Big Bear Adventures

Big Bear Adventures Choose your adventure! River Trips, Guided Side-by-Side Tours, Outdoor Fun Center, General Store and more!
📍Northern Michigan 🌎 Outfitter

For more than 50 years, we have provided memorable outdoor experiences for guests of all ages and skill levels. Paddle the crystal-clear Sturgeon River (the fastest in Michigan's Lower Peninsula!) on our exciting Kayak, Raft, and Tube trips. Test your ability while having fun on our 18-hole Adventure Golf Course, Ropes Challenge Course, and Bumper Boats! Take a ride on our Guided Side-by-Side Tour

s and experience winter's splendor on our unique Guided Winter Raft trips, and X-C Ski or Snowshoe rentals. We can accommodate groups of all sizes and Group Packages are available.

Sturgeon River 101: Cedar TreesOne of the most recognizable sights on the Sturgeon River is the iconic cedar. Some tower...
06/16/2026

Sturgeon River 101: Cedar Trees

One of the most recognizable sights on the Sturgeon River is the iconic cedar.

Some tower upright over the river, others arch over its banks, creating the tunnel-like feel that paddlers know and love, and providing shade for trout and other cold-water species.

And if you’ve ever paddled the Sturgeon River, you know that fallen cedars also become part of the river itself. These log jams create habitat for fish, insects, and other wildlife, and give the river it’s unique and ever-changing character.

The next time you're on the Sturgeon, take a moment to appreciate the cedars.

🚣🏻 Have your own kayak or canoe, but need a ride for your paddle down the Sturgeon River? We offer shuttle services to g...
06/11/2026

🚣🏻 Have your own kayak or canoe, but need a ride for your paddle down the Sturgeon River? We offer shuttle services to get you and your equipment safely to popular access points along the river. Our drivers will shuttle you to the launch, provide maps, and offer their expertise on navigating the river.

Book a shuttle online today https://bigbearadventures.com/river-adventures/kayak-shuttle-services/

Paddling or floating the Sturgeon River is a special experience, and we're always honored to help people discover and en...
06/09/2026

Paddling or floating the Sturgeon River is a special experience, and we're always honored to help people discover and enjoy it. Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing some of the unique features that make the Sturgeon one of Michigan's most remarkable rivers.

Sturgeon River 101: Streamflow

The Sturgeon River is the fastest-flowing river in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Its swift current, low-hanging cedars, sharp bends, and occasional log jams make for a fun and adventurous ride. It's no lazy river!

One way we measure a river's flow is by its discharge or streamflow: the volume of water moving past a point each second. On the Sturgeon River, discharge typically ranges from about 100 to 500 cubic feet per second (cfs).

During the spring flooding of 2026, however, significant snowmelt and runoff pushed streamflow to nearly 2,400 cfs. More than four times higher than normal high-flow conditions!

One of the best parts of a float down the Sturgeon River? You never know what wildlife you might see. From bald eagles s...
06/05/2026

One of the best parts of a float down the Sturgeon River? You never know what wildlife you might see.

From bald eagles soaring overhead to deer along the shoreline and turtles soaking up the sun, every trip offers a chance to experience Northern Michigan's natural beauty up close.

What's the coolest animal you've spotted on the Sturgeon River?

Experience Northern Michigan like never before on one of our guided side-by-side adventures.Ride through rugged backcoun...
06/03/2026

Experience Northern Michigan like never before on one of our guided side-by-side adventures.

Ride through rugged backcountry trails, climb rolling hills, weave through towering hardwood and pine forests, and take in breathtaking views of a pristine Northern Michigan lake. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a scenic ride through nature, our tours deliver an unforgettable experience.

Perfect for couples, families, friends, and groups of all experience levels!

BRP Experiences

What's on your summer bucket list?✅ Float the Sturgeon River✅ Spot local wildlife along the water✅ Explore the trails on...
06/02/2026

What's on your summer bucket list?

✅ Float the Sturgeon River
✅ Spot local wildlife along the water
✅ Explore the trails on a side-by-side adventure
✅ Make memories you'll be talking about all winter

There’s nothing like summertime in Northern Michigan—the sunshine, the water, and the memories made along the way. Make this your summer to get outside, try something new, and create adventures you'll never forget.

06/01/2026

Did you know that we are a BRP Experiences Outfitter? 🌎

We’re proud to partner with BRP Experiences, connecting you to 225+ unforgettable destinations across the world—from open waters to deep snow, desert trails to forest routes. With over 2 million adventures already completed, powered by BRP’s iconic brands—Ski‑Doo, Lynx, Sea‑Doo, and Can‑Am—our mission is simple: make it easier for you to discover the thrill of outdoor exploration and live moments that move you.

Calling all youth group leaders, camp counselors, and teachers! Big Bear Adventures offers special group packages for en...
05/28/2026

Calling all youth group leaders, camp counselors, and teachers! Big Bear Adventures offers special group packages for end-of-school-year fun and team building. With rafting trips, a ropes challenge course, adventure golf, and more, we offer a variety of exciting activities to strengthen connections and create unforgettable memories.

Book your group adventure today on our website, or call (231) 238-8181 🚣🏻

🔗 bigbearadventures.com/group-packages/

It’s time...our equipment is ready and the river is calling.We’re so excited to kick off another summer of unforgettable...
05/26/2026

It’s time...our equipment is ready and the river is calling.

We’re so excited to kick off another summer of unforgettable adventures on the beautiful Sturgeon River. From peaceful paddles to family tubing trips, there’s no better way to experience Northern Michigan.

Book your rafting, kayaking, or tubing trip today at bigbearadventures.com or call us at (231) 238-8181. We’ll see you on the river!

From the rivers and lakes to the trails and forests, we’re celebrating this planet every single day & in every way!! 🌲🛶W...
04/22/2026

From the rivers and lakes to the trails and forests, we’re celebrating this planet every single day & in every way!! 🌲🛶
We’re beyond grateful for all the beautiful ways we get to adventure & play out here! Happy Earth Day from Big Bear🌎🐻
Swipe to see some of our favorite touch points of nature in our “neck of the woods”...🤍

Address

4271 S Straits Highway
Indian River, MI
49749

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 9pm
Tuesday 10am - 9pm
Wednesday 10am - 9pm
Thursday 10am - 9pm
Friday 10am - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 9pm
Sunday 10am - 9pm

Telephone

(231) 238-8181

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Big Bear Adventures posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share