Add This One Awesome Activity To Your Nebraska Summer Bucket List

Every Nebraskan knows that it’s not really summer until you get out on the water. Whether you’re boating, water skiing, swimming, or tubing, we’re all about having fun on our rivers and lakes. But there’s one uniquely Nebraskan river activity that you’ve got to try as soon as possible.

Sandhills Motel

Tanking is a little like tubing in that you leisurely float down one of Nebraska's calmer rivers. But instead of sprawling out on an inflated plastic donut, you sit comfortably in a plastic or metal livestock water tank, staying perfectly dry (except for the person who has to jump out at the end to pull the tank to shore).

Sandhills Motel

Although they may look cumbersome, these tanks are graceful on the water and float perfectly - even when loaded down with a bunch of people. The motion of the shallow river is smooth and gentle, and the tanks sort of lazily bounce off of trees and other obstacles.

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Get Tanked

Most tanks come equipped with seats and/or a picnic table. You and your friends or family can relax and play games or enjoy a nice river picnic as you float along. You don't need to paddle - all you have to do is relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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flickr/Michael Massa

While canoeing or even tubing might not be a safe activity for all ages, tanking is another story. You are encouraged to wear life jackets, but it's just about the safest summer river activity there is. Everyone from small kids to older adults can ride in comfort and enjoy a beautiful day out in the sun.

Depending on the river and the tour you choose, you could float in your tank for anywhere from two to six hours. The outfitters who supply your tank will shuttle you from the end of your tour back to your car, so you’ve got nothing to worry about other than sunscreen, beverages, and having an awesome time.

If you want more information on tanking, these are some of the companies that offer tanking tours:

Broken Arrow Wilderness, Fullerton – Serves the Cedar River

Calamus Outfitters, near Burwell – Serves the Calamus River

Crazy Rayz Tanking, Spalding – Serves the Cedar River

Get Tanked, Ericson – Serves the Cedar River

Glidden Canoe Rental, Mullen – Serves the Dismal and Middle Loup Rivers

Little Outlaw Canoe, Valentine – Serves the Niobrara River

Niobrara Riverview Retreats, near Valentine – Serves the Niobrara River

Tank Down, Omaha – Serves the Elkhorn River

If you know of any other companies offering river tanking adventures, please be sure to add them to the list in the comments section. The weather’s great for being out on the water, so book your float and get ready to have the time of your life.