Resort Reviews

We have visited numerous places for our anniversary each year. This, by far, was the most enjoyable, relaxed, and best place we have stayed! Thank you to everyone involved with our stay.  Feb. 2022

My husband and I try to get away a couple of days each quarter to read our Bibles, pray, and seek God's will for us for the time ahead of us. As we were planning our retreat in December, 2021, we looked for a lodge within driving distance. We did a search and ran across this amazing website for what seemed a "too good to be true" resort, right here in Illinois. We decided to give it a try and let me say, we have never had such a blessed stay anywhere else! And to think this beauty is right here in our backyard is awesome. Who knew? Let me start by saying that the pictures are exactly what you will see in person, only everything is more expansive than it looks. The land is beautiful, the Sunset Valley Lodge (where we stayed) is exceptionally clean and well managed, and the decorating is perfection! Total serenity here, inside and out. We were blessed to come around Christmas time. There were decorated trees in every room. What a great atmosphere! We stayed in the Sunset View Suite and the sunsets were gorgeous each evening. We went out on the deck and watched the sun go down. A glimpse of the water was just the right touch for a perfect sunset to get your attention and keep it. We watched for well over an hour each evening. We especially loved the workers at the Lodge. They all have such a servant's heart! The cleaning ladies were truly joyful and showed us around the lodge before departing for the day. The office help was great in giving directions and spending time talking with us. The food was delicious--we loved the family-style arrangement. And the bonus was that at every meal a blessing was said, in the name of Jesus. WOW! Just like Heaven-Perfection! There are many opportunities for outdoor fun but, as I said, we were there for a spiritual retreat so we did not take the time to participate in them. Just to relax and observe God's creation in this amazing place was more than we could've expected. We can't say enough about our time at Heartland, except to say we will be back! Thank you Heartland Staff and Owners--you have an incredible gem here. Be blessed! Anita and Ted

We were unsure of what to expect, as we are not hunters. We were absolutely floored by the accommodations, cleanliness, the friendly staff, and the stunning views. The weather was unsavory - - but we were warmed and cozy cuddled up inside. We will be staying here anytime visit family nearby. Thank you for being inclusive to all your visitors. We had an amazing stay! Also, a shout-out to your stellar hostess - Stephanie! She was so helpful! January 5-9, 2022

We came to have a little get away / reset weekend, it was definitely worth it! The room was perfect, the atmosphere was perfect! We will definitely be returning! We plan to bring our kids and friends! January 14-16, 2022

"Our family came to Heartland Lodge to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Our stay was beyond our expectations. The meals and the meal staff were exceptional! This is a wonderful place to come with children of all ages. We highly recommend it!"

Our first visit we stayed at the main lodge absolutely Beautiful And warm Feeling, the details that go into making the guest feel good A big Thank you . The meals were Delicious and beyond. Thank you Cathy for the beautiful romantic horse ride Richard and I really enjoyed it. We will definitely be back. I’m spreading the word amongst friends God Bless you all. Richard & Suzann Bela

The lodge and all the areas are well kept, very clean and maintained very well. The room was comfortable and very nicely decorated. The meals were so delicious and very plenteous! We had a very relaxing and peaceful getaway! We will return!! Paul and Debbi Tanksley, June 14-15 2021

Everything was fabulous like it has been the last 5 visits! The food is amazing! The employees are so nice, you can tell they love their Jobs. Missed seeing Ms. Wanda. Jerry and Renee Fetsch, St Charles MO, May 24 -26, 2021

My husband and I have stayed at the sunset view 3 times. The first two times it was just us the 3rd time we brought friends with and they fell in love with it as much as we did. Its so relaxing, quiet and such a beautiful place, and the homemade food omg I cant even start to describe how delicious it is. Thanks for another great time see you again soon. Patricia Sarabia, April 2021

My wife and I along with my brother in law and sister in law stayed at Heartland Lodge the weekend of March 19 and 20th. We absolutely loved our visit! The Sunset Valley Lodge we stayed in was beautiful and clean. We went to ride our side by side and where nicely surprised by the amount of trails and the different types. We had a wonderful and fun weekend and are looking forward to boing back. Bob and Jill Hinch, March 19 & 20, 2021

Upon stepping into the cabin, it looked like the cover of Country Living magazine. Your attention to detail does not go unnoticed and is very appreciated! The food was absolutely AMAZING! Our compliments to whoever made that delicious roast beef!! Thanks for a great experience! Carl Hahn, Bonne Terre MO, March 12 - 14, 2021

My husband and I had a wonderful experience! The staff makes each guest feel as though they are the only guests that matter. We can't wait to come back. Room was so comfortable. We wish we could have stayed for a month! Catherine and Woodie Stiltner, Joliet IL, Dec 31 - Jan 3 2021

October 2nd - 3rd, 2020 - This place is amazing! The cabin was gorgeous. Nothing was cheap as far as furnishings. We loved the motion sensor light and heater in the bathroom. We will definitely be back! Activities (clay shooting) was fun. Staff was very friendly. Kim Barker

August 9 -10, 2020 This is my sixth visit and each time I'm impressed with the facilities. The staff is always friendly and professional. The food is delicious and consistently good. Brian Smith - Chicago Heights, IL

August 3rd, 2020 - We absolutely enjoyed each and every aspect of our stay! Right up our alley! We plan on an even longer stay with friends in other cabins the next time we plan a stay! Thank you for the hospitality, friendliness and comfort! My girls did not want to leave... Kevin Matzen and Family - Hastings, NE

February 14th-16th, 2020--We absolutely loved our weekend getaway at your lodge. The lodge is only 1 1/2 hours away from home, but it felt like we were hours away. All of the staff members were friendly and greeted you with a smile.  Our room was spectacular with everything we needed to enjoy our stay. The breakfasts and dinners were to die for! It truly tasted like I was back in my grandmother's kitchen.

January 24th-26th, 2020--The food and service was amazing. Everyone was welcoming and friendly, always going above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed during our stay.  The girls getaway weekend was well organized and overall very relaxing.  My group and I truly enjoyed it and being able to relax for a weekend. I would recommend it to anyone interested.

January 24th-26th, 2020--This weekend far exceeded my mom and I's expectations! The Sunset Lodge was breathtaking, the food was delicious, the staff was accommodating and wonderfully friendly.  I can't wait for the next time I can come--I would love for my husband to experience this place!

October 18th-20th, 2019--What a gem of an experience! The property, the rooms, the meals are ALL first class. Thank you so much for your hospitality.

October 11th-13th, 2019--Our first time at your lovely facility and all ages in our group loved it. We definitely hope to return.  The meals were absolutely delicious.

October 11th-13th, 2019--We absolutely love it at your lodge. Our first stay was April 2018 and now we come every six months. We have met amazing friends. Thank you for giving us a place to relax and enjoy ourselves. Love & Hugs. See you soon!

September 13th-15th, 2019--We always love coming with our friends to relax and ATV ride as a group! Hospitality is worth every penny! We look forward to future adventures and memories!

Great time! Great place and people!

September 6th-8th, 2019--Everything about our stay was wonderful! The staff, room, and food were all phenomenal! We will be coming back!

September 6th-10th--Everyone was exceptionally kind and sweet--they would help us with anything--always able to answer questions too. The meals were way beyond what I thought they would be--my husband and I ate the meal and were stuffed and still ate dessert! The scavenger hunt was going on when we were there--we didn't participate since it was our first time there and we found two just by chance.  It was really set up nicely.  We hope to bring our family next year if we can get everyone together. Thank you so much for a wonderful time with all of you!!

September 15th-17th, 2019--A very nice place to stay. Service and food was outstanding. This was our second visit and was completely satisfied both times. Would definitely recommend it.

September 13th-15th, 2019--The Lodge lived up to all its advertisements. We truly enjoyed the weekend. The romantic horseback ride with the picnic basket was really fun. Such a good setting for it. Sierra was an excellent guide.

August 31st-September 2nd--The grounds and lodge were beautiful! We loved being able to have all the family together and be able to fix our own meals. The hayride and bonfire were really fun. Would definitely recommend for any kind of family get together.

August 31st-September 2nd--We had an amazing experience! The kids had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back! And Julie was great in helping us get everything booked. Thanks for creating a family friendly environment where great memories can be made!