Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock

Ghoulish Gathering

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Ceremony Post Mixer

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

We began on Crybaby Bridge...

Our eyes met for the first time on Crybaby Bridge in Monticello, Illinois.

Our Story

With Us in Spirit

We love that you are here with us!

Photos

Samantha Coral Ruth Johnson

John N. Stolfa, Jr.

Steven Smith

Bradley Johnson

Amiee Allen

Christine Carpenter

Dylan Gutschow

Wedding Party

Located in Utica, Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock is a 3-minute walk from Starved Rock State Park and 1.5 miles from Matthiessen State Park. Enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a lazy river, and a spa tub. This resort also features complimentary wireless Internet access, an arcade/game room, and gift shops/newsstands. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and ATM/banking services. At Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Buffet breakfasts are served on weekends from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee. Make yourself at home in one of the 92 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations are provided. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and coffee/tea. Please reference our block code 723531 for a 10% discount on rates for a Family Suite w/ Patio or Balcony room category. Single-night stays now qualify for the block rate. The after-taxes/fees rate is now $225. Pay with a debit card to avoid a 3-5% credit card fee (depending on which credit card one uses). Please be sure to call the 866-399-3866 number for reservations as their website's reservation system is not able to manage room block reservations. Thank you!

Travel

Grand Bear Resort is the perfect family getaway - surrounded by the breathtaking nature of state parks, scenic rivers and waterways. The relaxing family lodging features 180 comfortable suites, cabins and villas. The centerpiece of Grand Bear Resort is the main Lodge with eight distinct suite designs that feature rustic decor, Northwoods-style furnishings and modern lifestyle amenities that keep your family happy. Larger groups will enjoy a great vacation experience with friends and family in one of our Vacation Villas or Luxury Cabins, ultra-spacious retreats with full kitchens, living rooms, patios, whirlpool tub and glowing fireplaces - the perfect place to relax, entertain and enjoy being together in a beautiful destination! Additional amenities located onsite include restaurants , bars, Canyonside Yoga, Creekside Mini Golf, Fitness Center, Grand Bear Falls Indoor Waterpark, Movies in the Mezzanine, and The Cave Arcade.

Grand Bear Resort

Starved Rock State Park, located in Oglesby, Illinois, is a premier natural attraction renowned for its stunning geological formations, including canyons, cliffs, and seasonal waterfalls. Established in 1911, it's Illinois's second state park and a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.&nbsp;

Starved Rock State Park

The 2026 event is scheduled for October 10-11. The Utica, Illinois Burgoo Festival is an annual village street party and a major fundraiser for the LaSalle County Historical Society. Established in 1969, it's one of the largest and longest-running fall festivals in northern Illinois, drawing an estimated 85,000 - 100,000 visitors each year.&nbsp;The festival features a variety of attractions with over 375 vendors showcasing crafts, antiques, and food along with live entertainment, including musicians and blacksmith demonstrations.

Burgoo Festival 

Things to Do

Registry

Q + A

Test Page

Events Close-Up Map

Event Schedule

Ghoulish Gathering10.09.20265:30 PM–9:30 PMGrand Bear Resort at Starved Rock2643 IL Route 178, Utica, IL, 61373Attire: Casual / Costumes are welcome and optionalGathering with family and friends who roll in to town the night before our ceremony. We will meet at J.H. Higby's (the resort's indoor bar) prior to 6:30 dinner at the resort's restaurant named Jack's Place. Please call 866-399-3866 and refer to Block# 723531 for resort room reservations. Wedding Day10.10.20263:00 PM–10:00 PMGrand Bear Resort at Starved Rock2643 IL Route 178, Utica, IL, 61373Attire: Semi-FormalCeremony3:00 PM–4:00 PMAttire: Semi-Formal / Costumes are welcome and optionalThe Recessional will begin at 3 PM sharp so please arrive early to the Waterfall Terraces (A.K.A., Curtis Canyon Observation Deck). The ceremony will include a Halloween theme and costumes are optional. Weather permitting we will marry outdoors with a ballroom as plan B.Ceremony Post Mixer4:00 PM–5:00 PMPeriod of time between ceremony and reception on the Bonfire Patio adjacent to the Waterfall Terraces and Bear Island Bar (weather permitting). Plan B location will be J.H. Higby's (the resort's indoor bar).Reception5:00 PM–10:00 PMGrand Bear Resort at Starved RockAttire: Attire: Semi-Formal / Costumes are welcome and optionalBallroom reception will include a Halloween theme and costumes are encouraged. Please call 866-399-3866 and refer to Block# 723531 for resort room reservations.

Full Resort Map

Event Schedule/Map 

johnandsamantha.us

John & Samantha

John & Samantha

J&S

Ghoulish Gathering

Wedding Day

3:00 PM–4:00 PM

Ceremony

4:00 PM–5:00 PM

Ceremony Post Mixer

5:00 PM–10:00 PM

Reception