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Waterfall Stop
Hotel & River Shuttle

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

Pass by Nebraska’s tallest waterfall at Smith Falls State Park
Cooler carrier tubes are available for drinks and snacks
Peaceful scenery with green hills and sandstone cliffs
Spot wildlife like bald eagles, herons, and river otters
Bring your friends and family and link up to 10 tubes per group
Optional shuttle service or hotel pickup for groups

Click the Tabs for More for More Details!

Trip Details

Price

  • Monday-Thursday: $70 per person
  • Friday-Sunday: $80 per person
  • Extra rider under 10: $35
  • Cooler tubes: $30

2 person couch tube:

  • Mon-Thursday – $150 each
  • Friday- Sunday-$170 each

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.


River coverage

From Berry Bridge to Brewer Bridge

(Click on the image to enlarge in a new tab)


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:

Each member of your group will be required to sign a waiver. Parents or guardians must sign for minors under 18.
Our tubes comfortably fit one adult, however, children under 10 years old are welcome to share a tube with an adult at an additional cost.
If two children want to share a tube, one will pay full price and the other will pay the extra rider fee.
Up to ten tubes can be tied together in a group.

With the right preparation, your time on the Niobrara River will be safe, relaxing, and enjoyable.


Check Out Our FAQs for More Information


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