Family-owned and rooted in Indian River since 1968, Big Bear Adventures has been sharing Northern Michigan’s wild beauty for over five decades. Friendly, certified guides know every bend of the crystal-clear Sturgeon River—the fas...
Big Bear Adventures offers multiple activities that keep families coming back, from mini golf that's been a local favorite for decades to guided side-by-side tours and river tubing on the crystal-clear Sturgeon River. Dave stands out repeatedly as an exceptional guide who prioritizes safety while keeping groups engaged and entertained on the scenic trail rides. The staff generally gets praise for being friendly and helpful, especially when explaining everything to first-timers. A few operational hiccups pop up in recent feedback. Some visitors arrived to find no staff available to help, which meant missing out on activities entirely. River conditions can vary dramatically, and a couple reviewers felt the difficulty level wasn't communicated clearly enough, particularly for tubing trips after storms when debris made navigation challenging. Safety equipment like life vests and paddles aren't always standard issue. Most visitors leave thrilled with their experience though, and many specifically mention plans to return.
Great people and great atmosphere
Kelli Gausden
March 23, 2026
Great people and great atmosphere
Kelli Gausden
March 23, 2026