This Rustic Vacation Rental Is the Perfect Home Base for Illinois’s Best Hiking Trails

A while ago, I convinced a gaggle of my closest friends to spend the weekend hiking at Starved Rock State Park to celebrate my birthday. To do so, I booked a stay at a rustic cabin vacation rental in North Utica, Illinois. We loaded up the car with snacks, local brews, and a plethora of Bob Ross decorations (I had a phase, okay?) and headed out on what turned out to be one of the best birthday celebrations I’ve ever had. A big part of it of it was the cabin.

While separate from the actual resort, the cabin is on the property of Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock. For an additional fee, cabin guests can purchase a day pass to play in the Grand Bear Falls Waterpark. While we didn’t do that on this trip, I have done it in the past, and I must say the waterslides are a treat for both kids and the kids at heart. Plus, there is an arcade, mini golf, and multiple eateries you can check out. 

The vacation rental has three bedrooms. As the birthday girl, I, of course, indulged in the massive king bed. I still think about how big that bed is. The second bedroom has two queen beds. Finally, and my personal favorite, is the bunk room. The bunk room sleeps six people, and it's an absolutely hilarious way to make your friends from different walks of your life quickly bond.

The cabin came with a full kitchen, which was perfect for making breakfast in the Bob Ross-shaped waffle iron that I brought with me. Massive windows brought natural light to the living space and allowed us to view all the “happy little trees" that surrounded our accommodation. We also took advantage of the large flat-screen TV and a pool table to keep us occupied when we weren’t hitting the trails. 

The real selling point of this vacation rental is how close it is to the state park’s trails. It’s only a 10-minute drive to one of my favorite hikes in the park, Ottawa Canyon. This short, one-miler is perfect for beginner hikers and anyone bringing along their furry friend. With my crew of varying skill levels, it was a great way to get everyone out on the trail together.

There are 13 hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, and each of them is just a short drive away from the vacation rental. Plus, there are some quick walks around the Grand Bear Resort’s property. Additionally, the cabin is only a 5-minute drive from Matthiessen State Park, where you'll find five additional miles of hiking trails, as well as nine miles of equestrian and mountain biking trails.

As I mentioned, this birthday trip remains one of my favorites. Between the ease of access to nature and the ability to have all my favorite people in one place, this cozy cabin rental is a place I'll keep coming back to. What other vacation rentals should we try in Illinois? Let us know by filling out our nomination form.