Hotel at a Glance: Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort

For a family getaway from Chicago, the Quad Cities, or Central Illinois, few spots are more alluring than scenic Starved Rock State Park in central Illinois, a year-round hiking destination beloved for its sandstone canyons. To enhance the trip, consider a stay at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort. Located less than two miles from the state park, Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort draws couples, families, and large groups for its indoor water park.

• Where you’ll stay: Guest suites have a northwoods vibe and also provide the comforts of home, including cable TV and free WiFi.
• For extra space: Choose a Balcony Family Suite, with room for six, a refrigerator, and a balcony overlooking the property.
• Added perk: Certain options include complimentary admission to the indoor water park and mini golf.
• Hearty dining is available at Jack’s Place Restaurant & Bar, or you can skip straight to dessert with a chocolates, taffy, and fudge from the Honey Pot Sweet Shop.

North Utica, IL: Outdoor Recreation in Starved Rock State Park

The Utica area’s star attraction is Starved Rock State Park, named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois in a 2007 poll. Here, 13 miles of hiking trails wander past sandstone bluffs covered with white pines and cedars. 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 adjoining the inn, where deer congregate around salt-laden mineral springs.

In summer, the park’s meadows are blanketed with wildflowers including black-eyed susans, partridge-pea blossoms, and purple mint buds. As the mercury drops later in the year, many of the region’s waterfalls freeze into crystalline stalactites, and bald eagles migrate to the nearby Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary to retrieve their Snuggies before winter.