Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

3.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with a free water park, 4-minute walk to Starved Rock State Park

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Indoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, lifeguards on site
Terrace/patio
Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Living area | 42-inch TV with cable channels
Breakfast and dinner served, American cuisine
Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

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
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Mix's Trading Post
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

7.8 out of 10
Good
(48 reviews)
  • 400 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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

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

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Hot Tub

7.0 out of 10
Good
(13 reviews)
  • 400 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite

  • Hill view
  • 500 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Family Room, Multiple Beds

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

About the neighborhood

Utica

Starved Rock State Park is within a 5-minute walk of Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock while other popular sites like Matthiessen State Park are within a 15-minute stroll. This 92-room, 3-star hotel has conveniences like a free water park, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour gym.

What's nearby

  • Starved Rock State Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Matthiessen State Park - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 1 min drive - 0.0 miles
  • Mix's Trading Post - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Buffalo Rock State Park - 10 min drive - 7.2 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
  • ‪Back Door Lounge - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Club - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Family-friendly hotel with a free water park, 4-minute walk to Starved Rock State Park
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock features a free water park, an indoor pool, and a lazy river. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has staff always at the ready. Other amenities at this golf hotel include a children's pool, a 24-hour gym, and free WiFi in public areas.
42-inch TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Sitting areas, coffee makers, and hair dryers are also available.
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.

Similar properties

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 500 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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, 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • Some facilities may be restricted. For more details, contact the property. Contact information can be found on your booking confirmation.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

As of Feb 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock on Feb 16, 2026 start from $112.49, excluding 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.

What is there to do near Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

This hotel is located in Utica and just steps from Starved Rock State Park and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. You'll also find Matthiessen State Park and August Hill Winery Tasting Room within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock include a casino at the property?

No, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool along with a hot tub. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

Is Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including an indoor pool and 2 bars plus some guestrooms feature fireplaces.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock have a hot tub?

Yes, guests can enjoy a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock serves buffet breakfast for a surcharge on weekend mornings at Jack's Place.

Will Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock.

Are there connecting rooms at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, some guestrooms at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock offer a balcony and may feature hill views.

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock Reviews

Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 348 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 248 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 192 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 104 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 110 out of 1002 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Christina, Indianapolis

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rene

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

10/10 Excellent

Jo Ann

Traveled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Lakisha

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Rooms was okay staff was really rude
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Nina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
We went for the water park. We had about 2 hours in the morning to spend there and the majority of the pool was closed due to a filter issue.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Janet

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
The staff at the Grand Bear Resort informed me that the water park, fitness center and bar/restaurant services were closed until the weekend. This was not disclosed on your website! She also informed me that the cost of the room was $92 that evening however I paid $121 via your website service. I found all of this unacceptable. I am extremely unhappy and would appreciate a refund for the difference. There also should be an update in your website regarding so others do not fall prey to this unfortunate issue. Respectfully, Janet Bush
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Linda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Staff they weren’t available to give me my 2 box of breakfast. On top of that the staff accused me of lieing when I tried to dispute it!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Byron

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Caitilin

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
EVERYTHING WAS WRONG, would like a refund. This place shouldn’t be open in the “off season” Staff was completely unhelpful. Person checking us in was paying more attention to the football game and his friend than checking us in. Later in the day, we forgot our room keys and went to the front desk to ask for a key- the person there didn’t even ask my name or for an ID, just gave us a room key (hi, major security issue there). Only one place to get food and I’ve never had a worse meal in my life- we were the only people in the restaurant and it took close to an hour for our food. The food was basically inedible (rotten lettuce, rock hard pita bread, chicken so salty I couldn’t eat it), mushy French fries, some weird mystery substance on my husbands burger, every drink we tried to order was “sold out”, food made my child double over in pain. Water in the water park was frigid. Tried to get coffee in the morning (no on site breakfast in the “off season”) and the coffee dispensers didn’t have pumps to get the coffee out so my husband was told to just try pouring from the coffee urn into a cup which spilled all over. Thin sheets for blankets. The absolute worst. Close the place down in the off season if you’re going to treat people like this.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Ronald

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Trina

Traveled with partner
Room was nice but the restaurant didn’t have the food on the menu had to leave and go out for dinner. Went to breakfast next morning and it wasn’t ready because of staff issues once again left and went out for breakfast elsewhere. Bar was closed in a Saturday because of staff issue. Movie night was also cancelled. We were so disappointed with staff not seeming to care about our complaints. Would not recommend this hotel/resort at all !!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

DEBORAH, merrillville

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jenni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The check in desk was very nice . The room was nice and spacious but the bathroom was very small. The tv was small and had a very limited selection with no ability to stream any apps on the tv. The restaurant, jacks place had an extremely limited menu and the quality was lacking. The food was fresh but flavorless and bland
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shatish

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was good but the some of the electrical plugs didn’t work
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

MONIKA

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Heat in the room didn’t work. and keys to the room didn’t work.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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

6/10 Okay

Megan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I loved that there was an arcade and mini golf. Most hotels is just standard and boring
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Giuseppe

Disliked: Staff & service
I had originally booked for indoor water park and arcade to find out at arrival everything was closed until the weekend. The manager provided terrible service, didn’t want to provide me with my check out paperwork stating how much I was charged.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Leland

Disliked: Staff & service
There was no pool access that was only for certain days and there was no breakfast amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Dale

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jim, Holland

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Restaurants closed, pool closed, no coffee in a.m. as advertised, hair dryer didn’t work, bathroom door didn’t close tight or stay open when opened, poor quality tv, no hotel information in room, staff seemed indifferent to concerns
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025