Our experience staying at this family-friendly resort with kids.
Located just outside of Starved Rock State Park, in North Utica, Illinois, is this AMAZING resort- Grand Bear.
It's a hotel with a log cabin feel, waterpark, arcade, and restaurants all on-site!
If you don't want to stay in the hotel itself, they also have cabins on the resort to rent.
The Trails
Since we moved to Northern Illinois about three years ago, we've been meaning to check out the Starved Rock State Park area. I have always loved hiking and pictures of the trails and canyons of this park looked awesome. I had to check it out in person.
There are over a dozen canyons, waterfalls, and trails at Starved Rock State Park to check out! While you're not climbing mountains, the terrain does vary from dirt to mud, to slippery rocks. Only the immediate area around the Visitor's Center had paved sidewalks. Please make sure everyone is wearing adequate shoes that protect the feet. And yes, there may be times your feet might get wet. But the views are so worth it!
With that said, this hike is NOT stroller friendly. Our six-year-old managed the trails well. But my husband baby wore our toddler with a hiking carrier on his back, and I baby wore our one-year-old. There's no other way to get around this park to view the waterfalls and canyons with babies unless you wear them.
This state park was directly across the street and adjacent to the Grand Bear Resort and we came prepared with baby carriers. But if you do find yourself visiting the area and want to check out some waterfalls, but are a little more underprepared, I've been told Matthiessen State Park is a little more toddler friendly. But don't quote me yet as we ran out of time this trip and weren't able to check it out. Matthiessen State Park is very close to Starved Rock State Park. Just slightly south of it, off 187.
This getaway was about 2.5 hours from where we currently live. While we could have made a day trip of it, going for a weekend (and not feeling like we were on a time constraint) seemed like the better option. Especially with three little kids.
So the perfect opportunity for a weekend trip presented itself when my youngest turned one this past May. Being the beginning of summer allowed us to not have to worry about the possibility of snow. So we packed accordingly and booked our two-night stay.
More on the Resort
A two-night stay is a minimum reservation required for this resort. At first, I wondered why. But after spending the weekend there, I completely understand. The waterpark is included in the stay. And so is access to their arcade, mini-golf, outside bar, cafe, restaurant, fire pit, playground, and volleyball courts!
So much is included with your stay that one night would clearly not be enough to enjoy all they have to offer.
Some nights they even have a kid-friendly movie playing in their loft area. Snacks and crafts are also included!
You get all this, along with their incredibly friendly staff. They were all hospitable, from the moment we arrived till check-out.
(Image from grandbearresort.com)
Indoor Waterpark
The indoor Waterpark featured a beach-graded ramp, wave pool, lazy river, hot tubs, splash pad/water playground ("Ranger Station"), a baby pool, multiple toddler-friendly slides, and two large water slides. One of the large water slides was even single-rider tube friendly.
All of our kids loved all the slides they went on- especially the big, wide yellow one. But I think all of us as a family had the most fun together in the lazy river. At one point, all five of us were linked up to each other's tubes and floated around until the babies were almost ready for sleep. It was fun and relaxing all at the same time.
Our kids are six, two, and one. While they had an amazing time, this family-friendly resort didn't feel like it would be the most thrilling if you had teenagers. They might still enjoy themselves, but it's just not as big as some other larger indoor waterparks. By comparison, it's probably about half the size of Great Wolf Lodge.
I will say though, we had a blast and made great memories. And although it might not be as large as other indoor waterpark resorts, cost-wise it was way more affordable!
If you have a kid that needs a life jacket, please come equipped. None were available when we went. Not sure if that has always been the case, or if they were still just taking precautions because we were on the tail-end of the pandemic.
I was worried that lifejackets would hinder my kids from going on things because I know, having been a lifeguard in the past, kids with lifejackets sometimes can't ride certain features. But nope. They were able to do everything they wanted, except for the two very large tube slides. Which is totally obvious and understandable!
While we did have to pack the lifejackets, we didn't have to worry about towels. They had stacks upon stacks available just prior to entering the locker rooms to access the waterpark.
Pack Snacks
Although they had various eating options on-site (and even close by in Downtown North Utica), we brought ample snacks and breakfast items. Breakfast was not included. And while the food there was delicious, it felt a little priced up.
Overall, I still can't complain. So much was included and at a fraction of what some other indoor waterpark resorts might charge.
Annual Trip?!
We highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back! The moment we left, the kids were already asking when we would go back. Three months later they are still asking. I'm starting to ask myself that, too- haha! We are playing with the thought of making it a yearly thing for either a birthday celebration again, or a holiday.
To book your adventure, head on over to their website at grandbearresort.com.
If you've been, I'd love to hear about your stay. Feel free to share by commenting below!
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