Bear Grove Cabins

My husband and I stayed at Bear Grove Cabin in February for our Birthday's/Valentine's Day. We live less than an hour away from the cabin and were very impressed that there was such a nice place so close to home. We arrived and Sharon and Van met us to drop off our food and show us around the cabin. The cabin was very cozy and comfortable. Every detail had been thought of! Snacks (microwaver popcorn, granola bars, smores fixing's), cocoa, coffee, hairdryer, extra toiletries and extra candles. There was a closet full of some games and magazines also. We want to go back in the summer so we can enjoy the firepit outside, fish and make some smores. We even got to see the Cabina West located across the pond from the cabin. It was very nice also and had a huge walk in shower with waterfall and rain shower heads. It also had a woodburing fireplace where the cabin only had gas stove. Our food and wine was good! Was so nice not to worry about cooking! The Innkeepers home is visible from the cabin but there is a treeline that separates them and they definitely give you your privacy once the meals are delivered and they show you around. It wasn't an issue for us, but thought it was worth mentioning just in case you are looking for somewhere completely secluded. In our opinion, the only thing that would make the cabin over the top would be the addition of a hot tub!! Then it would be perfect!!

Once again, everything was great! Have stayed with Van and Sharon before and was not disappointed! Both cabins are wonderful.

My husband, daughter and I treated ourselves to a night at Bear Grove Cabins. Sharon was a wonderful hostess. Van and Sharon made our visit one to remember and we look forward to returning. The cabin was cozy and comfortable, meals were delicious, and the location was beautiful. We have suggested to friends and family, that if you want to unwind from it all and take a break....then treat yourself to a stay at Bear Grove Cabins.

We loved two days of just being together out here in Mulberry Grove. Everything we desired was delivered to our door -- foods, wine & treats galore!

This is an excellent B and B that gives enough privacy for long hours reading, walks in the woods, and cozy hot chocolate by the fire, but enough contact with the owners to feel comfortable calling late at night or visiting at any time. The food is excellent, the cabin comfortable, and enough room to have private time when desired or social time with friends.

For the third year we've spent our mother/daughter trip at the Bear Grove Cabins. We love it there so much we haven't even considered another place. Sharon and Van are the perfect hosts and the place is stunning. The food and wine are delicious and the atmosphere is so cozy tucked into a woodsy environment. It's hard to choose whether to be snuggled by the fireplace, having coffee on the porch or walking in the woods. I'm sure we will go back!!!

My trip to Bear Grove Cabins was a last minute desperate find for my boyfriend and I to get out of town for the weekend. Stressed out after arguing over how far was too far this magical place, only 2 hours away, was the perfect find! And our stay was nothing short of spectacular! We loved everything about the place from our awesome hosts, Sharon and Van (we can't wait to come back!) to the beautiful southwestern style Cabina West and the delicious ome cooked meals! We got a whole huge cabin to ourselves and felt relaxed and completely at home. The shower included an amazing waterfall and rejuvenating body sprays from the wall... The fireplace was great along with the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in! It was the perfect romantic getaway and we can't wait to enjoy the experience again! See you soon Sharon and Van, and happy holidays! - Callie and Alan

We stayed in the Cabina West. Absolutely amazing. Sharon was personable and available at all times if needed. Food was great! Grounds are well maintained and easy to walk on the trails. They even let us explore in the log cabin since it was vacant. We didn't get to meet Van, but he does a wonderful job of taking care of the buildings as well. A+++++ rating. Giving a night's stay here to my in-laws for Christmas and we will be returning for another stay ourselves. Thank you so much.........Aaron and Kim

Nestled in woods, bordered by fields of grain, the cabins offer a comfortable stay. The favorful stew, homemade bread and red wine made a hearty dinner after a drive through rural Illinois. The breakfast quiche started the day after a restful night. The cabin is nicely appointed; the beds comfortable; the options for music and TV fit our tastes. A walk through the woods, a quiet evening on the porch, the sound of birds provided a pleasant get away.

The cabin was wonderful. Food was awesome. Hiked the trails and saw deer and some ducks. Most trails are level. Stars were really shining bright. And the quiet was especially nice! Sharon and Van are very nice and will do anything to help you but with this cabin everything is there for you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing weekend. Only issue was the gas fireplace was not working. Could use some fire pit tools. Loved it all!!!

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
We apologize to all our guests this fall for the gas fireplace not working. Van and my son Luke just installed a brand new one today, with yet another remote to add to the table!! So now when the snow blows, you can enjoy a nice fire. I would have been disappointed as well, but now we all can be happy. Thanks Van and Luke!!

- Sharon Boatman (innkeeper)

My husband and I had our wedding and started our honeymoon at Bear Grove Cabins. We had a very small ceremony, with just a few friends and family, by the pond. Our stay at Bear Grove Cabins was a more than wonderful experience. It was everything we had hoped for-beautiful setting, peaceful, great hospitality, comfortable and cozy. Van and Sharon make you feel very welcome and add little personalized touches throughout your stay. They are wonderful people and provide for an amazing getaway. It was a perfect place for us to start our married lives together.

My husband and I stayed at Bear Grove Cabin for a little weekend getaway. Everything was so wonderful. I was suprised to find out what the price included....it was well worth it. The food was amazing! We are definitely going to go back. Thanks for everything Sharon & Van.

My stay was excellent. The Innkeepers were so helpful and really made us feel at home. Everything was so comfortable and relaxing

We spent the night in the cabin. The cabin was fantastic, beautiful decorations. The meals supplied were great. Beatiful setting and very private. Van and Sharon were very accomidating. We will definately be staying again.

Wonderful get away. Peaceful, beautiful log home with great meals including homemade bread and wine. Don't worry about forgetting anything because they most likely have all you need there. Van and Sharon will make your stay unforgetable. Leaving is the hardest part!

Stayed 3 nights, cabin was fabulous, clean neat. Breakfast and dinner were great wine was better. Hostess was friendly and informative. Great place to stay and relax for a weekend

Wow! What a beautiful setting and what a homey cabin! And that's not even covering the meals we had! The hospitality lacked nothing! It just doesn't get any better than this!

Thanks, Van and Sharon, for another fantastic weekend. Again, I brought new girlfriends with me and they loved it as much as the others I've shared this peaceful hideaway with. I can't say enough wonderful things about the cabin or the food and, of course, your wonderful hospitality! I'll be back, and maybe one of these days I'll even share this wonderful place with my husband. Thanks again.

What a wonderful place to stay to get away from it all! My husband and son and I had the honor of being the first guests to stay in the Cabina West! When we first checked in...we just walked around looking at all the beautiful craftsmanship and work that went into this cabin. We then had a tasty dinner complete with homemade bread and stew and a bottle of delicious wine. One of the most memorable part of our stay was sitting out in the yard late that night and seeing the incredible night sky with all of the stars you don't see when you are close to the city. The very best part was getting to meet this incredible couple that has put their heart and soul into making this such a special place. Van and Sharon love being innkeepers and it shows in everything they do! We also appreciated getting to be the first guests in their beautiful Cabina West. You are sure to have a great stay at this Bed and Breakfast!! Lina

The accommodations were spacious and the service outstanding! I highly recommend this cozy getaway!

This secluded property is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The inn keepers of this place made us feel welcome and at home. They really put their heart into this little slice of heaven. We are planning on a return trip in the future. It's the perfect get a way with or without kids!!

What a nice surprise in the middle of nowhere!! We were looking for peace and quiet and a place to rest and do nothing. This is the perfect place for that. The food we were served was great. The place was spotlessly clean. The owners are very friendly, honest and hard working christians just like us. We stayed in the small adobe style cabin and we plan to go back and stay in the bigger log home.

This was my second girlfriend getaway visit to the cabin, and it was just as memorable as the first. This time I brought four different girlfriends with me, and we celebrated an early Christmas. We visited, watched movies, made s'mores at the firepit, and opened Christmas gifts. Van and Sharon are the best! Hospitality is superior, food is wonderful, and the scenery and peacefulness can't be beat.

I rented the cabin for a 1 night getaway from kids and phone. It was a surprise for my boyfriend. He loved it and we didnt want to leave!!! The food was terrific and plentiful. Van and Sharon are great hosts. Will definately return and plan to take the kids.

A spacious modern log cabin set well-off by itself on the banks of a small lake and edge of a large oak forest. Decorated with a bear/wilderness motiff, and provided with just about anything you might have forgotten to pack. The proprietors are friendly and eager to please, and were very accomodating to requests to add or adjust the delicous breakfasts and dinners they provide. The dining is casual, and flexible, as dinner is delivered in a crock pot in the late afternoon, and breakfast is delivered in the evening for the following morning. My two daughters really loved the place, and kept asking when we'd come back. This is one of the rare B&Bs where my wife actually slept well on the first night - the cabin is warm, quiet, and the mattresses comfortable. If you are staying in the area, or need a hide-away from the city, this B&B is definitely recommended.

The service was great - the scenery was great - the space was great - it was a nice relaxing weekend. Want to go back

Very clean and great food. The innkeeper's are fantastic people!

Our expectations are always exceeded! The cabina will eventually be as together as th log cabin, no doubt! Very impressed as always with ur hospitality and had a wondeful time! See u New Years!

A real "get away from it all" weekend. Never even put flat screen TV on. Relaxing time for 5 women to share conversation, food, wine, beautiful setting, with the trails in the woods and have Christmas in October, and build fire for s'mores under most amazing stars in the night sky!

We stayed at the Bear Grove Cabins on the first night of a three week road trip. It was an absolute pleasure to find this treasure of a bed and breakfast. After a long days drive it was so nice to have not only a beautiful, cozy and welcoming place to stay, but also a delicious dinner of chicken breast stew, homemade bread, wine and cookies. We enjoyed this so much that we booked a night again for our ride home. Sharon and Van were excellent hosts and we enjoyed taking a walk with the dogs. It was a beautiful place to sit on the porch and see the fall sunset and we will definitely be back. Barb and Dave, Chesterland, Ohio

Upon arrival the view of the cabin was breath taking! Meeting and talking with Van and Sharon made us feel very welcomed as if we were part of the family. There hospitality was second to none. The stay at the cabin was a delightful treat for my first Bed and Breakfast getaway. Can't thank them enough for a very happy birthday present my husband purchased for me. We were the first couple to show up on a motorcycle to there cabin. Thanks again!

The cabin is a great place to relax and unwind. This was our second visit and we had another wonderful stay.

This is our second year in a row to stay at Bear Grove Cabins and plan on staying with Van and Sharon again next year. We really love the location. Van and Sharon are most gracious hosts and very accommodating. We really enjoy the quiteness and relaxing atmosphere. I don't think you could get a better value anywhere. C & L Kansas

Outstanding place -- great place for rest & relaxation and hosts were incredible -- would definitely return.

Out in the middle of nowhere - but plenty of things to keep us busy! Beautiful scenery, peace and quiet, getting away without going a long way from home, delicious food, excellent hosts, wonderful views, awesome cabin! Would love to do it again sometime! One of the pics I took is now on my computer desktop!

Van and Sharon were amazing hosts. The food was great and relieved any stress that would have been associated with cooking or going out for breakfast or dinner. The accommodations were cozy and like home. We recommend this bed and breakfast/dinner to anyone who is looking for a relaxing getaway with beautiful views.

OK - so where do I get the plans to build one of these? Does the kit come with two magnificent hosts and all the things afforded to us while we were there? Wow! You can read all about this wonderful cabin and it's amenities in other reviews. However, I want to focus on the hosts. Van and Sharon have created an amazing atmosphere here at Bear Grove Cabins. They are friendly people who have poured themselves into this grand cabin and their bed-and-breakfast adventure. We can't wait until Van's next project is completed! The best compliment I could give them is this: The enjoyment found by guests of Bear Grove Cabins is surpassed only by the joy found in Van and Sharon's eyes as they share their gift of hospitality. There is no doubt that they enjoy it just as much as the guests. Great job! See you soon!

Loved the cabin and country setting, so new, clean and fully furnished. The hosts were wonderful and both meals each day were delicious! I can't wait to return!

Great value, nice innkeepers, clean, new, peaceful - had a great time - highly recommended!

My sister's and I traveled from three different states to stay at BearGrove Cabins. We picked it because of location, exactly 5.5 hours of driving for each of us. We were just blown away by this wonderful place! It was so much more than we expected. The Cabin is so comfortable and the location makes "down time" easy. Van and Sharon made the best meals and their hospitality was above and beyond. We miss that place already.

This was my second stay at Van and Sharon's cabin. I was with a different group of friends this time and they were just as pleased as the first group that came with me. This is just a wonderful place that fits the needs of getting away from it all--spending time with friends--enjoying nature. We all really enjoyed our stay.

Wonderful hosts, great service, super food, attractive log cabin.

The food was fantanstic and everything we needed or wanted was already there! The secluded cabin was better than we could have imagined. We spent the evening listening to the rain on the porch and then went in to warm up by the gase fire inside. The perfect romantic setting for us but we are planning to go back with our entire family to fish, play and enjoy the cabin again!

My mom and I needed a break from reality. She had been to Bear Grove before but I was a little uncertain if I would enjoy being at a "cabin" for 2 days. It was the best trip ever! It's so relaxing and peaceful. The cabin felt like home. Van and Sharon are great hosts and have thought of everything. We've been bragging about it ever since we got back and can't wait to go again!

This is the 2nd time my husband and I have stayed at Bear Grive Cabin. As always everything was excellent. The food is always great. Van & Sharon always make sure we have everything we need. We cant wait to go back.

We came in search of a sorely needed respite, but we found so much more. We so enjoyed everything...the morning and evening meals were outstanding, the long walks along the beautiful nature trails were rejuvenating and the evening campfires were both warm and fillilng as melted marshmallows oozed from the sides of our freshly created smores. We left with lasting memories of special days spent in theis little corner of paradise.

My daughters and I had a perfect weekend. Everything was amazing, we couldn't believe all the little things the Boatmans provided for our comfort and enjoyment. Can't wait to come back and tell others!

Cabin is beautiful. The food is excellent. Sharon & Van are great hosts. Loved it.

Enjoyed a wonderful afternoon, evening, campfire, hiking, overnight, breakfast at BGC.

This cabin is a real treasure-a quiet and serene place for a getaway but would be great for families too, as there is plenty of space for outdoor games, fishing, campfires, etc. It is extremely clean with lots of special personal touches. Van and Sharon are friendly and very helpful, and the food was fantastic-both dinner and breakfast. We hated to leave. I plan to go back again (the sooner the better), and will definitely recommend it to all my friends and family!

A beautiful lakeside cabin with all the amenities nestled in lovely wooded setting. The food, including wine and crockpot dinner, was delicious! Hosts were friendly. Enjoyed the winetasting trail. The bear decor was fun.

This place gets 5 stars all the way! Outstanding hosts, beautiful and clean cabin, delicious food, good wine, many things to do(or not). We can't wait to go back. Van and Sharon really go out of the way to make your stay enjoyable. D&L Schneider Champaign,Il

We just got married on September 26, 2009 our name is Lynn and Raoul Trahan . After a year of planning for the wedding and booking our stay with the Boatmans and Bear Grove Cabins we could hardly wait to get there. Once we were at the cabin we meet Sharon who took us from her private driveway to the cabin we had booked it was very beautiful. It was more than we exspected the meals were outstanding and the breakfasts we just as good especially Van's peach butter anyone who goes there should request it. We got the much needed peace and quite and alone time for our honeymoon that we wanted. Van and Sharon asked us if there was anything we thought they needed to improve on and we told them absolutly not you can't improve something that is 100 % PERFECT. We will be going back for our 1 year anniversary next year. Thanks Van and Sharon for all of your hospitality and your beautiful cabin, as well as the walking trails next time we will bring our fishing gear and our walking shoes no one could want more than what you get for your money at Bear Grove Cabins!! You can't get any better than this bed and breakfast and it is only miles from our home.

The cabin was very clean and outstanding. Van and Sharon were very accomodating. We will definitely stay here again in the future.

I was visiting the Forsee Vineyards Winery in Coffeen, IL and picked up the brochure to Bear Grove Cabin. Father's Day was coming soon and I thought "What a great Father's Day gift!" (Of course, his wife, and me and my husband would join him!) The four of us had a wonderful time at Bear Grove Cabin. Van and Sharon are great hosts! More than a "bed" and "breakfast", this cabin comes fully equipped with anything you could want or need. Most of all, peace and quiet. My husband fished. We walked the woods looking for mushrooms. Sat by the fireside at dusk under a clear star-filled sky! If you choose to stay at Bear Grove Cabin, you won't be disappointed. Whether it's for some quiet couple time, or family time, it is the prefect getaway! Bob and Kim Hillsboro, IL

We stayed 2 nights and enjoyed the great meals, lake, and very private cabin. The owners are great hosts and made us feel very welcome. You won't be disappointed in your stay.

This beautiful cabin is in a most serene country setting. The hosts are discreetly attentive and provide any comforts you could want. We'll come again!

It was amazing. It was like being in another world. It helped make my husbands birthday. We can't wait to go back. It is hard to describe, we have told many of our friends and they are all interested in going and we have had some want the number. It is like Heaven on Earth.

5 of us stayed at the cabin for our "College Friends Get-together". It was just the perfect spot for us. The meals were excellent and so convenient. The extreme heat kept us from doing much outdoors which we regretted but we had no control!! The cabin was very clean and neatly decorated. The price was definitely right. I can't think of enough good things to say! It's definitely worth recommending to other groups.

We loved our stay at the cabin. The cabin is decorated beautifully and filled with so many personal touches to make a stay special. The evening meal really sets this bed and breakfast apart from others. It was so romantic to have a candlelit dinner ready when we arrived that we could share in total privacy. All of the food was terrific. We loved relaxing on the porch and the fire pit was great. We will be back! Tony & Charlene

The best hospitality ever! The Inn Keepers went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience, they did so many extras to make our stay a special one. The cabin is beautiful, elegant and stocked with everything we needed for our stay! The food was wonderful too! Great Atmosphere! Amy, Alyssa and Justin Springfield, IL

My wife and I are expecting our second child in a few weeks. We were wondering if we'd find a B&B that was a cabin and private. We didn't want to eat dinner or breakfast with other people, we were wanting to get away just the two of us. This was exactly what we needed. We sat outside and made smores, the dinner was awesome, cabin clean, and breakfast was good. We will be back and will need atlease two days so that we can get some fishing and trails in. Van and Sharon are two great hosts with wonderful dogs. We would like to get to know them better on our next visit, this one was all about alone time and they gave us privacy, it was great. Pro's: Game Room (loft), Surround Sound with flat panel tv, CLEAN cabin, unbelievable food, lake to fish on, outside fire pit (wood included), great hosts Con's: would be nice if it had some sort of hot tub or jacuzzi. (just being picky now) :-) Van and Sharon, keep up this great cabin.

We had a great relaxing weekend! The cabin was clean and comfortable, the food was excellent and Van and Sharon were great hosts. We appreciated the convenience of the snacks, breakfast on our own schedule and dinner so we could just continue relaxing and not worry about finding a restaurant. The view of the pond and trees made it feel like our own personal escape. We lucked out with beautiful weather and enjoyed the spring sounds of birds and frogs! Thanks for a great weekend! Bear Grove Cabins makes a fantastic weekend escape!

What an amazing time we had at Bear Grove Cabins! I can't think of one thing that would have made this a more pleasant experience. My husband and I went with two other couples - plenty of room, plenty of food, and amazing hospitality! Plus, the cost is amazing, especially considering that dinner and wine are provided. We can't wait to go back!

Bear Grove Cabin was FABULOUS!!!! From the hospitality, to the amazing views, it was a great weekend getaway! Love the fishing, nature trails, bird watching, and sitting around the camp fire! What more could you ask for! Thanks Van and Sharon!

This is an awesome place to stay- loved sitting on the porch looking out over the lake- very peaceful! Excellent food! Van and Sharon are tops!!

This is a stunning log home, impeccably well kept. The outdoor amenities will be wonderful in the warm weather. There is a firepit and plenty of firewood with a pond extending beyond that. A treeline surrounds the yard and the owners have equipped the area with bird feeders. In the morning the yard is full of beautiful birds as they feed and then retreat to the trees. There is also a map with information on trails that you can walk around the property. The owners are really sweet people and have many added extras in the home when you arrive (basket of snacks, candles throughout the house, flashlights, book and binocular on bird watching and on and on).

A perfect way to bring in the 2009 New Year. Bear Grove Cabins was the perfect getaway. The minute you walked in the door you felt like you were home. Our hosts were very friendly and made you feel very welcomed. My husband is an outdoors man and I knew this would be the perfect getaway for us. I little place less than an hour from home where we can come to relax and get away from the hub-bub. We would recommend this place to all of our friends. We are already planning on coming back. Thanks to Van & Sharon for having such a wonderful place. Your place is top of the line in our book. Chris & Sheila Vollmer Springfield, IL

great place and warm and welcoming proprietors.

The accommodations are fabulous, clean, and comfortable. Van and Sharon are hosts beyond compare! The food and hospitality were great!

what a great place to relax and spend quiet time with family and friends!

relaxing, quiet, what I was looking for. Great accommodations.

This is a super place, wonderfully appointed, great meals provided, and wine glasses to take home- you'll never forget this place!

The cabin was absolutely beautiful. The food was amazing and the owners were wonderful. We all enjoyed the walks along many of the paths, we made banana boats and smores and enjoyed the company of the owners wonderful dog. I can not wait to visit them again soon.

The cabin was gorgeous. It was very clean and the food was wonderful. We actually couldnt' eat it all. The owners of the cabin were wonderful. We walked on trails, made Smores by the fire pit, and enjoyed a much needed break with our children. It was quiet and the scenery around their private fishing pond was awesome. I would definately visit again sometime.

wonderful log cabin lodge! clean! decorated beautifully! VERY accommodating and friendly! Peaceful! They think of everything

My husband and I stayed at the cabin for our honeymoon. It was peaceful and relaxing. We got to kick back and enjoy Sharon's home cooking.

Surprised my husband with an overnight stay. The food was wonderful and we enjoyed a campfire that evening. The rain, luckily, held off til the next morning. It's so beautiful and peaceful out there. And Sharon was so nice. Can't wait to go again!!!

Van and Sharon were so accomodating and we had a wonderful stay at the cabin!

Our faimly of 8 (5 adults and 3 children) enjoyed a weekend at the cabin. It was a wonderful break from the day-to-day grind. The food was wonderful - especially the beef stew and breakfast casserole. We enjoyed Saturday evening by the fire ring, cooking hot dogs and making somores. We really enjoyed our visit and hope to come back agin.

This Log Cabin is a beautiful, clean, quiet, romantic, and perfect getaway. We couldn't believe this log cabin was in the middle of "no Where". BUt yet, still so close to St. Louis. It reminded us of a 5 star Hotel with all the amenties. The owners are very friendly and the food is delicious. The kitchen is perfect if you like to cook and the living room is so cozy with the flat screen tv and beautiful scenery outside. The fishing was perfect on the 3 acre pond. It is a great get away to recharge your "life" and remember what is most important. I would highly recommend this gem.

We stayed at the cabin for a long weekend in July. We had 4 adults and a child and had plenty of room for everyone. The meals we had were VERY good! Van and Sharon try and succeed to make your stay a great experience. They are loaded with games and movies and alot of helpful information. We spent a day on the nearby lake and when we came home, had a hot meal waiting and a firepit that had been set up all over again for us! A great place to get away from it all! Thank you for everything!

We enjoyed the peacefulness of the cabin and its surroundings. The meals were wonderful and the innkeepers were very personable. This is a great "get away from it all" bed and breakfast.

I recently stayed at the cabin for 3 nights with my husband and family. We had a wonderful time from our arrival to our sad and reluctant departure. Van and Sharon couldn't have been more hospitable. The food was great and plentiful. Plenty to do in the area, with Carlyle Lake and the Forsee Vineyard and Winery nearby. A fantastic time was had by all!

The Bear grove cabins is a wonderful place to stay. The food was out of this world and the inn keepers are great. The cabin was stocked with many extras such as snacks and board games. I really felt as if I was at "home" in the cabin. My husband loved the fishing and the campfire in the evening was so relaxing! I would recomend this cabin to everyone and am trying to plan my next visit.

Our stay at Bear Grove Cabin was fantastic. The view was beautiful and it was very peaceful. My husabnd and I statyed there for our 5th annv. and we plan to go back for our 6th. Van and Sharon are an extremely nice couple. They made everything perfect.