We don’t know about you, but one of our favorite things to do on a warm summer’s day is float down a lazy river in Nebraska. Floating on an inner tube down a river … it’s practically a requirement for living in the Cornhusker State. In other states, people might have to head to water parks to experience the relaxing sensation of a lazy river. Here in Nebraska, we know that the real fun is enjoying a natural lazy river.
- Niobrara River
Nebraska Tourism The Niobrara River is the ultimate lazy river in Nebraska that seems perfectly designed for recreational use. It’s generally slow, shallow, and safe. You can find several outfitters that can rent you the equipment and even transport you to the put-in site. And the best part about the Niobrara is how incredibly scenic it is. You’ve never seen breathtaking views like this anywhere else in Nebraska. Is it any wonder that it’s been designated as a National Scenic River? Niobrara River, Nebraska, USA
- Platte River
Facebook/Platte River Rentals, LLC The Platte is well-known as the river that’s “a mile wide and an inch deep.” It has a very significant place in Nebraska’s history. While you float down this peaceful river, imagine the pioneers following the river’s wide course. There are plenty of outfitters that can help you with entering and exiting the river at approved points. This is one of our favorite water trails in Nebraska. Platte River, Nebraska, USA
- Calamus River
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons The scenic Calamus River boasts some of the clearest water in the state. Its sandy bottom makes it the ideal spot for Nebraska tubing. The banks of the river are all private property, so definitely make sure to book with an outfitter. You want to make sure you’re complying with all local laws! Calamus Outfitters owns a large ranch that has river access. Here, you can get set up with a relaxing float down the river. Calamus River, Nebraska, USA
- Elkhorn River
Tubing & Adventures It’s hard to believe that this adventure is so close to Omaha! The Elkhorn River is wide and smooth. In the summer, it can get quite shallow as the temperatures rise. This shallow depth will extend the duration of your float. You’ll appreciate that factoid, as it will give you more time to enjoy the area’s splendid scenery along the banks! Tubing and Adventures owns a 54-acre property with Elkhorn River access and can arrange your whole journey for you. Elkhorn River, Nebraska, USA
- Middle Loup River
Sandhill River Trips The Middle Loup River can be overlooked by tubers and other water adventurers. However, it’s a wonderfully scenic river that is perfect for a relaxing day of floating. It’s located within the gorgeous Halsey National Forest, which is the largest man-made forest in the country. Check out an outfitter like Sandhill River Trips for equipment rental and transportation to a launch site. Middle Loup River, Nebraska, USA
- Republican River
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons The Republican River is rated “easy” on the International Scale of River Difficulty, so this is a great option for beginner tubers. The smooth, slow-flowing river is absolutely beautiful. It’s ideal for wildlife watching due to its slower pace. Birds and other animals can be seen from the river as you float along peacefully. This is such a great opportunity to enjoy the sun and scenery! If you prefer to explore on foot, there are some great nearby trails to check out. Republican River, Naponee, NE 68960, USA
We don’t know about you, but one of our favorite things to do on a warm summer’s day is float down a lazy river in Nebraska. Floating on an inner tube down a river … it’s practically a requirement for living in the Cornhusker State. In other states, people might have to head to water parks to experience the relaxing sensation of a lazy river. Here in Nebraska, we know that the real fun is enjoying a natural lazy river.
Nebraska Tourism
The Niobrara River is the ultimate lazy river in Nebraska that seems perfectly designed for recreational use. It’s generally slow, shallow, and safe. You can find several outfitters that can rent you the equipment and even transport you to the put-in site. And the best part about the Niobrara is how incredibly scenic it is. You’ve never seen breathtaking views like this anywhere else in Nebraska. Is it any wonder that it’s been designated as a National Scenic River?
Niobrara River, Nebraska, USA
Facebook/Platte River Rentals, LLC
The Platte is well-known as the river that’s “a mile wide and an inch deep.” It has a very significant place in Nebraska’s history. While you float down this peaceful river, imagine the pioneers following the river’s wide course. There are plenty of outfitters that can help you with entering and exiting the river at approved points. This is one of our favorite water trails in Nebraska.
Platte River, Nebraska, USA
By Ammodramus (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The scenic Calamus River boasts some of the clearest water in the state. Its sandy bottom makes it the ideal spot for Nebraska tubing. The banks of the river are all private property, so definitely make sure to book with an outfitter. You want to make sure you’re complying with all local laws! Calamus Outfitters owns a large ranch that has river access. Here, you can get set up with a relaxing float down the river.
Calamus River, Nebraska, USA
Tubing & Adventures
It’s hard to believe that this adventure is so close to Omaha! The Elkhorn River is wide and smooth. In the summer, it can get quite shallow as the temperatures rise. This shallow depth will extend the duration of your float. You’ll appreciate that factoid, as it will give you more time to enjoy the area’s splendid scenery along the banks! Tubing and Adventures owns a 54-acre property with Elkhorn River access and can arrange your whole journey for you.
Elkhorn River, Nebraska, USA
Sandhill River Trips
The Middle Loup River can be overlooked by tubers and other water adventurers. However, it’s a wonderfully scenic river that is perfect for a relaxing day of floating. It’s located within the gorgeous Halsey National Forest, which is the largest man-made forest in the country. Check out an outfitter like Sandhill River Trips for equipment rental and transportation to a launch site.
Middle Loup River, Nebraska, USA
The Republican River is rated “easy” on the International Scale of River Difficulty, so this is a great option for beginner tubers. The smooth, slow-flowing river is absolutely beautiful. It’s ideal for wildlife watching due to its slower pace. Birds and other animals can be seen from the river as you float along peacefully. This is such a great opportunity to enjoy the sun and scenery! If you prefer to explore on foot, there are some great nearby trails to check out.
Republican River, Naponee, NE 68960, USA
It’s important to note that almost all of the land along the banks of these rivers is privately owned. Landowners are typically friendly to floaters if you make arrangements well in advance and are respectful of their property. But the easiest way to handle arrangements is to simply book with an outfitter who will take care of all of the details, so you don’t have to worry about running afoul of the law.
If you’d like a slightly more unusual mode of transportation down the river, check out this article on tanking.
What’s your favorite lazy river in Nebraska? This is one of our favorite summer activities, so share your preferred locations in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lazy Rivers In Nebraska May 09, 2022 Lisa Sammons What is summer in Nebraska like? Summers in Nebraska are typically pretty hot. The highs tend to be in the low 80s throughout the summer months, which doesn’t sound that bad, but when you take into account our famous mugginess, it’s pretty darn hot. The humid temperatures make for a sticky atmosphere that will have you wanting to cool off! What are some good theme parks in Nebraska to visit in the summertime? Papio Fun Park is so much fun for the whole family! Here, you’ll find go-karts, miniature golf, and more. There are activities to do both inside and outside, so you can even escape the heat as needed. Are there any beaches in Nebraska? We may be landlocked and nowhere near the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have beaches in Nebraska. We absolutely love the beach at Calamus Lake. There, you’ll find a beautiful white sand beach that will have you forgetting you’re far from the ocean.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lazy Rivers In Nebraska
May 09, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What is summer in Nebraska like? Summers in Nebraska are typically pretty hot. The highs tend to be in the low 80s throughout the summer months, which doesn’t sound that bad, but when you take into account our famous mugginess, it’s pretty darn hot. The humid temperatures make for a sticky atmosphere that will have you wanting to cool off! What are some good theme parks in Nebraska to visit in the summertime? Papio Fun Park is so much fun for the whole family! Here, you’ll find go-karts, miniature golf, and more. There are activities to do both inside and outside, so you can even escape the heat as needed. Are there any beaches in Nebraska? We may be landlocked and nowhere near the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have beaches in Nebraska. We absolutely love the beach at Calamus Lake. There, you’ll find a beautiful white sand beach that will have you forgetting you’re far from the ocean.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Summers in Nebraska are typically pretty hot. The highs tend to be in the low 80s throughout the summer months, which doesn’t sound that bad, but when you take into account our famous mugginess, it’s pretty darn hot. The humid temperatures make for a sticky atmosphere that will have you wanting to cool off!
What are some good theme parks in Nebraska to visit in the summertime?
Papio Fun Park is so much fun for the whole family! Here, you’ll find go-karts, miniature golf, and more. There are activities to do both inside and outside, so you can even escape the heat as needed.
Are there any beaches in Nebraska?
We may be landlocked and nowhere near the ocean, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have beaches in Nebraska. We absolutely love the beach at Calamus Lake. There, you’ll find a beautiful white sand beach that will have you forgetting you’re far from the ocean.
