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The Bear Den Peaceful and Comfortable Animal and Hummingbird Viewing

Photo gallery for The Bear Den Peaceful and Comfortable Animal and Hummingbird Viewing

Living area
Interior
Room
Exterior
Room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
UTICA, IL
  • Starved Rock State Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Matthiessen State Park
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Peru, IL (VYS-Illinois Valley Regional)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

The Bear Den Peaceful and Comfortable Animal and Hummingbird Viewing

Grand bear vacation resort villa newly renovated very comfortable close to starved rock and Matthiessen state parks fully furnished two bedroom, two baths, 1 king size bed ,two queen beds very comfortable fully equipped kitchen and laundry Jacuzzi tub for relaxing lots of fun activities near by cable TV and WiFi provided front and back decks upstairs the living room is furnished with rustic looking furniture and animal mounts for that in the woods cabin feel guests are sure to enjoy this quiet comfortable atmosphere NEW SEALY SUMMER ROSE MEDIUM MATTRESSES FOR YOUR COMFORT

Property manager

mark d helgren
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
I have provided ash trays for outside smoking

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Utica

Utica is home to this villa. Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park and Mix's Trading Post. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
UTICA, IL

What's nearby

  • Starved Rock State Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Matthiessen State Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Illinois River Winery - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
  • August Hill Winery Tasting Room - 3 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • Mendota Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Rootbeer Stand - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Back Door Lounge - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Bear Den Peaceful and Comfortable Animal and Hummingbird Viewing pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Bear Den Peaceful and Comfortable Animal and Hummingbird Viewing?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Bear Den Peaceful and Comfortable Animal and Hummingbird Viewing?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Bear Den Peaceful and Comfortable Animal and Hummingbird Viewing located?

Situated in Utica, this villa is within a 5-minute walk of Starved Rock State Park and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park. Matthiessen State Park and Mix's Trading Post are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 115 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 127 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alison K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great option for staying at the resort with family

This was perfect for a family of four, with kids sharing the room with two beds. There is a shared upstairs bathroom with access from both sides, and the main bedroom has an additional sink with a lot of counter space which is great. Then there is a downstairs bathroom. We had friends over for game night around the dining room table. The host left us plenty of bottled water and snacks too. If you are looking at staying at the resort, this makes a lot of sense as an option!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joelle R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for Hiking Trip

This made a great home base for hiking in starved rock and Matthiessen State parks. It was clean and well stocked.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

Clean, cozy, comfy! Relaxing weekend, mark left muffins and water for us as well, that was greatly appreciated!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mickey B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven on Earth

My week long stay at this Villa was beyond fantastic. The host was a pleasure to communicate with. I couldn't have asked for a more peaceful Christmas vacation. The host graciously provided a gift of water, bananas and cookies, as well as the villa to call home for the week. I most definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alden H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bear’s Den/Starved Rock

Property was just as listed. Convenient location and comfortable accommodations. Recommend this property to anyone looking to stay near Starved Tock.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

IVAN A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place to Stay

Great Place to Stay when visiting Starved Rock
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Garrett G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Family Retreat

We had a great stay at this beautiful condo in Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock State Park! The home was well-kept, clean, and access was easy. We would recommend to others and hope to come back!
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

stay

Mark is wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arlene S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Anniversary

Very clean and comfortable. Great experience
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway

Came to get away from work and see family.... really beautiful place
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful quiet place to stay

We had a wonderful stay at this location. The host was responsive, and provided the property details very timely. He welcomed us with some muffins, bananas, coffee, and bottled water which was very much appreciated. The place was very spacious with the bedrooms upstairs and the living space downstairs which was really nice so that the people who were up didn't disturb those that were sleeping. The location is very close to both Starved Rock and Mathiesson State Park. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bear Den Villa

Very nice villa. The owner made us feel right at home.On arrival we found muffins and bananas awaiting us. Also,a wonderful coffee bar. A very nice well stocked home. We really enjoyed spending time out on the outside decks. The owner was especially accommodating as the microwave was not working and he promptly fixed that issue. Definitely a place to return to. A home away from home.
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing property. Will be staying again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Barbara W.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location

The location was perfect for hiking the parks. The condo was clean and spacious. Had muffins and bananas waiting for us. The upstairs master bedroom has a jacuzzi bathtub that made long hikes feel so Much better. We would stay again. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful wedding weekend

We were in town for a wedding and had never been to starved rock or the area prior. The location was perfect just minutes away from both state parks. The property itself was cozy comfy and relaxing. Just as advertised. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great trip for the family

Nice and clean, close to parks and great hiking
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

The place is very nice inside. Very well stocked with everything you need to cook and feel like your at home
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Connie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

In the Grand Bear Resort, no water park admission

The day before our trip, I asked for an address, and we were very disappointed to find out this property was part of a resort. We had decided to book through VRBO because we wanted to stay somewhere more private, and didn't want to stay at a busy resort. There is no outside privacy at this property. Also, we could have booked through the resort for much less and it would have also included the water park admission. Apparently the listing has now been updated to state that this is a villa in the resort. Too late for us. The property itself was very nice, well stocked and clean, and very close to Matthiessen Park and Starved Rock.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

Great place to stay! It was very clean and comfortable. It was in a great location for going to Starved Rock state park.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Cheryl F.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hummingbirds do visit!

The property is gorgeous! The birds are abundant. In this particular location we were able to see deer in the woods in the morning and again at dusk. We had quiet a few hummingbird visits too. Nice and close to Starved Rock and the towns center. The owner was generous enough to provide water and muffins with a personal note. It was a really nice touch. On the flip side, we had to clean the hot tub and the comforter before we could use them. Both were not at their best. Also note the original fire places are blocked off with faux fireplace in front of them. I would visit again but not at the cost that we paid.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Visit with elderly family member

Nice place. Good location
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Construction superintendent

Nice place, mark was very friendly and helpful.Nice location.
Stayed 31 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

Cozy cabin, very spacious! Kitchen worked wonderfully and we were very close to the state park
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

We enjoyed the stay. We found all the amenities very useful. The pictures are accurate of the location. We're hoping to come back next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caryn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy and Comfortable

Thank you for making our stay feel so special. Your cabin was welcoming, spacious, and well-stocked. We loved walking in and finding the muffins and bananas! What a thoughtful gesture, we are hoping to return some time!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by mark d helgren

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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