Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

2643 North Il Rte 178, Utica, IL 61373 United States (USA) near Exit 57 on I-39 (~3.5mi)
View Map Reservations: 1-800-219-2797
3 Star Property
41.3149247-89.0102612
+1-800-219-2797
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Average
3.5/5

Based on 1877 guest reviews

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  • Includes an indoor pool
  • 92 rooms in property
  • 3 floors in property
  • Check-in: 4:00om
  • Check-out: 11:00am
  • Group booking rating of 10.0/10
  • 7 conference rooms in property

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Standard prices by room type for the next 60 days

Rates shown are nightly rates before taxes and do not necessarily reflect all discounts available. The chart provides the cheapest public rates available by room type.

Local Attractions

Located across the street from Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois, Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort is surrounded by the natural beauty and adventure of the Starved Rock Area - rich in history and bursting with fun things to do. Our 24, 000 square foot waterpark, huge arcade and 18-hole mini golf course gives every member of the family something to do during their stay. Enjoy hiking through the Starved Rock State Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the Midwest, and explore sandstone canyons, waterfalls and miles of hiking trails. Enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, boating and fishing on the Illinois River and I&M Canal Waterway, and tee off on the pristine fairways of Senica's Oak Ridge Golf Club and just minutes away from Matthiesen State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park. Grizzly Jack's is minutes from charming wineries and exciting adventures like horseback riding, sky diving and auto racing.

Verified Reviews of Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Better than expected. with issues."
Overall Score4.0/ 5
Took the grandkids here for a weekend. Was concerned they might be disappointed since we always go to the Wolf in Illinois or Wisconsin. Turns out they LOVED IT. Similar to the Wolf on a smaller scale, but had smaller crowds too. Fewer food choices but the staff were GREAT! On the down side, the full water park isn't open the entire time. mostly the lazy river. It may be a staffing issue, but for the cost, the park should be fully open during the day and night. Also everything closes at 9. Water park I understand but the arcade and ice cream shop should be open late at least on weekends. Wish the wrist bands had the chips in them to unlock the doors so you don't need to carry your room key. And strangely, they DO NOT ALLOW CHARGES TO THE ROOM from gift shop or restaurant. Prices are deceiving. run prices around $150 200 a night but during the checkout on line process, smiths $300 WAS ADDED TO THE BILL! Not sure what this was but IT NEED TO BE MORE UP FRONT! Overall a good experience for the five and 15 year old grandkids. Please address some of the issues though to get your 5th star.
(Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from US flag
26-Mar-2025 Verified Review, stayed from Fri Mar 21 to Sun Mar 23 2025 at a $236.50 average nightly rate.
3.5 out of 5. Based on 1877 guest reviews

Property Description

Nestled in the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park, discover a magical family getaway just behind the glow of Chicago. This escape from the lights of the big city to a place where nature meets fun! Our resort features a 24,000 square foot indoor waterpark, thrilling arcade, on-site dining facilities, spacious meeting rooms and a grand ballroom! Enjoy and unwind in our Lodge Suites, Vacation Villas or Luxury Cabins! We offer a full-service sales team and professional catering/banquet department to guarantee the success of your event. This family resort is perfect for family reunions, corporate retreats, youth gatherings, destination weddings and conferences.

Details / Other Expenses

Check In: 4:00om
Check Out: 11:00am
Year of Last Renovation: 2021
Floors: 3
Rooms: 92
Non Smoking Rooms: 92
Handicap Rooms: 3
Room Windows: Windows Do Open
Cleaning Frequency: Daily
Meeting Rooms: 7 View Spaces
Meeting Space: 13260 sq. feet
Banquet Space: Holds 494 people
Dist. to Food/Bars: On-site
Dist. to Nearest Gym: On-site
Lounge/Bar Hours: 5pm-11pm
Pool Info:
Our 24,000 square foot waterpark has something for every member of the family to enjoy! Home to amenities such as a grand wave pool, lazy river, 15-person spa tub, toddler swim area and tube slides, Grand Bear Falls is the place to be for fun with your family!
Ownership: Receiver - American Resort Management
Policies / Expenses
Cancellation:
All reservations canceled prior to 3 days (72 hours) of their arrival day will forfeit $25 (plus taxes) of the initial deposit. All reservations canceled within 3 days of arrival will forfeit the entire initial deposit of the first night's room rate+tax
Nightly Parking: $0
Total Taxes: 11.00%
Total Misc Fees: $0.00 USD
(mandatory resort fees/taxes)

Amenities / Features


  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • ATM
  • Bus parking
  • Central location
  • Conference facilities
  • Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
  • Elevator
  • Games room
  • Hair dresser
  • Handicap accessible
  • Ice Maker
  • Internet - wireless
  • Free WiFi Internet
  • 24 hours opened
  • Private bathroom in room
  • Refrigerator
  • Swimming pool - indoor
  • Telephone in all rooms
  • Television

Breakfast Information

Our Grand Breakfast Buffet serves up all things fresh including 5 hot items, fresh fruit and impeccable service. Serving at 8:00 and going until 10:45am!

Pet Friendly?

Service animals complying with ADA Title lll regulations are allowed.

Sorry, pets are not allowed.

Parking Info

This resort holds complimentary on-site parking.

Internet / WiFI

Our resort offer complimentary Wi-Fi for all of our guests during their visit!

Suggested AI Generated Itinerary

    Day 1

  • Breakfast: Cajun Connection - Start your day with a hearty Cajun breakfast at this local favorite. Located 2.3 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Lunch: B.A.S.H. - Indulge in gourmet burgers and hand-cut fries at this popular burger joint. Located 3.7 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Dinner: The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company - Enjoy delicious craft beer and farm-to-table cuisine in a rustic setting. Located 1.5 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Activity: Starved Rock State Park - Explore the stunning canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails of this scenic park. Located 0.5 miles from Grand Bear Resort.

    • Day 2

  • Breakfast: The Rootbeer Stand - Start your day with a classic American breakfast at this nostalgic drive-in restaurant. Located 4.2 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Lunch: Uptown Grill - Delight in a diverse menu featuring American and international cuisine at this popular local eatery. Located 5.1 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Dinner: August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. - Savor award-winning wines and enjoy a relaxing dinner at this picturesque winery. Located 2.8 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Activity: Matthiessen State Park - Discover the beautiful canyons, waterfalls, and unique rock formations of this scenic park. Located 3.9 miles from Grand Bear Resort.

    • Day 3

  • Breakfast: The Pink Chihuahua - Start your day with a Mexican-inspired breakfast at this vibrant and eclectic restaurant. Located 2.6 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Lunch: Burgoo - Experience a taste of local cuisine with their famous stew and other comfort food dishes. Located 4.3 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Dinner: Starved Rock Lodge Dining Room - Enjoy a delicious meal with panoramic views of the Illinois River at this historic lodge. Located 0.7 miles from Grand Bear Resort.
  • Activity: Illinois Waterway Visitor Center - Learn about the history and ecology of the Illinois River at this educational visitor center. Located 1.2 miles from Grand Bear Resort.

Previously known as:
Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort

Meeting Rooms and Banquet Rooms at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Below are the meeting, banquet, conference and event spaces at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock.

Feel free to use the Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock meeting space capacities chart below to help in your event planning. Hotel Planner specializes in Utica event planning for sleeping rooms and meeting space for corporate events, weddings, parties, conventions, negotiated rates and trade shows.

Meeting Room Name L x W x H
(Feet)		 Size
(sqft.)		 Banquet
5'/6'
Banquet Space Layout		 Crescent
Crescent Tables Layout		 Classroom
Classroom Meeting Layout		 Hollow
Square
Hollow Square Table Layout		 U-Shape
U Shape Meeting Layout		 Boardroom
Boardroom Meeting Space		 Convention
8'/10'
Convention Booth Layout		 Theater
Theater Layout		 Reception
Reception Desk for Meeting		 Regist.
Desk
Registration Desk for Meeting
Grand Ballroom 135 x 44 x 14 5940494/480346270143170--37/30660340--
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Grand Ballroom

Room Type:
Ballroom
Total Size:
5940 Sq. Mi
Dimensions:
135 x 44 x 14 Ft.
Floor Level:
Ground Level
Natural Light?:
No
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • WIFI Internet
  • Podium
  • Microphone
  • White Board
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
  • Sound System
Full Day Rental:
$1000.00 USD
Photo of Grand Ballroom
LaSalle Room 40 x 50 x 14 2000184/184116834857--13/10222100--
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LaSalle Room

Room Type:
Ballroom
Total Size:
2000 Sq. Mi
Dimensions:
40 x 50 x 14 Ft.
Floor Level:
Ground Level
Natural Light?:
Yes
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • WIFI Internet
  • Podium
  • Microphone
  • Teleconferencing
  • White Board
  • Video Conference
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
  • Sound System
Full Day Rental:
$250.00 USD
Marquette Room 40 x 50 x 14 2000166/166116834857--13/10222100--
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Marquette Room

Room Type:
Ballroom
Total Size:
2000 Sq. Mi
Dimensions:
40 x 50 x 14 Ft.
Floor Level:
Ground Level
Natural Light?:
No
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • WIFI Internet
  • Podium
  • Microphone
  • Teleconferencing
  • White Board
  • Video Conference
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
  • Sound System
Full Day Rental:
$250.00 USD
Photo of Marquette Room
Joliet Room 40 x 50 x 14 2000166/166116834857--13/10222100--
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Joliet Room

Room Type:
Ballroom
Total Size:
2000 Sq. Mi
Dimensions:
40 x 50 x 14 Ft.
Floor Level:
Ground Level
Natural Light?:
No
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • WIFI Internet
  • Podium
  • Microphone
  • Teleconferencing
  • White Board
  • Video Conference
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
  • Sound System
Full Day Rental:
$250.00 USD
Canyon Cliff 15 x 28 x 8 42024/20181610--15--/--45----
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Canyon Cliff

Room Type:
General Meeting Room
Total Size:
420 Sq. Mi
Dimensions:
15 x 28 x 8 Ft.
Floor Level:
2
Windows:
3
Natural Light?:
No
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • WIFI Internet
  • Teleconferencing
  • White Board
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
Full Day Rental:
$100.00 USD
Photo of Canyon Cliff
Sandstone Bluff 15 x 28 x 8 42024/20--16--1215--/--45----
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Sandstone Bluff

Room Type:
General Meeting Room
Total Size:
420 Sq. Mi
Dimensions:
15 x 28 x 8 Ft.
Floor Level:
2
Windows:
2
Natural Light?:
Yes
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • WIFI Internet
  • White Board
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
Full Day Rental:
$100.00 USD
Photo of Sandstone Bluff
Cascade Falls 32 x 15 x 8 48024/20--20----15--/--55----
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Cascade Falls

Room Type:
General Meeting Room
Total Size:
480 Sq. Mi
Dimensions:
32 x 15 x 8 Ft.
Floor Level:
2
Windows:
2
Natural Light?:
Yes
Obstructions?
No
Built In Screens?
No
Built In Stage?
No
Built In A/V?
No
Amenities Available
  • Coffee/Tea Setup
  • Food/Beverage
  • Projection Equip.
  • WIFI Internet
  • White Board
  • Flip Chart
  • Air Conditioning
  • Simultaneous Interpretation
Full Day Rental:
$100.00 USD
Photo of Cascade Falls
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FAQs about Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

What time is check in?

Check in time is 4:00om based on the hotel's local time. Early check in may be available if requested at the front desk on the day of check-in.

What time is check out?

Check out time is 11:00am based on the hotel's local time. Late check out may be available if requested at the front desk during your stay.

How many rooms does Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock have?

There are 92 rooms in the property.

Is there any meeting space at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, they have 7 meeting rooms that can support various table layouts.

What kind of breakfast is at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Our Grand Breakfast Buffet serves up all things fresh including 5 hot items, fresh fruit and impeccable service. Serving at 8:00 and going until 10:45am!

What parking is available at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

This resort holds complimentary on-site parking.

How much does internet cost?

Our resort offer complimentary Wi-Fi for all of our guests during their visit!

Is there a pool at Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock?

Yes, there is a pool on-site at the property. Our 24,000 square foot waterpark has something for every member of the family to enjoy! Home to amenities such as a grand wave pool, lazy river, 15-person spa tub, toddler swim area and tube slides, Grand Bear Falls is the place to be for fun with your family!.

Testimonials:

Testimonials icon
"Everything went very well. The accommodations were great; the manager was very friendly and helpful, especially on short notice. I will certainly look to your service again when the need arises. Thank you." D.L. - Lebanon, PA

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