Bears on the River 2024
BOTR 2024
July 25th-28th
Join us for our 26th annual tubing trip down the Ichetucknee River! For up to the minute updates, add yourself to our Facebook page!
Host Hotel
Best Western Gateway Grand Resort
4200 NW 97th Blvd
Gainesville FL 32606
352-331-3336
King $129.00 per night plus tax*
Double $129.00 per night plus tax*
*A one night non refundable deposit will be charged at the time the reservation is made.
Hotel booking includes 2 BOTR Armbands. Additional armbands (while supplies last) may be purchased during check-in or from any of our team for $30
Schedule of Events
Thursday July 25th
Hotel Check In 3PM
Early Arrival Meet and Greet 7PM - 9PM
Hotel Ballroom/Pool Area
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Friday July 26th
Hotel Check In 3PM
Group Information Table 1PM - 9PM
Hotel Lobby
Meet & Greet 6PM-9PM
Hotel Lobby/Pool Deck
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Entertainment (TBA) 8PM
Hotel Ballroom West
Saturday July 27th
Bear Breakfast (Hotel Lobby) 7AM-10AM (For those staying at the hotel)
Tubing Down the Ichetucknee River 9:00AM
Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:45AM and buddy up to carpool to the Park (no Bus to the river this year) OR meet at the Park SOUTH entrance tram area at 8:45AM. We will take the tram or walk to the MID-Point Dock at 9AM . The actual time on the water will be around one and a half - two hours. Once we are through floating we will head back to the hotel for an afternoon of fun.
Reminders -
Get there early, when the park is full you will not be able to get in.
No alcohol allowed in the park.
You can pickup your tube from a vendor along the way OR the vendor in the park at the General Store.
The General Store also offers a variety of hot and cold foods for lunch- Hamburgers, Fries, Sandwiches, Salads, Wraps and Ice Cream and they will hold your keys for a small fee.
For more information about the park please visit; Ichetucknee Springs
Afternoon Splash Hotel Pool Noon- 2:00PM
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Drag Queen BINGO 2:00PM
Hotel Ballroom West
Bear Dance Party
8PM-Midnight
Hotel Ballroom West
Moonlight Swim Hotel Pool 10PM - 1AM
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Wind down the long day of fun with a relaxing swim and a few drinks before turning in for the night.
Sunday July 28th
Farewell Breakfast 7:30-10:30AM (For those staying at the hotel)
Hotel Lobby
Ichetucknee Park Fees
Ichetucknee Park Entrance - $6 per car (2-8 people) Pay at the park entrance.
Tube Rental - Available from vendors on the way to the park and in the park $7-$30. If renting in the park you will pay at the General Store located in the park.
Ichetucknee Park Tram - $5.50 + tax per person. Pay at the General Store in the Park.
(you may walk to the mid point and back to the parking area for free)
