Chicago ). Had a great time thanks for the memories!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber L.

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to hiking. Restaurant and sweet treats. The pool definitely needs a DEEP cleaning and the room could of been cleaner.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

April

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pedro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
👍
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness
Ok
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Angela

The pool water was freezing
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Philip

Travelled with family and small children
My kids loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johanna

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the whole stay food room service the receptionist were nice everybody was welcoming can’t wait to come back!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Karina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

rebecca L.

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service

Sadly disappointed

Disappointed in condition of lodge for the amount of money charged. Limited parking. Coffee was gone by 7 am. Out dated furniture etc
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Adriana

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
HAD A GREAT TIME WITH MY FAMILY
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Thomas, Lafayette

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The main reason we chose Grand Bear Resort was the water park. It was very disappointing. Locker rooms were very dirty. Water park had rusty looking water and many unsafe areas. Towels given we very small and old. The Villa we stayed in had many issues. Large bedroom sink did not have running water. Bathroom door would not stay closed due to door handle being broke. Refrigerator did not stay cold even at highest setting. Washer machine had water under it. We could not see a leak. We were unable to use. The hot water was scarce. Hot water heater looked rusted and leaking. Rooms were not clean. Cob webs on walls and ceilings. Sheets and blankets were poor quality and uncomfortable. Hot tub did not work. All of this was reported to front desk before we checked. out. We will never stay at this facility again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025