Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort

Location :

2643 IL Route 178, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Added by Jopie, at 25 June 2017

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• KayCee Militante

  28 July 2017

  According to the bartender near the mini-golf course, Grizzly Jack's has recently made a lot of improvements following a bank takeover. I found the cleanliness to be in line with other water parks we've visited. It has a consistent 'lodge' theme and the rooms are okay. The water park was a lot of fun for my 6 and 8 year old, and not very busy (summer week day.) It has a lazy river, wave pool, and two large slides they weren't very into.
  I thought it was a nice size and they spent hours swimming there two days in a row. We got a voucher for mini-golf which was the highlight of the trip for my son, and my daughter liked the petting zoo. I gave each kids a few bucks for the arcade, which is pretty impressive in size. We also got a voucher to use for food onsite, which was okay. Standard fare. They have a buffet that's overpriced but easy for breakfast. The resort is only about a mile from Starved Rock state park, where we did some hiking.

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• James Edgecomb

  22 July 2017

  Seeing other reviews I was nervous. But we had a pleasurable stay. We're there minor things? Sure but what hotel doesn't. The water park was enjoyable. We stayed in there for hours both days we were here and our interactions with staff were always pleasant

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• Tonya Chester

  14 July 2017

  This place is awesome but be prepared to spend some $$$, room rates are not insanely pricey but for a two night stay your looking at $150 per night for a standard room and about $275 for a deluxe family suite with private bedroom and balcony, but there are many other options to choose from, they even have villas that are pretty awesome. The petting zoo and mini golf are nice for families with or without children there is even a castle playground at the mini golf, and that's not even the end of the fun stuff, you can paint a t-shirt, paint some ceramics, or play in the arcad room if you're not completely engulfed in the water park. There is family movie night on the third floor of the hotel, the restaurant has and amazing breakfast buffet and dinner options, there is an outdoor bar down by the mini golf with some amazing views, and if you feel the urge to explore, Starved Rock is just down a bit from Grizzly Jack's, in town there are many little shops to choose from and nightlife is always busy. My family and I enjoyed every minute of our stay the beds were very comfortable, and being able to relax in our own private jacuzzi with a glass of wine was the perfect ending to a very eventful couple of days. I would recommend this place as a perfect vacation spot especially if you are looking for lots of fun.

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• Jennifer Hickman

  03 July 2017

  Would love to give 5 stars, but I believe 4 is sufficient. Had a great time, staff helpful and friendlyUntil you go to the waterpark. While we were there and floating in the lazy river we had to stop because there is a kid area that has a bucket that overflows and drenches everyone. That wasn't our issue. The issue is, everyone was waiting for the bucket to fall and held up the entire river. Then we were going to get in hot tub and nowhere to sit as there were kids and I mean YOUNG kids in the hot tub. Thank goodness we rented the whirlpool tub room so we could use our own. Other than that we had a good time!

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• Tammy B

  02 July 2017

  Our family visited the indoor water park. We did not stay in the resort. The grounds and lobby of the resort were breathtaking. We felt like we were in the mountains.
  The water park was a mixture of likes and dislikes. The set up and different activities were amazing. We tried everything. The cost is pricey. Almost $20.00 a person. The water park area is filthy. Mildew, dirt, trash in corners, slimy deck surfaces , mildew buildup in the pools. Kids are not supposed to use the hot tub without an adult, but this isn't monitored by staff. The pools and decks are made of a hard, rough concrete. It's not covered by any kind of lining. Because of this, the rough concrete is very hard on bare feet. If you bump into the sides of the pools or steps, you're left with scrapes and bruising . I think they could resurface the concrete to where it's not so abrasive. Bumper guards on some of the edges would be nice as well. Especially at the bottom of the tube slide. The chlorine is very strong. Surprisingly, there is still slimy floors and mildew everywhere. Not sure if we'll return.

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