Posted in Iowa
June 16, 2017
10 Lazy Rivers In Iowa That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day
Iowa offers some sweltering summer days, and there’s no better way to cope than just give in to the heat and float down a lazy river with a big group of friends. Pack some cold drinks, slather on the sunscreen, and head to any of these awesome lazy river locations to enjoy the steamiest summer weather Iowa has to offer.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

This rental business is near the Upper Iowa River in extreme Northeast Iowa. National Geographic's Adventure Magazine recently recognized this area of Iowa. This private farm is located along the "Chimney Rocks" and are open all summer with tubes available for your float.

Conveniently located in Decorah next to Pulpit Rock Campground between Trout Run Recreational Trail and the Upper Iowa River, they offer a shuttle service in addition to tubes.

For outdoor enthusiasts who would like a little longer to explore the Upper Iowa River, Hruska's will help plan a one-day, two-day, or longer tubing excursion. They also maintain the Bluffton Campground which has electrical hookups, fresh water, and solar showers.

You can rent tubes, canoes, and kayaks, here. Shuttle service and help planning a river trip are available, as well. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the Upper Iowa River as you float.

This working beef and quarter horse farm is also a campground for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Tube the most beautiful part of the Upper Iowa River. There's even a "swimming hole" and playground for the kids.

This rental establishment facilitates weekend floats down the scenic Raccoon River near Des Moines. Book in advance for a Saturday or Sunday float that lasts between 4 and 5 hours. Launch times are between 9am and noon.

Rock-n-Row rents tubing equipment for 3-5 hour floats down the Iowa River. They also provide a shuttle service to the starting point. They are fully insured, and also serve as a campground and music venue.

Enjoy a 3 to 5-hour float down the Des Moines River, passing under the 185-foot-tall Kate Shelley High Bridge. There are many easily accessible sand bars and great scenery.

Rent tubes and float as far as you'd like. These folks will deliver and pick up your rented tubes at your location along the Wapsipinicon River within 20 miles of the town of Independence at no additional charge on Saturdays and Sundays.

Float the Nishnabotna River through western Iowa on a "Rubber Duck" tube complete with beverage holder. Shuttle service is available. You can even bring your dog on this river excursion.
Enjoy spectacular scenery, the camaraderie of friends, and the beautiful Iowa waterways from an up-close and personal vantage point. It doesn’t get much better than tubing in Iowa on a hot summer day.