This vacation home places you within a 10-minute drive of Mix's Trading Post and LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a refrigerator.
August Hill Winery Tasting Room - 10 min drive - 5.5 miles
Matthiessen State Park - 13 min drive - 6.4 miles
Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 13 min drive - 5.9 miles
Starved Rock State Park - 20 min drive - 11.1 miles
Buffalo Rock State Park - 22 min drive - 12.6 miles
Getting around
Mendota Station - 32 min drive
Restaurants
Casey's General Store - 11 min drive
Casa-Mia Lounge & Restaurant - 7 min drive
Back Door Lounge - 15 min drive
McDonald's - 13 min drive
Muffy's - 10 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Starved Rock Retreat - Private, Gated Entrance, 5 min from State Parks!
Private, gated entrance, firepit, large soaking tub, bar, dining room table for 10, fireplace, large screened in patio, water views, 21ft ceilings, open floor plan, queen size bunks for kids or adults! Centrally located within the best spots of the Illinois Valley.
5 minutes from Starved Rock! Easy access to: ---1 mile to Buffalo Rock State Park. ---1 mile to a I&M Canal Trail entrance. ---4.9 miles to Downtown Utica. ---5.3 miles to Downtown Ottawa. ---5.9 miles to Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center. ---7.4 miles to Matthiessen State Park.
Perfect as an escape for 2, for a family with children, or for large groups. Large windows with beautiful views of nature.
You will have privacy. The entrance is gated and the house is surrounded by many acres of our own land. Our hope is that you can not only unplug and unwind but also make memories that will last a lifetime.
Guests always comment on and love the 21 ft. ceilings, open floor plan, and cleanliness. The sunsets are beautiful and can be seen directly from the sunroom behind the house. They are one of our favorite things about the property.
We are happy to be as involved or uninvolved in your stay as you wish. We pride ourselves in quick response times. Our goal is to make your stay a 5 STAR experience. We can meet you for check-in if desired.
*** We have multiple places to park large campers, motor homes, or trailers.
Guests have access to the entire house and surrounding area including the fire pit and small lakes behind the house. Feel free to take a peaceful walk down the drive that stretches behind the house. Fishing is great!! You can bring fishing gear or canoes. You can swim. We require anyone in the water to wear a life jacket. We do not supply life jackets, please bring your own.
Fun facts: ---Our property used to be owned by a mining company. The lakes and ponds at Starved Rock Retreat used to be mines. They filled in with natural spring water and are still spring fed to this day. The fishing is great! ---The tall wooden front doors are from a church in Brazil. They were picked out and flown in by the original owner who built this home. ---The blue ceiling in the sunroom is a specific color called haint blue. The original owner picked this color as it is said to protect the home.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker. Change of towels is available on request.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
5 steps to reach entrance
Gravel flooring in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No elevator
Single level property
Smooth flooring in public areas
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Change of bedsheets (on request)
Change of towels on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a hospital
Near the marina
On a lake
Things to do
Kayak
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Bed sheets changed on request
Double-glazed windows
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Towels (changed on request)
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
2 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Note from host: We have coloring books, board games, kids books.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
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.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as 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.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Ottawa, close to Starved Rock State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. You'll also find August Hill Winery Tasting Room and LaSalle County Historical Society & Museum within a short drive.
Is parking available on site at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.
Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Starved Rock Retreat - Private, Gated Entrance, 5 min from State Parks!?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside vacation home include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Does Starved Rock Retreat - Private, Gated Entrance, 5 min from State Parks! have a hot tub?
No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
Can I book a room with a balcony at Starved Rock Retreat - Private, Gated Entrance, 5 min from State Parks!?
Yes, every accommodation at Starved Rock Retreat - Private, Gated Entrance, 5 min from State Parks! comes with a porch with some featuring water views.
Starved Rock Retreat - Private, Gated Entrance, 5 min from State Parks! Reviews
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 7 reviews
10 - Excellent
6
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 7 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Corey B.
Jul 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Tremendous Experience
We had 11 guys for my sons bachelor party and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. PLENTY of room and the location was great. Highly recommend!
Corey B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Maggie Z.
Jul 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous property and home. Sparkling clean, everything from the grounds to the counters to the linens. They have really invested a lot into the maintenance and luxury of this VRBO yet somehow it still feels like a place where you are encouraged to unwind and relax. The owners were responsive and accommodating. The rental is priced fair for the area. You are close to what you need but it’s set far back and on a private lot against the water so you feel like you are in the cozy woods. We had a blast tubing down the river at Ayer’s Landing on Saturday. The owners and workers were great and made it an easy experience. Only 35 for an entire day relaxing on the water! The local areas are super cute with great food. I recommend The Lone Buffalo in downtown Ottawa for delicious food and friendly service. Bruce & Ollie’s in Utica is perfect for coffee or ice cream. Their patio is dog-friendly! We were at this VRBO all weekend and have zero complaints.
Maggie Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carly S.
Jul 5, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful retreat
Amazing vacation retreat! The owners did not miss a single thing down to the littlest detail. The house is beautiful and stocked with all of the amenities.The property is out of this world. You can explore for days and keep finding something new.
Carly S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
LONNIE P.
Jun 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing.
The property was so amazing me and my friends and family had a great time. The host are great people. We will be going back again.
LONNIE P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Daniel H.
Jun 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing all the way around
We had 13 women for a fitness retreat and everything was amazing. From all my questions answered right away to the welcome basket and everything provided that you can possibly think of, this place was perfect. The beds were super comfortable, the porch was the perfect coffee spot, the kitchen was stocked and everything was clean, roomy and welcoming. We hiked, kayaked and ate and drank by the river. Would come back for sure! Great hosts
Daniel H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Garret J.
Jun 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary Celebration
Spectacular Space - Highly Recommend for a Nature filled get away.