Bears on the River 2025
BOTR 2025
July 17th-20th
Join us for our 27th 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 $139.00 per night plus tax*
Double $139.00 per night plus tax*
A one night non-refundable deposit will be charged 15 days prior to event start.
Hotel booking includes 1 BOTR Armband. Additional armbands may be purchased during check-in or from any of our team for $30
Schedule of Events
We are still working on the schedule the below will change so be sure to check back often.
Thursday July 17th
Hotel Check In 3PM
Group Information Table 1PM - 9PM Hotel Lobby
Early Arrival Meet and Greet 6PM-8PM Lobby/Pool
Country Dance Night with 8PM-Midnight Hotel Ballroom West
Instructions 8PM-9PM Dance until Midnight
Music by TBA
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Friday July 18th
Hotel Check In 3PM
Group Information Table 1PM - 9PM Hotel Lobby
Meet & Greet 6PM-9PM Hotel Lobby/Pool Deck
Music by TBA
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Saturday July 19th
Bear Breakfast 7AM-10AM Hotel Lobby (For those staying at the hotel)
Tubing Down the Ichetucknee River 9AM
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; https://ichetuckneesprings.com/ to pre pay for entrance and to book your tubes (This link is not affiliated with GatorBears or Bears on the River. We assume no responsibility for any transactions, cancelations or park closures)
Afternoon Splash 4PM- 11 PM Hotel Pool Deck
Music by TBA
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Drag Queen BINGO 2PM-4PM Hotel Ballroom West
Hosted By Darcel Stevens
Music by TBA
80s Bear Dance Party 8PM-11PM Hotel Ballroom West
Music by TBA
Moonlight Swim 11PM - 1AM Hotel Pool
Wind down the long day of fun with a relaxing swim and a few drinks before turning in for the night. BOTR Armband required for the pool
Sunday July 20th
Farewell Breakfast 7:30-10:30AM Hotel Lobby (For those staying at the hotel)
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)
