Bears on the River 2025

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*

RESERVE YOUR ROOM HERE 

A one night non-refundable deposit will be charged 15 days prior to event start.

 Hotel booking includes 1 complementary BOTR Armband for each room.  Additional armbands may be purchased during check-in or from any of our team for $25

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-Midnight Lobby Reception/Pool

Music by DJ Matty G 

BOTR Armband required for the pool

Friday July 18th

Hotel Check In 3PM 

Group Information Table 1PM - 9PM Hotel Lobby

Meet & Greet  4PM-11PM       Hotel Lobby/Pool Deck 

Music by DJ Matty G

Country Dance Night 8PM-Midnight Hotel Ballroom West

Instructions 8PM-9PM Dance until Midnight

Music by DJ Brianna Lee

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 2PM- 11 PM Hotel Pool Deck      

Music by DJ Matty G

BOTR Armband required for the pool

Drag Queen BINGO 2PM-4PM Hotel Ballroom West  

 Hosted By Darcell Stevens

Music by DJ Brianna Lee

80s Bear Dance Party 8PM-11PM Hotel Ballroom West

Music by DJ Brianna Lee

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)