Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with free water park access and bars

Photo gallery for Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Front of property
Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site
Exterior
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Daily buffet breakfast (USD 15 per person)

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$200
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 Mar

Explore the area

Map
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL, 61373
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Starved Rock State Park
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Matthiessen State Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Peru, IL (VYS-Illinois Valley Regional)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

Highlights

Fireplace
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
TV
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
TV
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Fireplace
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
Dining table
  • 167 sq m
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Single Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

Highlights

Fireplace
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Free rollaway/extra beds
Dining table
TV
  • 260 sq m
  • Sleeps 18
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Large Single Sofa Bed, 2 Queen Beds, 2 Queen Bunk Beds, 2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Utica

A family-friendly stay in Utica awaits you at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock. Within a 5-minute stroll you'll find Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park within a 15-minute walk. Highlights at this hotel include 2 bars/lounges, a free water park and a restaurant. .The family restaurant, Jack's Place, serves American cuisine and is open for breakfast and dinner. J.H. Higby's is the hotel's own bar. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym, lazy river and Hot tub. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a children's swimming pool and a coffee shop/cafe. On weekend mornings buffet breakfast is served between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Places within a 30-minute walk of this 3-property class Utica hotel include Illinois River Winery and Deer Park Country Club.

What's nearby

  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 1 min walk
  • Starved Rock State Park - 4 min walk
  • Matthiessen State Park - 12 min walk
  • Illinois River Winery - 3 min drive
  • LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum - 3 min drive

Getting around

  • Mendota Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Rootbeer Stand - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Back Door Lounge - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Family-friendly hotel with free water park access and bars/lounges
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.

  • 92 guestrooms or units
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Conference rooms
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Games room or arcade
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offers 92 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access.

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
  • Indoor pool
  • Lazy river
  • Mini golf
  • Playground
  • Spa tub
  • 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

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
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
  • Restaurant
  • Indoor pool
  • Hot tub

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types

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 per cent

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: from approximately USD 15 for adults and from 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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

As of 22 Feb 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock on 3 Mar 2025 start from AU$194.14, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yep, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock has a free self car park.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock have a pool?

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock has an indoor pool and a kids' pool. The pool is open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock have a waterslide?

Yep, this property has a waterslide!

What luxury perks are available at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock features an indoor pool, 1 hot tub and 2 bars.

Is Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a children's pool, a playground and an arcade, it's no surprise that Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock is a hit with families.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock serve breakfast?

Yep, buffet breakfast is offered at weekends between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

No, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock's onsite restaurant that serves American cuisine.The dining venue is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

What time are check-in & check-out at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

There is a golf course next to Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock.

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 238 out of 727 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 210 out of 727 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 132 out of 727 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 72 out of 727 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 75 out of 727 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia, Plainfield

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The family cabins that sleep up to 18 are perfect for a blended family getaway. The view was outstanding and the area offers lots of activities and eating options.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Jennifer

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
bathrooms missing ammedities . pool had alot of things closed like slides , wave pool, and kids drop buckets. Room had very old and slow TV . wifi signal to weak to reach my room . couldnt qatch movies with kids or be in contact with people while in room
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

tauranne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Meiling

Travelled with family
It’s a very old hotel and service was just ok.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Krystal

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The price was reasonable and everything was convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Tanya

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fun and friendly atmosphere
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Ekaterina

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed at the cabin (townhouse). The cabin was very large, clean and quiet. The waterpapk was great! Not too big and not crowded. Exactly what we needed for the weekend with kids. Dining options are limited in the area but we could always find something to eat. We had to drive and park the car yo get to the start of hiking trails but it wasn't bothersome.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andres

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was quiet and comfy. Being able to visit starved rock so close by and go on a hike was a plus! We genuinely enjoyed our stay at Grand Bear!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abria

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It’s was very relaxing and cozy…up to date…the patio doors just need to be sealed off lots of ladybugs and harmless bugs
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Betzy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You get for what you pay. We had a restaurant in the lobby and drinks were horrible!!! Not a lot of options for food in or around the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

CREDELL

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice family friendly resort.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

CREDELL

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Overall the place was ok. This apparently is not the peak season. So things are only open on the weekends. Also, i was trying to communicate with staff and I was told they didnt speak english. That wasn't helpful at all.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

LILIANA

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place and friendly workers. I will stay again
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Wendie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The space in our villa was nice and we enjoyed spending time with family. The amenities in the suite were pretty minimal, and the beds were some of the most uncomfortable things we have ever slept on. Wanted to see if the pull out beds were any better but they were not and it took 15 minutes to get the living room one to close, and the two air mattresses didn’t hold air. Otherwise, we had fun playing cards and did appreciate the ability to spread out. Area was pretty and weather was perfect on Saturday for hiking at the local parks.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
No place to get a cup of coffee at the resort, not even in the room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

Lynn

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not worth the money
The cable was not working properly so we had only a few channels some of the time. We had to ask for clean towels each day, sometimes more than once. It was advertised as having shampoo/soap/lotion. We had to ask for these items. The maintenance man who serves as the evening room service, offered for us to speak to a manager as our room was not set up as it should have been. Suddenly the manager had gone home, but I could speak with someone in the morning. In the morning that manager wasn't available but would call me. On our last day I asked why the manager hadn't called me and the rude lady at the front desk said they were too busy and would get with me sometime??!!! Still haven't heard from them, that was 2 weeks ago
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Catherine

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The resort itself could be so nice but maintenance items have obviously been ignored. Windows “repaired” with tape, for instance. The water park water was way too cold especially for children. This place needs to spend some $$$ to make this place nice. Also, they do not recycle which I found very disappointing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Stephanie

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Or a good water park for kids older than 8
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Neal

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Comfy beds... Not much else for adults
Hotel for family's with young children. comfortable beds and friendly staff... But outdoor property dirty and not very well maintained. No late night activities at the resort or near by and extremely noisy starting in the early morning and going all day.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024