The One Illinois Summer Vacation You Simply Have To Take
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published August 02, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
If you’ve been living for the summer, then now is the time to go on all those vacations you’ve been dreaming about. If you aren’t sure where to spend your break, we suggest booking a stay at this incredible resort which offers fun for the whole family. Lovers of adventure and relaxation will be blown away here.
Nothing is better than a trip away from it all. Keep scrolling for all the details about why this should be your next summer destination.
Kids of all ages love Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. It is perfect for family vacations or romantic escapes in the summer and is a popular destination for weddings, family reunions, and other special events.
Illinoisans love the location of this place because they don't have to get too close to the city - or, if they are already there, they can easily escape without going too far. Due to the Illinois River and nearby Starved Rock State Park, there are so many outdoor activities, you could spend a whole week here.
Activities mainly for kids abound at this fabulous place. Children will enjoy craft time story time, a petting zoo, and several play areas during their stay.
Guests may visit this waterpark, known as Grand Bears Falls, without booking a stay, making this a wonderful day trip. This indoor waterpark is 24,000 square feet and includes a wave pool, lazy river, tube slides, water slides, a toddler play area, and a 15-person hot tub.
Additionally, patrons of all ages can also enjoy Canyon Creek Mini Golf which is beautifully landscaped and has 18 holes. There is also family movie time.
This expansive resort includes 92 hotel rooms as well as some vacation villas and a luxury cabin. At least four people can stay in each room, and the luxury cabin sleeps up to 18 guests.
Room rates vary depending on where you stay. It's about $100/night for weeknights and $150 for weekends for the general family suite, while luxury cabins run $500 to $600/night but include more space with several stories, rooms, and bathrooms.
Rooms feature rustic decor, and at the least have a mini fridge, cable TV, microwave, and WiFi.
Luxury amenities for some villas and the cabin include fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, patios, full kitchens, and separate bedrooms and living spaces.
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When it's time to dine, guests can eat at Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar, Bear Island Outdoor Bar & Grill, or Grand Express Breakfast Buffet in the mornings. There are also a few snack shops and cafes.
The restaurants serve American cuisine such as cheeseburgers, pizza, and nachos, plus many other favorites from the grill. Dining is always relaxed and casual.
Starved Rock State Park is full of rock formations, waterfalls, and trails. Nature lovers enjoy trees, bushes, flowers, and other native growth along the Illinois River. There's never a dull moment on this summer vacation.
Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort is located at 2643 IL Route 178 in Utica, and you get more information or make a reservation on its website or Facebook page.
