We took our family (4 kids and 2 adults) on a tubing adventure down the Niobrara and booked our tubes through Little Outlaw. Communication was great and everything was in order. We would definitely utilize Little Outlaw again–the whole family had a great time!
Tubing Down the Niobrara River: A Relaxing 4 Hour Float
Looking for the perfect way to experience one of Nebraska’s top outdoor destinations? This 4 hour Niobrara tubing trip is the best way to relax. This calm, spring-fed river is known for its scenic cliffs, wildlife, and waterfalls. As one of the top-rated Niobrara River tubing outfitters, we offer high-quality single and two-person couch tubes, cooler tube rentals, and convenient shuttle options to make your day easy and stress-free. Your journey will take you past Smith Falls State Park, home to the tallest waterfall in Nebraska, and winds through one of the most photogenic parts of the Niobrara National Scenic River.
This trip is perfect for groups with people of all ages, and it is one of the best things to do in Valentine, Nebraska on a sunny day. This relaxing float combines fun, nature, and relaxation into an experience like no other.
Trip Highlights
Click the Tabs for More for More Details!
Trip Details
Price
- Friday, Saturday: $80 each tube
- Sunday, Monday: $70 each tube
- Tuesday-Thursday: $65 each tube
- Extra rider under 10: $35
- Cooler tubes: $30
2 person couch tube:
- Friday, Saturday: $170
- Sunday, Monday: $150
- Tuesday-Thursday: $140
Includes morning shuttle bus option
Season
Mid-May to mid-September
Check-in time
From 24 hours up to 1 hour prior to trip departure
Shuttle departure time
Trip departure times vary depending on season:
- Daily: 10:15 am
- Peak season: 10:15 am and noon
Approximate finish time
2:15 pm on the 10:15 am shuttle or 4:15pm on the noon shuttle
Meeting point (without shuttle)
Outlaw Canoe Office
Located at 1005 East Highway 20, Valentine, NE, 69201. After meeting here, we will then instruct you to the Berry Bridge launch point, where you will begin your trip.
Meeting point (with shuttle)
Brewer Bridge NRD Public Parking Lot
Located 5 miles South of Sparks NE. on Sparks River Road. Please call, text, or stop in our office at least 1 hour prior to your trip to check in. We will board the bus at your designated time, at Brewer Bridge.
Hotel shuttle options
Available for groups of 8 or more
- For groups of 8 or more, we can shuttle you from hotels/motels and drop you back after your tubing experience.
- The cost of the tubing + hotel shuttle is $105 per person.
- The hotel pickup time is at 11:00 am.
Please contact us to book.
Included
- Tube
- Life jacket
Not included
- Taxes
- Gratuities
- Cooler tube
Difficulty level
This trip is suitable for beginners
Minimum age
Parental discretion applies
Please bring
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat
- Drinking water
Please wear
Shoes suitable for wading (not flip flops)
Nature & Wildlife
As you float down the Niobrara National Scenic River, you’ll be surrounded by a wide range of habitats that make this area stunningly unique. The river winds through beautiful cliffs, forests, and grassy meadows that receive nourishment by spring-fed streams.
This stretch of river flows near the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, offering a chance to encounter a diverse mix of native species. Floating the Niobrara River is an ideal way to spot local wildlife.
Be sure to keep an eye out for:
- Bald eagles
- Great blue herons
- River otters
- White-tailed deer
- Minks
- Wild turkeys
- Red-tailed hawks
- Belted kingfishers
- Painted turtles
As you paddle down the river, there’s a new chance to connect with the sights and sounds of this vibrant ecosystem.
Convenient Shuttle Options
Most of our customers use our shuttle service, as it is both convenient and affordable. We offer two main shuttle options for our tubing trips:
Staying near the Niobrara? Meet us at the Little Outlaw Office, and we’ll direct you to Brewer Bridge, where you’ll leave your vehicle. From there, we’ll shuttle you upriver to Berry Bridge, your tubing launch point.
Visiting Valentine? For groups of 8 or more,we offer hotel/motel pick-up in Valentine. We’ll shuttle you to Berry Bridge, where you’ll begin your float, then meet you at the end of your trip and return you to your accommodations. Please call (402) 376-1822 for a link to book our hotel shuttle service!
Good to Know
It is important to us that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience on the river. Here are a few important things to keep in mind before your trip:
With the right preparation, your time on the Niobrara River will be safe, relaxing, and enjoyable.
Check Out Our FAQs for More Information
Hear From Happy Floaters
We’ve floated the brara for 6 years now and have rented from LOC 8 times. We have never had an issue with reserving from them and they’ve always been super friendly, open, and honest. They’ve even helped get better prices with the shuttle since we stay at Berry Bridge. When we float we usually have a group of 8+ people with us and I’ve never heard a complaint from anyone in our friend group. They have cooler tubes and it makes it nice because it fits large to small coolers! Best thing about this is they haul the tubes for you and set them up for you! You literally jump on the river and when getting out at the end they haul them out for you!
We won’t use anyone else but these guys! Highly recommend!
I highly recommend Little Outlaw for your Niobrara tubing experience! My husband and I booked our tubing trip with them for our honeymoon and had a wonderful time. The staff in the office was great at explaining how to get to the shuttle point and our shuttle driver was so kind and helpful. All of the staff well prepared us for the float and we had a fantastic time!
Little Outlaw’s couch tubes are super comfortable. My friend group does an annual Niobrara float, and we switched from tubes to couch tubes a few years ago. We’ll never go back now! Service at launch and pick-up is always seamless. We also stay at Berry Bridge (where Little Outlaw launches from) and are coming up on our 10th annual trip. Always a great time!






