Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Family-friendly hotel with free water park access and bars

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

November 2025

December 2025

Breakfast and dinner served, American cuisine

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

Luxury Cabin, 3 Bedrooms | Living area | 42-inch TV with cable channels

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Suite with Balcony, 2 Queen Beds with Sofa Bed

Good

400 sq ft
Sleeps 6
2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Villa, 2 Bedrooms

Good

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

Exceptional

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

Sleeps 6
2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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

Family Room, Multiple Beds

Exceptional

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 - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 1 min drive - 0.0 miles
August Hill Winery Tasting Room - 5 min drive - 2.6 miles
LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum - 5 min drive - 2.6 miles

Getting around

Mendota Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

‪Casey's General Store - ‬6 min drive
‪Garzanelli's - ‬8 min drive
‪The Rootbeer Stand - ‬9 min drive
‪Cortileno’s - ‬7 min drive
‪Casey's - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Family-friendly hotel with free water park access and bars

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

Pool
Breakfast included
Pet friendly
Parking included

$99 nightly

Nov 21 - Nov 22

Total with taxes and fees

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

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

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

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 Nov 1, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock on Nov 2, 2025 start from $101.49, 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.

Will I be able to park 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.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

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

Are there hot tubs at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, this hotel has a spa tub.

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.

Does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony 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

7.4

Good

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

annabell

Traveled with family

Aug 26, 2025

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

Very nice and friendly staff.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

brenda s

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family

Aug 3, 2025

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

Aug 2, 2025

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

Aug 2, 2025

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

Aug 2, 2025

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

Aug 2, 2025

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

Aug 1, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities

Great stay

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jamie

Traveled with family

Aug 1, 2025

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

Jul 30, 2025

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.

Hall near banquet rooms and to restaurant.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Deb

Traveled with family

Jul 30, 2025

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Yi

Traveled with family

Jul 28, 2025

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

Jul 27, 2025

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

Jul 26, 2025

Disliked: Amenities

Near to hiking trails

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Melanie, Woodstock

Traveled with family and small children

Jul 26, 2025

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

Jul 24, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamasha

Jul 24, 2025

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

Perfect for families

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Christopher

Traveled with family

Jul 22, 2025

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

Jul 19, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

diana

Traveled with family

Jul 18, 2025

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

Jul 18, 2025

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

Jul 18, 2025

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

Jul 18, 2025

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

Jul 17, 2025

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

4/10 Poor

Douglas

Traveled with family

Jul 16, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Room was well worn and not clean. Internet service was not available in the room. I had to leave the room and go to the lobby to do any simple work or send receive files. It was not a good experience.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025