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*

RESERVE YOUR ROOM HERE 

*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)

If you need more information please email us direct at gatorbears@gmail.com