One-Night Stay for Four or Two-Night Stay for Six at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort in Starved Rock, IL
Similar deals
Stay in a lodge with an indoor water park and amusement park near white-pine and cedar forests
What You Get
- Option 1: $89 for a one-night stay for four in a family suite or family suite with balcony, valid for check-in Thursday (up to a $150 value)
- Option 2: $369 for a two-night stay for six in a vacation villa, valid for check-in Friday (up to a $620 value)
Book by: 12/7/12
Travel by: 1/31/13Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Rustic Lodge with Kid-Friendly Indoor Water Park and Playgrounds
Starved Rock State Park hugs the south bank of the Illinois River, less than two hours from Chicago. Waterfalls plunge into canyons and white-pine and cedar trees cling to sandstone bluffs at this woodsy retreat that attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Just across the street from the park stands Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort, a rustic lodge that pairs an outdoorsy atmosphere with a slew of family-friendly activities, including a water park, theme park, 18-hole mini-golf course, and 60-game arcade.
Located near the main lodge, the 24,000-square-foot Grand Bear Falls indoor water park features a lagoon-style wave pool, a water slide, and a lazy river for tubing. Fountains spray at a playground for youngsters, and an oversize jacuzzi offers a quiet oasis for grownups. At the Enchanted Forest indoor amusement park next door, you'll find nine thrilling rides, including a tilt-a-whirl and a free-fall plunge. After working up an appetite, head to Jack's Place for custom-made pizzas. Nearby, family suites are outfitted with rough-hewn wood furnishings as well as mini fridges and microwaves, and each two-story vacation villa has a full kitchen, fireplace, and full-size washer and dryer.
North Utica, Illinois: Scenic State Parks with Waterfalls and Cross-Country Skiing Trails
North Utica's star attraction is Starved Rock State Park, named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois in a 2007 poll. Among the park's 13 miles of hiking trails, the LaSalle Canyon path stands out, thanks to several delicate, veil-like waterfalls along the way.
For smaller crowds, try hiking through the lesser-known Matthiessen State Park, where deer congregate around salt-laden mineral springs. In December and January, you can rent skis at the park and explore 6 miles of cross-country skiing trails.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
Other Details
Room Details
Family Suite or Family Suite with Balcony
- Two queen beds and one sofa sleeper
- Standard occupancy: 4
- Maximum occupancy: 6
- Adding occupants above standard: $20 per night for each additional guest; no charge for children 2 or younger
Vacation Villa
- One king bed and two queen beds
- Standard occupancy: 6
- Maximum occupancy: 9
- Adding occupants above standard: $20 per night for each additional guest; no charge for children 2 or younger
Hotel Policies
- Check in: 4 p.m.
- Check out: 11 a.m.
- Resort fee includes: water-park access, amusement-park access, complimentary shuttle service, WiFi in the main lodge, parking, local calls
- Parking: included in resort fee
- Rollaways: not available
- Smoking policy: no smoking inside the property
- Pet policy: pets are not allowed inside the property.
- Accessibility: handicap-accessible rooms are not available.
- Room upgrades: not available
Amenities
- Indoor water park and theme park
- Adults-only jacuzzi area
- Restaurant, café, and candy shop
- Onsite arcade
- Free parking
- Free WiFi in main lodge
Traveler's Tips
- The indoor amusement park and mini-golf course both sell tickets to the public, but the water park is reserved for resort guests only.
Getting There
- By plane: about 70 miles from General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA); about 90 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW)
- By car: about 95 miles southwest of Chicago