The first indoor waterpark resort, next to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, USA, has opened in Utica.
The US$90m (£50m, n75m) 60-acre Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Lodge features a 92-room log hotel, 100 villas and a 24,000 sq ft (2,300sq m) waterpark.
The resort aims to draw tourists in from neighbouring Wisconsin, to which Illinois tourism has lost over US$600m (£340m, n500m) a year.
The waterpark includes a 330ft slide which offers a choice of six sound and motion adventure themes, a wave pool, lazy river, and waterfalls. Later this summer it will be linked to an outdoor pool.
In August, work will begin on the Enchanted Forest, a 30,000sq ft (2,800sq m) fantasy world with rides and a treehouse pizzeria.
Plans are also underway for an adult spa with 30 deluxe guest rooms, due to open in spring 2006. Details: www.grandbearlodge.com
