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
Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Golf
Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Living area

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AU$307
includes taxes & fees
16 June - 17 June

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

Highlights

Fireplace
Private indoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
TV
2 bedrooms
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

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
  • Deer Park Country Club - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • August Hill Winery Tasting Room - 5 min drive - 4.2 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
  • 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

Similar properties

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
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 15 June 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock on 16 June 2025 start from AU$297.67, 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. 275 out of 827 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 234 out of 827 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 151 out of 827 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 82 out of 827 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 85 out of 827 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

4/10 Poor

Robert

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

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Travelled with family and small children
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
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

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
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
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

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Melvin

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
They never charged my original deposit from September, 2024....Their idea of an Indoor water park is absurd, nobody pays attention to their own rule that people under 16 should never be in the hot tub....Front Desk didn’t have a single roll of toilet paper when we ran out.....TV guide didn’t work fromremote, you had to flip throughall channelsto see what was on....I would never stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Ashok

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything is good except the utensils in our cabin
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Alexis

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Therese

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Casey

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I paid for a Birthday weekend getaway for my 7 year old. I paid for Early check in to waterpark and the was ready to have a wonderful birthday weekend. Got in the pool and the water temp was cold. My kids lips were blue in 20 mins and the temp outside the pool was just as cold. We ended up spending more money saturday at another place in Utica because nobody liked the temps Saturday morning either. I cant belive you would even advertise indoor waterpark. I could have gone to a Super 8 with a pool that would have control over the enviroment in the waterpark / pool area much cheaper.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

selamawit

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beds dove and belaket is too small and the housekeeping is not coming too clean and change towels we don't have a towel wash clothes and also the swimming washroom is very bad and the pool water is very very cold.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ok not great
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Aleksa

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The front desk seemed to have some confusion regarding the payment, as the reservation was made through a third party (Expedia). My card was charged twice. The resort could benefit from some renovations; many things appeared to be cheaply repaired, and the beds were uncomfortable. The pools looked unclean, with yellow and green discoloration on the floor; the artificial waves were not functioning, and the indoor pool area was generally not warm enough. It was a significant disappointment.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Gabriel

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The property was fine. People were nice. Not really diverse. Room was outdated and could use some freshing. Lots of stains and broken things in the room. This is off season. My kids still had a great time. Will have to return during regular season for a full review.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Jeaneth

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Good
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Amber

Bathrooms need updated
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautifully maintained property and waterpark. Customer service was excellent. Great value for a waterpark and hotel. Will visit again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Deb

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We stayed in villa. Kitchen floor was in very poor condition with the floor cracked - children kept catching their feet on it. Dryer did not work. TV on main floor did not work ans maintenance told us they were aware of that before we checked jn. All doors had gaps and had drafts. Sliding doors could not be proerly locked
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carla

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kid friendly, wished the water was more warmer
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Joey

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well number one hot tub did not work was told by death staff that have to just keep resetting GFI to get it to work when we needed that's not the way it should be 10:00 Friday night my bathroom smell like marijuana next morning could not get hot tub to work and mess with it for 20 minutes to get it to work told the staff about it went down and told him again my bathroom smell like marijuana second time staff at front desk was very rude then somehow shut my internet off to the room so I couldn't even watch TV then went to pool and some kids s*** in the pool and pissed in the hot tub couldn't enjoy anything for the weekend it was a stressful terrible weekend your staff was not very helpful except for the maintenance guy he was the only one that was helpful they lied to me so the manager was gone when she had been there all day long that was your front desk staff don't appreciate the way we treat it at all by your people very rude very condescending did not like it will probably never go back again which is sad supposed to be a Valentine's Day weekend getaway and it was just ruined by your staff and the deplorable conditions and we left a day early
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

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

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024