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Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Front of property
Breakfast and dinner served, American cuisine
Golf
Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Living area | 42-inch TV with cable channels
Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
$112
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5

Explore the area

View in a map
2643 IL-178, Utica, IL, 61373
  • Place, Starved Rock State Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Matthiessen State Park
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
    ‪1 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)
  • 400 sq ft
  • 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)
  • 1800 sq ft
  • 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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 2799 sq ft
  • 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

  • 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

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite

  • 500 sq ft
  • 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 | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room, Multiple Beds

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3-star Utica hotel walkable to Starved Rock State Park
This smoke-free hotel features free water park access, an indoor pool, and a restaurant. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include 2 bars/lounges, a 24-hour fitness center, and a lazy river.
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offers 92 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access.

An indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a complimentary water park, a lazy river, and a 24-hour fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

In addition to a complimentary water park, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock features a lazy river and a waterslide. The hotel offers a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's 2 bars/lounges. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access.

This family-friendly hotel also offers an indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub. Complimentary self parking is available on site.

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock is a smoke-free property.

Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekends.
Jack's Place - This family restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves breakfast and dinner.
Treetops Cafe - This café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily.
J.H. Higby's - Onsite bar. Open select days.
Bear Island - This bar overlooks the garden. Open select days.

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

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

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 333 out of 990 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 262 out of 990 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 190 out of 990 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 102 out of 990 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 103 out of 990 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mariana

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really liked how spacious it was, the large windows, the beds were very comfortable, and above all, it was very quiet. It was an excellent place to relax. I just think some details need to be checked regarding cleaning. For example, the refrigerator and the dining room window didn't have a blind that could be closed for more privacy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Noe

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
bad service on from desk and restaurant so bad service .
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Matt

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was once a great hotel property. There are so many negative post that I will be posting more positive things. Yes other hotels like Great Wolf is slightly nicer but more expensive. The hotel for families with younger children is perfect. The kids love the Waterpark. The new bar is nice with hot gambling machines. Outside the putt putt golf is fun for the whole family and Bear Island is an adult favorite. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Great place to relax for the most part.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

brenda s

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
The villa we stayed in was not stocked with the amount of dishes for the # of people. Silverware, cups, etc. Also they need to update their website as it still shows the Jacks amusement area still open and apparently it's been closed for lots of years. Some employees were not very helpful but a few went above and beyond so thank you for those few. I believe #1 guy was Nick he was awesome! And then a waitress at the restaurant was very good. Sorry, I don't remember her name. The restaurant on site also needs to update info. on website for sure, over priced for the quality of food. I don't mind paying for it if it's good but $12.00 for kids grilled cheese. Water park was nice and lifeguards do a great job!! Overall just needs to tweak a few areas. Not terrible. My grandkids had fun. But not 5 stars. 16 years ago it was 5 stars
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jose

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deysi

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it great for all families
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness
Things are really worn out and need updated. Just a mid experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Janie, Clarksville

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
My family and I stayed at this property from Monday to Friday. This type of place best serves families with small children. A weekend getaway at the most. I had my two 15yr old grandsons with me and the thrill was gone after a hour. The property overall was clean, I enjoyed the hot tub.in our room. The beds were comfortable. We had plenty of space it was six of us all together. We had a good time but we do not have small children we will not be coming back. The place is beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jamie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We loved the waterpark but were disappointed that some of it wasn't working. Loved that the hot tub was HOT. The breakfast buffet was expensive and not great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is older but clean and in good condition. The main building of the resort houses the water park, cafe’, bar and restaurant and the ‘hotel’ style rooms. The room we had was upstairs and over looked what was a volleyball court. This looked like it needed some work or grass laid around the court- there was a lot of gravel and not very appealing. The food in the restaurant was fair but not what the photos around the resort showed. The bar’s version of tapas was not what I would call tapas. The menu was small and varied from toasted raviolis (6 pieces) to southwestern egg rolls - which we did not get. The bed was comfortable and actually a queen sized bed! The staff at check-in weren’t ’overly friendly’. The younger guy in the morning at the cafe was about the only person with a personality. The resort location is close to the state parks. The small town of Utica was quaint and the ‘downtown’ area had outdoor seating. The resort is close to Ottawa to the east and LaSalle and Peru to the west. I would stay again but probably go off property for food.
Lobby
Hallway lights
Hall near banquet rooms and to restaurant.
Wall in hall by banquet rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Deb

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Yi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good: cleanness, close to the park Bad: water is smelly
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

OK for the price

It was clean but there were things that could have made the stay better. The vinyl flooring was cracked so we kept stubbing our toes and tripping. There weren’t enough kitchen items such as big bowls for popcorn or mixing things such as a salad. The hot water didn’t get hot enough and the faucets sprayed your body when turned on. The water park is definitely for little kids, not much to do for older kids. As a parent of 13 year olds and up I was not happy with how the younger kids were acting and nobody disciplining them. Parents let them just rip through the lazy river ramming into anyone in their way and splashing & yelling the whole time. It’s not a bad place for the price but could use some repairs and parents who parent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Penny

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Near to hiking trails
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Melanie, Woodstock

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay close to our favorite hiking destinations. Our young kids loved the pool. The restaurant was convenient but the food wasn’t the best. Excellent service by all staff members we encountered!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

jose

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for families
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Christopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Pretty run down hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

diana

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I checked in july 16th and the lady in the front desk was rude and not professional at all!! Very disappointed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I took my grandkids and they had a blast. The hotel was just what we were looking for. Super family friendly. We had a great time. The life gaurds on duty were spot on. It was great too see so many of them with their eyes everywhere. It gave me a great peace of mind knowing they were ready to jump into action at any time. My grands couldn't get enough of the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isely

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool area was perfect for my small children
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right next to the state parks. Great property
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Jessica, Round Lake Beach

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Key cards didnt work after going to front desk 3x upon check in. Battery died in door. Took maintenance over an hour to fix. Manager had no sense of urgency and only texted maintenance to actually come. Dirty curtains - brown and black stains on the window side of them. Paid extra for patio. No patio chairs and the view was rubble/rocks in the back of the building. Waterpark left a lot to be desired. Floor of locker room always wet and slick. 2 days in a row someones wrist band was in same spot near kiddie pool rock so no one cleans. Found a few different hair accessories randomly in the water. Not much to do overall in waterpark and mostly all too shallow to do much. Arcade game ate our money and air hockey table had to be wacked by worker to evem drop the puck. Food at Jack's was awful and overpriced. Very limited menu. Internet worked only half the time and being on the lower level we had bad reception even with ATT and Verizon. Beds were comfy. Shower water pressure was weak and turning the nozzle didnt help the stream. Tv kept turning on multiple times after turning it off for the night. I reached out to hotel via email and facebook. They said that id hear from operations but also id have to re-explain everything. Goodie. Booked on expedia to do a partial deposit and pah remainer at check in. Deposit never came out. Chatted with expedia and they said talk to Grand Bear. I call Grand Bear and they say talk to Expedia. People were loud at night. Just no
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025