Entire home
Starved Rock Retreat- 5 min from State Parks!
Photo gallery for Starved Rock Retreat- 5 min from State Parks!





Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 16
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 16)
Bedroom 1
2 Queen Beds
Bedroom 2
4 Queen Beds
Living Room 1
1 Double Sofa Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Starved Rock Retreat- 5 min from State Parks!
Private, gated entrance, firepit, large soaking tub in master bathroom, bar, BT speaker, dining room table for 10, fireplace, large screened in patio, water views and access, 21ft ceilings, smart TV, gas grill, open floor plan, queen size bunks for kids or adults! Lots of Amenities! We believe it's the details that matter. Located in the heart of the Illinois Valley. Surrounded by 200 acres of private land and beautiful nature.
5 minutes from Starved Rock! Centrally located between and easy access to:
---1 mile to Buffalo Rock State Park.
---1 mile to a I&M Canal Trail entrance.
---4.9 miles to Downtown Utica.
---5.3 miles to Downtown Ottawa.
---5.9 miles to Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center within the park.
---7.4 miles to Matthiessen State Park.
Perfect as an escape for 2, for a family with children, or for large groups and family reunions. Secluded while still being close to everything, no neighbors, and beautiful views of nature.
You will have privacy. The entrance is gated and the house is surrounded by 200 acres of our own land. Our hope is that you can not only unplug and unwind but also make memories that will last a lifetime.
Guests always comment on and love the 21 ft. ceilings, open floor plan, great amenities, and cleanliness. The sunsets are beautiful and can be seen directly from the sunroom behind the house. They are one of our favorite things about the property.
We are happy to be as involved or uninvolved in your stay as you wish. We pride ourselves in quick response times. Our goal is to make your stay a 5 STAR experience. We can meet you for check-in if desired.
*** We have multiple places to park large campers, motor homes, or trailers.
*** You are welcome to bring canoes, fishing gear, life jackets, or kayaks. We do not supply these items.
Fun facts:
---Our property used to be owned by a mining company. The lakes and ponds at Starved Rock Retreat used to be mines. They filled in with natural spring water and are still spring fed to this day. The fishing is great!
---The tall wooden front doors are from a church in Brazil. They were picked out and flown in by the original owner who built this home.
---The blue ceiling in the sunroom is a specific color called haint blue. The original owner picked this color as it is said to protect the home.
Guests have access to the entire house and surrounding area including the fire pit and small lakes behind the house. Feel free to take a peaceful walk down the gravel drive that stretches behind the house. Fishing is great!! You can bring fishing gear or canoes. You can swim. We require anyone in the water to wear a life jacket. We do not supply life jackets, please bring your own. Pet friendly.
5 minutes from Starved Rock! Centrally located between and easy access to:
---1 mile to Buffalo Rock State Park.
---1 mile to a I&M Canal Trail entrance.
---4.9 miles to Downtown Utica.
---5.3 miles to Downtown Ottawa.
---5.9 miles to Starved Rock State Park Visitors Center within the park.
---7.4 miles to Matthiessen State Park.
Perfect as an escape for 2, for a family with children, or for large groups and family reunions. Secluded while still being close to everything, no neighbors, and beautiful views of nature.
You will have privacy. The entrance is gated and the house is surrounded by 200 acres of our own land. Our hope is that you can not only unplug and unwind but also make memories that will last a lifetime.
Guests always comment on and love the 21 ft. ceilings, open floor plan, great amenities, and cleanliness. The sunsets are beautiful and can be seen directly from the sunroom behind the house. They are one of our favorite things about the property.
We are happy to be as involved or uninvolved in your stay as you wish. We pride ourselves in quick response times. Our goal is to make your stay a 5 STAR experience. We can meet you for check-in if desired.
*** We have multiple places to park large campers, motor homes, or trailers.
*** You are welcome to bring canoes, fishing gear, life jackets, or kayaks. We do not supply these items.
Fun facts:
---Our property used to be owned by a mining company. The lakes and ponds at Starved Rock Retreat used to be mines. They filled in with natural spring water and are still spring fed to this day. The fishing is great!
---The tall wooden front doors are from a church in Brazil. They were picked out and flown in by the original owner who built this home.
---The blue ceiling in the sunroom is a specific color called haint blue. The original owner picked this color as it is said to protect the home.
Guests have access to the entire house and surrounding area including the fire pit and small lakes behind the house. Feel free to take a peaceful walk down the gravel drive that stretches behind the house. Fishing is great!! You can bring fishing gear or canoes. You can swim. We require anyone in the water to wear a life jacket. We do not supply life jackets, please bring your own. Pet friendly.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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- Parking available
- Microwave
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
We have coloring books, board games, kids books.
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Ottawa
Located in Ottawa, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Mix's Trading Post and Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park.

Ottawa, IL
What's nearby
- Buffalo Rock State Park - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
- Starved Rock State Park - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
- Matthiessen State Park - 10 min drive - 11.3 km
- Grand Bear Falls Indoor Water Park - 11 min drive - 10.9 km
- Skydive Chicago - 20 min drive - 19.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Casey's General Store - 11 min drive
- Cam’s Corner - 6 min drive
- Casa Mia - 7 min drive
- Back Door Lounge - 15 min drive
- Bears Den - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
17 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Corey B.
28 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tremendous Experience
Corey B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
LONNIE P.
30 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing.
LONNIE P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tim A.
13 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tim A.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michelle F.
5 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Michelle F.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Carly S.
5 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful retreat
Carly S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Courtney F.
23 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bachelorette Weekend
Courtney F.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Daniel H.
23 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing all the way around

Daniel H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Maggie Z.
13 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Maggie Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Matthew A.
12 Jun 2025
Matthew A.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
About the host
Hosted by Ryan Peterson
We enjoy the outdoors, boating, fishing, and tending to the Starved Rock Retreat property. We have a pup named Moose and he loves to run around our property. We are thankful we get to share it so others can experience the wonder we feel there. We sincerely love to ensure our guests have a excellent experience at Starved Rock Retreat and like to care for others.
Why they chose this property
We love that Starved Rock Retreat is surrounded by nature. The large windows inside the house allow you to view the beautiful views while inside. It is peaceful and quiet. It truly is an escape where you can recharge from the busyness of everyday life. The best part is.. when you are at SRR it feels like you are away from it all, but you are very close to everything you would want to explore in the Illinois Valley.
What makes this property unique
Starved Rock Retreat is centrally located with the best spots of the Illinois Valley. Minutes from all the surrounding State Parks, trails, downtown Ottawa, and downtown Utica! It is more than a stay - it's an experience!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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