If you’ve been to a water park, you might have ridden on a “lazy river.” It’s a slow-moving water ride that lets you float along a shallow river-like water path on an inner tube. As fun as those lazy river rides are, they really can’t compare to the real thing. In Nebraska, we have several amazing rivers that are perfect for tubing thanks to their calm current and shallow depth. Although there are certainly different opinions out there, the consensus seems to be that the Niobrara is king of the “natural lazy rivers” in Nebraska.

The Niobrara River meanders through Nebraska and into Wyoming, covering more than 560 miles in all.
Nebraska Tourism Commission
A 76-mile stretch of the river has been dubbed the Niobrara National Scenic River. The designation of "national scenic river" is given to rivers with clean water, beautiful, mostly undeveloped shorelines, and free-flowing water.
Nebraska Tourism Commission
The stretch of the Niobrara that's suitable for tubing meets all of those qualifications easily. The scenery is wild and absolutely gorgeous, and the sights from the water are so stunning that you might forget you're in Nebraska.
Nebraska Tourism Commission

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The best and safest way to tube the Niobrara is to book a trip with a local outfitter (see the link at the end of this article). They will provide you with the tubes and safety equipment, provide transportation, and ensure that your journey is both safe and enjoyable. All you have to do is lie back, float the day away, and enjoy the scenery and the company.
Nebraska Tourism Commission
You won't be able to tube the entire length of the river. Besides taking a very, very long time, there are portions that aren't suitable for tubing. All the more reason to go through a reputable outfitter to set up your trip!
Nebraska Tourism Commission
If you're into river adventures that are just a little less lazy, the Niobrara is also perfect for canoeing and kayaking. In those vessels you can access parts of the river that would be too dangerous in a tube.
Nebraska Tourism Commission

Most of the tubing outfitters are concentrated in and around the Valentine area. This is where river conditions are optimal for a nice, leisurely float. This list of river outfitters is provided by the National Parks Service and can be used to find rentals, accommodations, and other services. Check up on river conditions and safety alerts here.

Is river tubing a regular part of your summer routine? Which river is your favorite for a leisurely day of tubing? We’d love to hear your input in the comments!

For another famously fun river activity, check out the practice of tanking on Nebraska’s rivers.

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