Crown Point, Indiana
A Private Sanctuary Escape for Two, About One Hour From Chicago
One private cabin. Just the two of you. A licensed wildlife sanctuary near Chicago.
One private cabin. Just the two of you. A licensed wildlife sanctuary near Chicago.
Avanti The Bear Den is a private wildlife sanctuary cabin stay in Crown Point, Indiana, about one hour from Chicago. The entire property is yours for the duration of your stay, one cabin, one couple or small group, no other guests. Feed resident swans at a private pond, observe a rescued black bear from the sanctuary grounds, and share a quiet, unhurried retreat unlike any other romantic getaway near Chicago.
No other guests on the property during your stay. The cabin, the pond, the grounds, everything is private. No resort common areas, no strangers at the next table, no crowds.
Bonnie and Clyde are resident mute swans who live year-round on the property pond. Guests may feed them using approved food, guided by staff. It is one of those small, quiet moments that stays with you.
Avanti is a rescued American black bear who has lived on the property for years. Watching him from the sanctuary grounds, calm, unhurried, genuinely wild, is an experience most couples never have the chance to share. Bear visibility is seasonal, with Avanti most active spring through fall.
Mark the occasion somewhere genuinely memorable. A private sanctuary, resident animals, and complete seclusion about an hour from Chicago.
For the person who has everything, or who would rather experience something than receive something.
No occasion needed. Sometimes two people just need to disappear for a weekend.
A private wildlife sanctuary is a memorable way to start something.
Avanti has lived on the property for years. Guests observe him from safe, designated areas of the sanctuary. Bear visibility is seasonal, with Avanti most active spring through fall.
Year-round residents of the property pond. Guests may feed the swans using approved food, guided by staff. The pond is one of the most peaceful parts of the property.
Ethel moves freely across the property. Guests may observe her naturally as she appears. No scheduled interaction.
The stay is in a single private cabin on the property. Rustic wood interior, sanctuary grounds outside the door, and complete privacy for your stay. No shared spaces, no other guests, no resort common areas. Just the two of you and the property.
View the Cabin
Avanti The Bear Den welcomes one guest group at a time. Check availability or reach out before booking.
Licensed wildlife sanctuary. Handlers on site. One group at a time.
Have questions? Read the FAQ.
The property is USDA licensed for exhibiting animals and insured for animal experiences.
No questions in this topic.
Avanti The Bear Den is located in Crown Point, Indiana, about one hour southeast of Chicago in Lake County.
Yes. The property is completely private during your stay, one cabin, one guest group, no other guests. The resident animals, the pond, and the quiet sanctuary setting make it a genuinely memorable couples escape near Chicago.
Yes. Guests visit for anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions. The private setting and rare experience make it a natural fit for milestone trips.
Yes. Bonnie and Clyde are resident mute swans who live year-round on the property pond. Guests may feed them using approved food, guided by staff.
Yes. Avanti is a rescued American black bear who lives on the property. Guests observe him from safe, designated areas. Bear visibility is seasonal, with Avanti most active spring through fall.
Yes. One cabin, one guest group at a time. No other guests share the property during your stay.
Availability and booking are on the Book Your Stay page. Inquiries are welcome before booking.
A private cabin on a licensed wildlife sanctuary. Resident animals, a private pond, and complete seclusion about one hour from Chicago. There is nothing else quite like it near the city.
Still have questions? Read the full FAQ
Ready to plan your romantic getaway near Chicago?