Welcome to The Happy Traveler, where days are impulsive in all the best ways. As the sun sets, evenings bring the perfect ambiance for reflection, connection, and laughter among family and friends. The Happy Traveler is not just a space—it's a place to gather, relax, and cherish the memories of each day's adventures. Nestled right outside the entrance to Starved Rock State Park, this cabin boasts 2 indoor fireplaces, 2 balconies, an indoor jacuzzi, patio, and community grilling area.
Welcome to The Happy Traveler where adventures await for you and your Family Friends!
A cozy escape located near the heart of Starved Rock State Park. The Happy Traveler was meticulously designed and renovated to provide our Guests with all the comforts of home.
Experience Historic downtown Utica or nearby Ottawa where you can immerse yourself in top-rated restaurants or unique shops. The Happy Traveler has been our family for two generations and we are excited to welcome you as our Guests!
The Happy Traveler is a quick 2 minute drive to the entrance of Starved Rock National Park. We are a 5 minute drive to the must visit 'Downtown Utica'. Avoid the crowds that a resort can bring, all while being a quick 2 minutes away. We look forward to you booking your stay at The Happy Traveler!
Living Space:
Enjoy the beautiful and fully updated 1,800 sq ft cabin with 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The interior of the house underwent a complete remodel with all new flooring, countertops, and furnishings.
Looking for a great night sleep? Our guests rave about our beds and what a great night stay they have!
Relax in the comfortable and cozy family room with a decorative fireplace and a 58” smart TV. Cook your favorite meal in the renovated kitchen with all new appliances and a fully stocked kitchen. Enjoy your morning coffee out of the direct sunlight on your covered patio facing the great outdoors. After a day of exploring, rest peacefully in the master suite with a new King bed and a walk-out sliding door to a balcony. The master suite also boasts an indoor Jacuzzi hot tub and 58" smart TV with decorative fireplace. The home has a new air conditioning system to keep you cool on warm days.
*Both bedrooms have blackout blinds and/or curtains to help you enjoy your stay and a full night's sleep!
Washer and Dry available for your use. As well as laundry detergent and bounce sheets.
★ OUTDOOR AREAS ★
A home like this would not shine in its best light if it did not have a private space where you can relax and enjoy the serenity. Enjoy the private patio, or community grilling area. Relax at home while the BBQ is getting ready, and dine in the great outdoors. The cabin is also a short walking distance from Grand Bear Resort, which offers mini golf, a park, corn hole in the summer, and outdoor gazebo area for spending time with Friends.
*This is a privately owned cabin and not associated with the Grand Bear Resort despite its close proximity. Any attractions that the resort offers are separate and not included in this booking.
✔ Luxurious Indoor Jacuzzi hot tub for 2
✔ Outdoor Seating
✔ Outdoor Covered Patio with table, dining for 2
✔ BBQ Grill in the community area
★ Kitchen ★
The beautifully remodeled kitchen is equipped with new stainless steel fridge, dish washer, and stove. It is fully stocked with all the essentials for making breakfast to preparing full family meals. We have a full size oven, dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave. We provide pots, pans, toaster, food storage, mixing bowls, blender, Keurig Coffee Maker, Drip Coffee Machine, and wine glasses.
*Salt and Pepper, and coffee creamer and sugar are provided, but any other condiments or perishables are not provided for sanitary purposes.
★ Main Bedroom ★
King Bed
The spacious main bedroom is at the back of the house on the second story and has direct access to a balcony with seating for 2. The master bedroom has a new king bed, black-out curtains and a cozy, full master bathroom connected. The master bedroom is setup for comfort and relaxation. The master bedroom houses a sofa bed for relaxation in front of the TV or fireplace, or for sleeping if you have extra guests. There is also a large master closet with a dresser and vanity with sink and mirror. The master bedroom boasts an indoor jacuzzi hot tub for 2, a 58" smart TV, and decorative fireplace.
★ Guest Bedroom ★
2 Queen Beds
Cozy, smaller wilderness decorated Guest Bedroom with new Queen Beds and fabulous mattresses. Blackout blinds for a good night's sleep! 2 closets with dresser, hangers, and laundry basket. There is also a 48" smart TV on the dresser visible for both Queen beds to enjoy.
★ Bathrooms ★
Both bathrooms are full and have all the essentials one could need. Enjoy the use of the complimentary shampoo, conditioner and body-wash 3-in-1. Hair Dryers provided in both bathrooms. Master bathroom is adjacent to the master bedroom. Both bathrooms provide bathtub/shower combos. One bathroom is located on the main level, while the second bathroom is located upstairs on the second level.
*Linens are provided for all sleeping spaces as well as towels and washcloths. Please use the black makeup towels for removing makeup.
*The home is professionally and meticulously cleaned after each stay. We hire a professional cleaning crew to arrive promptly after each guest checks out.
★ Entertainment ★
- 58” smart TV in the Family Room.
- 48” smart TV in the Guest Bedroom.
Enjoy comcast TV (local channels) or login to your Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV and other apps.
★ WIFI ★
High speed wireless internet up to 200 Mbps.
★ Outdoors ★
Relax on the covered outdoor patio. The patio is equipped with a bistro table and two chairs that is private, intimate, and backs up to a forest. There is a community BBQ area provided for your use, as well, in the community easement. Enjoy a meal or a glass of wine all while relaxing in the shade of the covered patio.
Noise:
We are located in a quiet neighborhood behind the Grand Bear Resort. Quiet hours are from 9pm to 8am to respect our neighbors.
Garbage Day:
All garbage can be left on the curb, out front, and will be picked up between 8 am and 4 pm daily. Please ensure that the garbage is in a garbage bag and tied shut. Garbage bags are provided.
Gardener: Yard Maintenance comes once a week. They typically come on different days and times (but never before 8:00am) They are outside (only) for an hour or so to do a quick cleanup of the yard and walkways. If you have any questions please contact us. Thank You!
We provide starters of toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, soaps, toiletries and coffee pods.
Please note that you will need to purchase additional supplies if/when needed.
*There is one outdoor security camera (ring doorbell) that points towards the entryway/front door.
PLEASE READ the House Rules Prior to Booking so we can make sure we are your best fit.
Guests must review and agree to abide by the House Rules when booking. We want to be clear with our guests up front--therefore avoiding any issues and making sure you are happy and we are your best fit. Please message me if you have any questions prior to booking. We are always available to assist you.
Keyless coded entry. Our home is your home during your stay. We will provide you with your personal entry code before arrival.
Guests will have access to the entire home and outdoor areas. We have two parking spaces in front of the cabin. Any additional vehicles beyond 2 will need to be parked in a different area. The parking spots are first come, first serve, although most residents respect the 2 parking stalls in front of each cabin.
This cabin is professionally cleaned after each guest by a professional cleaning crew. Brand cleaning products are used, as opposed to generic or off-brand products. All linens are sanitized and washed after each guest. The cleaning fee allows each guest peace of mind that their space is sanitized and up to hotel standards. Be weary of cabins without cleaning fees!
While we do sweep and cleanup the covered porch and front entryway after each stay, please note that due to weather, wind, native plants, dust and other factors these areas can experience debris/dust. Please contact us if you have any concerns. We do provide a broom for the outdoors (in the entryway next to the drying machine) that can be used at your convenience. Please also note that this is a State Park and cabin in the woods, so an occasional bug does make their way inside.
No parties, smoking of any kind in or around the property, no pets/animals (we have family with severe allergies), no additional guests that are not registered at the time of booking, quiet hours between 9pm and 8am. Thank you for understanding.
Thank You! And We Look Forward To Hosting You At The Happy Traveler!
Sincerely,
Your Host, Nicole
