Save

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

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

Where to?

Dates

June 2025

July 2025

Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site

Breakfast and dinner served, American cuisine

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

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

includes taxes & fees

6 July - 7 July

Explore the area

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

Good

Highlights

Fireplace

Private indoor hot tub

Air conditioning

Heating

Connecting rooms available

Separate bedroom

Hairdryer

37 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Good

Highlights

Balcony

Air conditioning

Heating

Connecting rooms available

Free cots/infant beds

Kitchenette

Mini-fridge

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

Sleeps 6
2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

Good

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

Exceptional

Highlights

Fireplace

Private indoor hot tub

Air conditioning

Heating

Connecting rooms available

Free rollaway/extra beds

Dining table

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

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 - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
August Hill Winery Tasting Room - 5 min drive - 4.2 km
Buffalo Rock State Park - 12 min drive - 11.9 km

Getting around

Mendota Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

‪Casey's General Store - ‬6 min drive
‪Casey's - ‬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

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

Similar properties

Pool
Breakfast included
Pet-friendly
Parking included

includes taxes & fees

29 June - 30 June

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

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

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

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
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 26 Jun 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock on 6 Jul 2025 start from NZ$328.82, 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

7.4

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Travelled with family and small children

Travelled with family

26 Mar 2025

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Disliked: Amenities

I come every year for my 10 year old Spring break it has been nice up to this year the water park did not have any water slides or the waves in the wave pool til after 4 everything closed at 8 went to the restaurant Jack place in the hotel was told I could not order breakfast I had to choose the buffet all the other time I was able to order and pick it up the pool water was dirty and the had no life guards til after 4 with no explanation spent my money to come to a half hotel the purpose was to be able to go to the water park to enjoy everything not looking for other places for next year

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children

26 Mar 2025

This is our family’s first water park resort stay. We booked only a couple weeks before our trip and only a suite was available with two queens and a pullout queen sofa bed. We are a family of 5: a 9yo and 6yo twins plus my husband and I. We paid a little extra for early check-in and an upgrade to VIP pool access which was worth it because the check-in line got long some days. Check-in was a breeze and the staff was great. My kids loved the water park and arcade. The lazy river is chaos with a lot of kids swimming in it. We would go to the pool at night after dinner around 6:00-6:30 and they consistently did not have towels. The woman running the prize counter at the arcade has the patience of a saint. The rooms are in fair condition. The room description says it includes a kitchenette but it was just a mini fridge (with mini freezer) and microwave. We did not dine at the hotel at all and opted instead to explore Utica and Ottawa for meals. The big downside was that evenings were loud. We usually went to bed around 8:30. Quiet hours are 11PM—8AM. We usually turned in around 8:30 PM. There was a fair amount of talking, yelling and running all three nights. The 2nd night, some people got trashed at the bar and were yelling profanities as they walked down the hall. The 3rd night, someone was smoking weed in their room and the smell was very strong in our room. Overall, my kids loved it. It was a family friendly place but is a little beat up.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner

25 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Everything was great

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

24 Mar 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children

24 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This is our second time staying at grand bear. Staff was all very friendly. Rooms were clean. Pool area was clean with adequate towels. We will definitely be back again!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tonya

Travelled with family

24 Mar 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

As much as we paid to stay here I expected it to be much better. We had used washcloths hanging over the shower curtain when we got to our room. The pull out sofa mattress was absolutely disgusting, very dirty floors, the a/c was broken, we were given washcloths that looked like rags and super small towels that felt like sand paper. The hot tub looked like it was filled with urine. The entire property is old and very outdated. With as much as they charge they can definitely afford some upgrades. This was the most disappointing place we have ever been to and will NEVER go back. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!!!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Casey

Travelled with partner

22 Mar 2025

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities

Shower and jets in room hot tub did not work. Told thr front desk and just got a "sorry about that" response with no attempt to reimburse or resolve.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolina

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children

22 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

My family absolutely loved this place it's very comfortable and fun but obviously it can't be that perfect there are two things that I could only complain about the shower head was terrible mostly all the water came out from the bottom and not from the top maintenance did go fix it water did stop coming out from the bottom but still hardly came out from the shower head from all the calcium or salt water that was stuck on there and the Very bottoms of the beds where the bed skirts go where pretty stained but it is a kids vacation spot basically but the beds were actually clean and comfortable other than that it's a really fun experience for a family of five

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner

16 Mar 2025

Liked: Amenities

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service

I feel like for the price per night at the villa it would’ve been more cleaner. I also thought we would’ve been compensated for coming into a villa with a bed full of sperm all over the comforter, no we had to keep the same pillows that she came in and dragged across that same comforter, had to keep the same sheets as well, just got a white comforter, that’s all. I politely told her she don’t have to set the new comforter up because after seeing how you all handle that situation for the price, I didn’t want any issues or to be said I was causing a scene. And none of the walls get cleaned, like at all. But besides that as far as the pool and arcade, we honestly really enjoyed ourself.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Iris

15 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Travelled with family and small children

14 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

we enjoyed the waterpark and the location and surrounding area.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Terese

Travelled with family

12 Mar 2025

Disliked: Amenities

No food services available at all. Only coffee was available in the morning. Didn't care that the waterpark was closed, we expected that...however, nothing else was open. Very diappointed.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Lisa, Morton

11 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

No coffee maker in room as advertised. Everything, coffee shop, restaurant, bar and water park, are closed Monday-Wednesday! We were not aware of this and were extremely disappointed. The only time they are open all week is spring Break and summer.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family

10 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Travelled with family and small children

9 Mar 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Okay not the best , should of include a breakfast or dinner snack for the price you pay per night , buy food from the restaurant they have is expensive ,two of the restaurants they have is pretty much the same food so one restaurant provides food to other place , front desk staff was nice, pool staff could care less about things , i believe since this place is for children it should be for children not the adult running around with g-string swimming suits on so they butt out ,not appropriate

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Missy

4 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Photo gallery for Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Room options

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

Highlights

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

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Highlights

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

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Highlights

View all photos for Villa, 2 Bedrooms

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

View all photos for Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms

Highlights

About the area

Utica

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Languages

Similar properties

Days Inn by Wyndham Oglesby/ Starved Rock

Days Inn by Wyndham Oglesby/ Starved Rock

Property amenities

Internet

Parking and transport

Food and drink

Restaurants on site

Things to do

Family friendly

Conveniences

Business services

Outdoors

Accessibility

More

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bathroom

Entertainment

Food and drink

More

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Renovations and closures

Access methods

Pets

Children and extra beds

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Frequently asked questions

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

Reviews

Good

7.6/10

7.8/10

7.2/10

7.2/10

7.4/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Shannon

10/10 Excellent

Melissa