Advertisement

Nebraska Seasonal

Float Past Some Of The Most Beautiful Scenery In Nebraska When You Take A Trip Down The Niobrara River

By Delana Lefevers | Published May 16, 2020

When you’re looking for your next summer adventure, does a day on the river come to mind? It should, since Nebraska has more miles of river than any other state! Each river offers a different experience, but if you’re looking for beauty, comfort, and accessibility, the Niobrara is the go-to river.

Niobrara National Scenic River is nestled in the Sandhills of north-central Nebraska near Valentine. It covers more than 560 miles in total, but it's the relatively small stretch in this area that's so widely treasured by river enthusiasts.

Far from the wild and fast Missouri River that's most commonly associated with Nebraska, the Niobrara is a slow, sweet passage.

Advertisement

The stretch of the river that's most popular with tubers and tankers happens to be in one of the most scenic parts of Nebraska. Undeveloped land interspersed with ranches and small campgrounds lines the banks; the towering sandstone cliffs cradle the water in some places and dramatically give way to open skies in others.

Advertisement

There are treasures out here on the river that you just can't see from the banks. Did you know there are actually tons of small waterfalls along the Niobrara? You've got to be on the water to catch some of them!

The river is shallow and moves slowly enough that even the newest "river rat" will have no problem traversing it. In fact, it's likely that you'll need to get off of your tube and dislodge it from a sandbar now and then. You'll find yourself standing in a few inches to a few feet of cold, clear, gentle water.

The easiest and safest way to float down the Niobrara - whether in a tube, livestock tank, canoe, or kayak - is to set up an outing with a licensed outfitter. They'll make sure you have all of the proper clearances and safety information you need to make your float an unforgettable one.

There really is no better way to experience the beauty of Nebraska's scenic river than from a slowly-moving float.

Have you ever taken a floating trip down the Niobrara National Scenic River in Nebraska? Tell us all about your adventure in the comments!

If you want the experience of floating but want to stay totally dry, consider another of Nebraska’s favorite summertime activities: river tanking.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Featured Addresses

Niobrara River, Nebraska, USA