The Illinois Resorts That Locals Say Tourists Spoiled

Illinois offers a mix of historic resorts, lakeside retreats, and family vacation properties that once held wide appeal. Over the years, some of these spots have faced challenges ranging from aging facilities to shifting travel trends. While many continue to operate, their reputations have changed as visitor expectations rise.

Guest reviews often highlight maintenance issues, service problems, or simply outdated décor compared to modern resorts. In other cases, unexpected events like fires or permanent closures reshaped the destinations entirely. Locals sometimes share nostalgia for what these places once represented in community life.

What remains consistent is how deeply tied these resorts are to Illinois tourism history. Even as some decline, they serve as reminders of shifting vacation culture. For travelers, these stories reveal how destinations evolve and why reputations matter.

1. Eaglewood Resort & Spa: Faded Luxury in Itasca

Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca was once marketed as a polished suburban retreat. The resort featured golf, spa services, and meeting spaces, appealing to both families and business travelers. In recent years, however, guest reviews on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor have documented concerns about maintenance.

Comments often note peeling wallpaper, worn carpets, and rooms that feel stuck in earlier decades. Some visitors still enjoy the golf course and event amenities, but the overall experience has been described as inconsistent.

Locals recall a time when Eaglewood had a reputation for elegance. Today, many reviews suggest the property could benefit from modernization. Its location near Chicago remains a draw, but expectations for comfort have outpaced the décor. The result is a resort that survives but no longer shines as it once did.

2. Illinois Beach Hotel: Lakefront Views Can’t Save Poor Service

The Illinois Beach Hotel in Zion sits along Lake Michigan, offering stunning waterfront scenery. For decades, the natural setting has been its greatest strength, drawing both tourists and local visitors. Guest experiences, however, often describe a disconnect between the environment and the property itself.

Reviews on TripAdvisor and Hotels.com highlight issues with service, room upkeep, and communication. While the lake views remain unbeatable, disappointed travelers sometimes leave early. Locals recognize the contrast between the beauty of Illinois Beach State Park and the underwhelming condition of the hotel.

Despite challenges, the hotel continues to operate as the only lodging option directly within a state park. Visitors who prioritize location over luxury may still find it worthwhile. Still, many agree the hotel no longer meets the standard its setting promises.

3. Original Springs Hotel & Bathhouse: Historic Charm Lost To Time

The Original Springs Hotel & Bathhouse in Okawville is a unique piece of Illinois history. Founded in the late 19th century, it became famous for its mineral water baths. Visitors once traveled from across the Midwest to seek therapeutic treatments here.

Unlike other resorts on this list, Original Springs remains open today as the state’s last operational mineral spa. Its historic charm is preserved through architecture and traditions, though modern spas have drawn away some clientele. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its cultural significance.

Local tourism sites confirm its continuing operation. Locals recall when it was a more popular weekend destination, before wellness trends shifted. Today, it survives as both a hotel and a living museum of Illinois spa culture.

4. Indian Lakes Hotel: From Family Destination To Shuttered Memory

Indian Lakes Hotel in Bloomingdale was once a family-friendly resort with indoor pools and distinctive architecture. For years, it attracted vacationers seeking a suburban getaway with plenty of recreation. By 2021, however, the property faced declining upkeep and shrinking business.

That February, a shooting incident led to fatalities on the premises, accelerating the hotel’s troubles. Soon after, village officials revoked its license, citing safety and code issues. The property was shut down permanently, ending decades of hospitality. News outlets confirm that redevelopment plans are underway to reopen it under the name Prairie Lakes Resort.

Locals drive past the site, remembering the busy years of conventions and family trips. What remains is a cautionary tale of how sudden events and long-term decline can close even well-known destinations.

5. Grand Bear Lodge: Utica’s Waterpark Wonder Gone Dry

Near Starved Rock State Park, Grand Bear Resort (formerly Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Lodge) opened as a themed waterpark destination. Families from Chicago and beyond flocked here to enjoy an indoor tropical escape during winter.

For years, it thrived as one of Illinois’ most popular family resorts. However, challenges mounted after a major fire in May 2022 destroyed several cabins and caused disruption. The resort also faced financial struggles in earlier years, leading to changes in management. Despite these setbacks, Grand Bear Resort continues to operate today with a mix of lodging and seasonal waterpark activities.

Guest reviews reflect both appreciation for its convenient location and frustration with uneven upkeep. Locals who remember its heyday acknowledge it no longer feels as polished as in its earliest years. Yet, it remains part of Utica’s tourist landscape, evolving with circumstances.