If you’re planning a trip to Grand Bear Resort, you may be wondering who owns this beautiful property. Located in Utica, Illinois, Grand Bear Resort is a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at who owns this resort.
History of Grand Bear Resort
Grand Bear Resort was originally built in the 1990s by the Pritzker family, one of the wealthiest families in America. The Pritzkers made their fortune through their ownership of the Hyatt hotel chain and other investments.
In 2005, the Pritzkers sold Grand Bear Resort to Great Wolf Resorts, a company that specializes in indoor water parks and family entertainment centers. Great Wolf Resorts invested millions of dollars into renovating and expanding the resort, adding new attractions like an indoor water park and a ropes course.
Current Ownership
In 2019, Great Wolf Resorts sold Grand Bear Resort to EPR Properties, a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in entertainment properties like theme parks, movie theaters, and ski resorts. EPR Properties owns several other properties in Illinois, including Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville and Santa’s Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee.
While EPR Properties is now the owner of Grand Bear Resort, the day-to-day operations are managed by Benchmark Hospitality International. Benchmark is an independent hospitality management company that operates hotels and resorts around the world.
What Does This Mean for Guests?
For guests visiting Grand Bear Resort, the change in ownership shouldn’t have much of an impact on their experience. The resort will continue to offer its popular amenities like skiing, hiking trails, and indoor water park. However, guests may notice some changes as Benchmark looks to improve the guest experience with new programs and services.
In conclusion, while Grand Bear Resort has changed hands over the years, it remains a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in the winter or enjoying the water park in the summer, there’s plenty to see and do at this beautiful resort.