Float Past Some Of The Most Beautiful Scenery In Nebraska When You Take A Trip Down The Niobrara River
By Delana Lefevers|Published May 16, 2020
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
When you’re looking for your next summer adventure, does a day on the river come to mind? It should, since Nebraska has more miles of river than any other state! Each river offers a different experience, but if you’re looking for beauty, comfort, and accessibility, the Niobrara is the go-to river.
Niobrara National Scenic River is nestled in the Sandhills of north-central Nebraska near Valentine. It covers more than 560 miles in total, but it's the relatively small stretch in this area that's so widely treasured by river enthusiasts.
The stretch of the river that's most popular with tubers and tankers happens to be in one of the most scenic parts of Nebraska. Undeveloped land interspersed with ranches and small campgrounds lines the banks; the towering sandstone cliffs cradle the water in some places and dramatically give way to open skies in others.
There are treasures out here on the river that you just can't see from the banks. Did you know there are actually tons of small waterfalls along the Niobrara? You've got to be on the water to catch some of them!
The river is shallow and moves slowly enough that even the newest "river rat" will have no problem traversing it. In fact, it's likely that you'll need to get off of your tube and dislodge it from a sandbar now and then. You'll find yourself standing in a few inches to a few feet of cold, clear, gentle water.
The easiest and safest way to float down the Niobrara - whether in a tube, livestock tank, canoe, or kayak - is to set up an outing with a licensed outfitter. They'll make sure you have all of the proper clearances and safety information you need to make your float an unforgettable one.
