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Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

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

Photo gallery for Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Front of property
Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Living area
Golf
Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site
Breakfast and dinner served, American cuisine

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
The current price is NZ$219
includes taxes & fees
19 Jan - 20 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL, 61373
  • Place, Starved Rock State Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Matthiessen State Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Mix's Trading Post
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

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

7.8 out of 10
Good
(47 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
TV
  • 37 sq m
  • 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

7.8 out of 10
Good
(24 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Free rollaway/extra beds
Dining table
TV
  • 260 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • 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

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

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
TV
  • 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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

7.0 out of 10
Good
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
TV
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Fireplace
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cots/infant beds
TV
  • 46 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Family Room, Multiple Beds

Family Room, Multiple Beds

Family Room, Multiple Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Heating
TV
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Icemaker
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

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. .With a stay at this 3-property class Utica hotel, you'll be 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from Deer Park Country Club and 3 km (1.8 mi) from LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum.

What's nearby

  • Starved Rock State Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Matthiessen State Park - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
  • Mix's Trading Post - 3 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Buffalo Rock State Park - 10 min drive - 11.6 km

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
  • ‪Garzanelli's - ‬8 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. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas. Televisions come with cable channels.

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

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

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)
  • 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
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
  • Restaurant
  • Indoor pool
  • Hot tub

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Deposit: USD 500 per accommodation, per stay

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. 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
  • 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 29 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock on 19 Jan 2026 start from NZ$218.83, 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. 346 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 254 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 102 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 109 out of 1003 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Crystal

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Hours were very short for the pool and the bottom sheet refused to stay in the beds
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Angel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The front desk threw my card
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Irma

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Theresa

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Desk staff didnt know what they were doing. No hand soap in the room. Two lights in the room could not be turned on, missing knobs. No menu for the tv. No complimentary coffee in the morning, the machine was "broke". Towels for the pool were supposed to be supplied, there were not any. Way overpriced for the experience.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Was clean very nice but microwave was broken but still worked and a sign was broken also. And time tv didn't work well and fire detector wouldn't stop beeping problem was resolved thank you. Other wise was great experience would recommend to anyone.....
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Diana

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good location. Water has a funky smell in the room. Food in restaurant very poor and overpriced
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fair price and comfortable. Staff is great!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Ashley

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Every unsatisfied customer is one step closer

I was more than disappointed when i found out that the hot-tub/whirlpool suite i booked had a whirlpool that was non-functional. We would have extended our stay otherwise. Also, the pool was closed on the two days i booked, altho i admit i booked a Monday & Tuesday..even so..the restaurant was closed on site so we had to drive back to Ottawa to get food. The bugs crawling on the ceiling and in the bathroom were NOT my idea of a clean room. If the whirlpool wasnt working before we booked the room, i would guess the last people who had booked the room before us would have mentioned it to the manager, and it would have been fixed. Apparently housekeeping or maintenance didnt care enough to check it. The drain plug in the sink was broken. There were no amenities..no way to get drinks or snacks..the facility fluffed it off and claimed it was "off-season". Overall, it was wasted money for us. To pay for a whirlpool suite that didnt work was pointless. We left the next day and vow never to return. Poor maintenance, bugs, and an overall lack of concern. Also, i looked up the history of the Grand Bear Lodge and discovered it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy awhile back. Perhaps i will also contact the Shonenhein Groupe and make them aware of the status of their investment. If this is standard procedure for this resort, i forsee yet another bankruptcy in their future..
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Contessa

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maurice

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

RICHARD

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place to visit but the water is well water and it stinks bad. Also security can be better as well as access to amenities as they have a bad schedule for all of them. I believe that you're spending 💰 for everything in the lodge but are limited.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abby

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrie

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarai

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christina

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Grand beer resort mess

When we first went in the front desk customers service was poor. We booked a room other than what we received. Then had to change the room. The room we switched to had huge spider webs in the corners. We were double charged by hotels.com and the resort. Also nothing was open for my kids. Was not a good stay at all.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Asher

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I woild recommemd Grand Bear Lodge simply for this; its family friendly outside a major urban area where you can enjoy nature in safety.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Teresa

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Smell of the water. The lighting in our room was poor and light hard to turn. Needs some updating.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Claire

Travelled with family
Liked: Room comfort
Cobwebs in the corners of the celing. No extra bedding of any kind. Nothing on line stating pool is closed and nothing stating eating areas weren't open. Asked front desk for extra pillows and desk clerk didn't have a clue where to find extra. Asked for a plate and once again she couldn't find a plate. Be serious people! You have a huge place and maybe 20 guest staying there. You have a snack area with cutlery and dishes and your clerk didn't know where to find it? Pool obviously needed painted and upgraded.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

rebeca

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was really ok, our room a bit outdated besides the theme of a “cabin” I think it was very overpriced for the experience we got
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

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

2/10 Terrible

Alma

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025