1. Overview of Grand Bear Falls Water Park
2. Attractions and Amenities
3. Other Activities at Grand Bear Resort
4. Admission Policies and Location
5. Dining Options
6. Hotel Accommodations
Grand Bear Falls, the indoor water park at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort offers a decent number of features for its size. With 24,000 square feet of fun, the park may be smaller compared to others but still provides ample entertainment for families.
Attractions and Amenities
Among the attractions are a lazy river, a wave pool, and various slides, including body and tube slides. A special family slide is extra wide, allowing families to experience the thrill together, which is a rarity in most water parks. The Ranger Station serves as an interactive water play center that features small water slides, climbing apparatus, water cannons, and a massive tipping water bucket.
For younger children, the Tot Pool is a perfect place to splash around, whereas older visitors can unwind in the hot tub. Furthermore, on Saturdays and Sundays, Grand Bear Falls hosts the Grand Duck Derby, inviting children to join the excitement and win prizes if their rubber ducks perform well in a race around the lazy river.
However, compared to larger indoor water parks that boast thrilling features such as water coasters or funnel rides, Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort primarily caters to families with children aged 12 and under, making it a delightful family getaway.
Other Activities at Grand Bear Resort
The Grand Bear Resort also includes the Cave Arcade, featuring 60 games, some with redemption tickets. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy an outdoor mini-golf course.
Designed with families in mind, the resort provides a variety of activities for children, including storytelling sessions, evening movies, and craft workshops. Adjacent to the water park, Bear Island features a waterfall, inviting hiking trails, and an observation deck. Additionally, an outdoor Castle in the Woods playground is available for all to enjoy.
Just a stone’s throw away, Starved Rock State Park offers breathtaking canyons, bluffs, and picturesque rock formations, making it a great spot to explore and connect with nature. Matthiessen State Park is also in the vicinity.
Admission Policies and Location
Admission to the Grand Bear Falls water park is included with room rates for hotel guests. For those who are not staying at the hotel, day passes are available on specified days. For more detailed information, contact Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort.
The resort offers birthday party packages that include water park admission and features a conference center suitable for meetings, weddings, and banquets. Conveniently located at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois, the resort’s address is 2643 N. State Route 178. It can be reached easily by taking I-80 to Route 178 S through Utica. After crossing the Illinois River, the resort is only one mile on the right. Notably, Starved Rock State Park is located just 95 miles from the bustling city of Chicago.
Dining Options
Inside the water park, visitors can enjoy snacks and treats at the Wave Cafe. Other dining experiences at the resort include Jack’s Place Restaurant & Sports Bar, which serves a breakfast buffet, and the Honey Pot Sweet Shop. Additionally, in warmer weather, the Bear Island Outdoor Bar & Grill opens on weekends, providing a delightful dining option amidst the scenic surroundings.
Hotel Accommodations
Grizzly Jack’s offers 272 rental units, including standard hotel rooms, suites, vacation villas, and luxury cabins. Hotel guests receive complimentary passes to the water park, enhancing their family getaway experience. For special offers and packages, please refer to the resort’s website.
Moreover, Grizzly Jack’s hosts a versatile conference and meeting center that caters to banquets, business events, weddings, and other gatherings, ensuring a well-rounded visit for both leisure and business travelers alike.
