The One-Of-A-Kind Summer Float Trip You'll Only Find In Nebraska
By Delana Lefevers|Published July 14, 2019
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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.
Tanking – floating down a peaceful river in a stock tank – is a uniquely Nebraskan summer activity. Our abundance of river miles makes this the perfect place to jump into a tank and set off on a float. If you’re in western Nebraska and looking for an awesome day of floating (or a number of other activities), this outfitter has everything you need.
There are plenty of outfitters on the Niobrara, Elkhorn, Cedar, and other rivers in Nebraska. There are, however, very few in the western region of the state. If you're hankering for a bit of purely Nebraskan fun out that way, head on out to Dusty Trails in North Platte.
Load your crew into one of the stock tanks, which can accommodate three to eight passengers. For the most part, you'll simply float peacefully down the river. From time to time, you may encounter a sandbar or a tree stump that you'll need to push off from (oars are provided).
Tanking is similar to tubing except that you stay dry the whole time. Stock tanks are virtually untippable, so you can simply sit and watch the scenery go by. And since everyone is seated in a circle, you can have conversations or even play games as you happily float along.
Dusty Trails is also the place to go in North Platte for a more traditional tubing float. These adventures last from 90 minutes for four hours and also include a shuttle.
The outfitter offers plenty of fun on dry land, too. Horseback riding excursions are a popular activity in this spectacular setting. Year-round riding classes and riding academies always draw a nice crowd of people who are eager to learn or expand their knowledge of riding.
If you're planning a special event, Dusty Trails can help out there, too. They offer horse-drawn wagon rides for any occasion. What a fun way to get to where you're going!
There’s no end to the fun you can have out here on (or near) the North Platte River. For more information on all of the activities available at Dusty Trails – including the pricing for river excursions – visit the outfitter’s website. Keep up with news and events on its Facebook page.
