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Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3.0 star property
Families splash in the water park or relax in the spa tub at this resort where outdoor adventures meet comfort and American cuisine at Jack's Place.

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Photo gallery for Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Front of property - Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (Utica)
Breakfast and dinner served, American cuisine - Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (Utica)
Terrace/patio - Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (Utica)
Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site - Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (Utica)
Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Living area | 42-inch TV with cable channels - Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (Utica)
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock blends nature with family fun. Play 18 holes of golf, relax in the spa tub, or enjoy live entertainment. The water park and mini golf keep everyone busy, while the restaurant serves American breakfast and dinner.

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

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

View all photos for Villa, 2 Bedrooms

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

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

View all photos for Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 260 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 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

View all photos for Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

7.2 out of 10
Good
(19 reviews)
  • 37 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite

  • Hill view
  • 46 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Family Room, Multiple Beds

Family Room, Multiple Beds | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room, Multiple Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Utica, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock is next to a golf course and in a state park. Starved Rock State Park and Deer Park Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Matthiessen State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park. LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum and I&M Canal Visitor Center are two other places to visit that come recommended. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and skydiving. Visit our Utica travel guide
Map
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL, 61373

What's nearby

  • Starved Rock State Park
    Starved Rock State Park
    3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cascade Falls at Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby, Illinois
    Matthiessen State Park
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Buffalo Rock State Park
    Buffalo Rock State Park
    10 min drive - 7.8 miles
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
    1 min drive - 0.0 miles
  • Mix's Trading Post
    3 min drive - 2.0 miles

Getting around

  • Mendota Station
    27 min drive

Restaurants

  • Casey's General Store
    6 min drive
  • Cortileno’s
    7 min drive
  • The Rootbeer Stand
    9 min drive
  • Casey's
    8 min drive
  • Lodi Tap House
    3 min drive

About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Family-friendly hotel near Starved Rock State Park
Located close to Deer Park Country Club and Matthiessen State Park, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock provides an adjacent golf course, free water park access, and concerts and live shows. Active travelers can enjoy volleyball at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The on-site American cuisine family restaurant, Jack's Place, offers breakfast and dinner. In addition to mini golf and a coffee shop/cafe, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • An indoor pool and a children's pool, along with a lazy river, a waterslide, and a lifeguard on site
  • Free self parking
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), smoke-free premises, and a gift shop
  • Games, free newspapers, and an elevator
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 92 rooms offer comforts such as air conditioning and separate sitting areas, as well as perks like free WiFi.
More amenities include:
  • Shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and shampoo
  • 42-inch TVs with cable channels
  • Wardrobes/closets, separate sitting areas, and ice makers

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 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.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Lifeguards
  • Smoking not allowed

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)
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Separate sitting area

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 500 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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
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

We should mention

Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information 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

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool and a children's pool. Pool access is from 9:00 AM–9:00 PM.

Is Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock located?

This family-friendly Utica hotel is located in a state park, within a 15-minute walk of Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park. Deer Park Country Club and LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

7.2

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

7.6

Staff & service

7.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 349 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 237 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 193 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 109 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 122 out of 1010 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice to have a full kitchen and cooking equipment. The water park was enjoyable and the bar staff was friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verinique

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and nice villa. Coffee machine didn’t work and there were no accommodations made
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

HOPE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Winter in the Midwest and the pool water was freezing. Many people complained and they kept telling all of us it’s due to the size of the facility. Well we have stayed at multiple I did water parks much larger and have never experienced. Other than that villa was great, clean and well stocked .
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
the room was clean, the staff was very nice
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
On weekdays off season, the restaurant and coffee shop are not open, so no breakfast is available
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Mikel

Liked: Staff & service
The bigger water slides kids had to be 48 inches or taller. Food was very expensive in the resort and took hours to get due to needing kitchen help. A few minor things broken in the room and doors need new key card readers. Staff was very nice and friendly but seemed stressed and over worked needing a well deserved break. over all very clean and we had a great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The family atmosphere is great
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Alecia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Overall the place was comfortable and fun. Granted it was the off season time, but it would've been nice if the putt-putt course was open as the weather was very good outside. The waterpark was enjoyable, although the wave pool was not working but we were still able to swim in the area so not a complete loss. The staff were very nice and accommodating. The hotel and water park could definitely use an update but did not in any way hinder our fun. I would suggest for anyone going to make sure you are paying attention to season/off season hours for all amenities for the hotel and waterpark.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, good staff, lots of amenities!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We went for the water park, which was the perfect size for our young kids, but everything else was fine too and service was attentive.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darrell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean cabin and great staff!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shataria

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was so nice & clean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jessica

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, nice playground, good ice cream at the resort cafe, and neat “cabin-like” decor and atmosphere. Cons - many water park areas closed off for construction, no towels at the water park (they ran out and never brought out more from the dryer after waiting almost 2 hours for towels), housekeeping never came to our room even though we didn’t put out a do not disturb sign so towels and toiletries were not replenished, and no one would answer when we called the front desk… we would have to go track someone down in person if we needed something. Luckily, my OneKey card had an enough points that we got a really good price on the weekend stay, which is why I am still giving this location a 3 out of 5 for value. It I had paid full price for the weekend, I would have given it a 2/5.
Only cable tv/no streaming services available
View of the water park from the resort cafe. See the closed signs for the yellow slide. The smaller children’s slides on the other section of the park were also blocked off with caution tape and signs.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room was very clean and the staff bent over backwards for our group of 14 .Already planning on making it an annual event at Grand Bear.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Beautiful resort but rooms were outdated, friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good place for family fun and good prices.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Our room was clean! Brea and Tiffany were the staff who were the most friendly, helpful, and great talking with our children about the resort. The amenities were great despite the negative degrees outside that caused some extra shut downs or coldness....but it was perfect for needing a get-a-way for our family!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great weekend stay surrounded by wonderful area for outdoors activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff at the front desk were outstanding. They were very nice and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very courteous staff, clean rooms, easy access to various activities both at Grand bear and in the surrounding area. Also surprisingly quiet considering the amount of families that were there. Better Sound insulation than expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jo Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We had a very lovely stay at the grand bear lodge. I felt it was clean. And very friendly
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness
I was worried about the room having read many bad reviews about cleanliness and bugs. Luckily we had no issues, the room was clean and spacious. All but one front desk staff member seemed kind of indifferent and not very friendly. The main disappointment was the water park. The water was very cold save for the tiny toddler pool and the hot tub. The water slides were closed and the kids water tower did not have either slide working. It kind of felt like a bit of false advertising as about half the features of the waterpark weren’t functioning. Lastly we planned to shower off in the locker rooms prior to leaving and were met with more cold water there, literally the water was warm for like 2 minutes and then went cold.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kristal

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The staff is very friendly, the main areas were clean. They are in need of updates, the water park area needs heating updated and new windows to help in the winter also a major clean to the pool from build up. The water is freezing so not ideal for our winter getaway. Rooms are okay and need some updates , like the sliding doors are pretty drafty. There’s a lot to do that our small kids enjoyed other than the swimming like a movie on a projector in an area, table for coloring, arcade, ice cream shop.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

annabell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025