Those folks next door like to tout their 10,000 lakes, but we here in Wisconsin known we’ve got just as many amazing lakes, rivers and waterways to enjoy. In fact, the state DNR says we have more than 8,400 miles of rivers in our great state.

While some of those rivers are mighty and some have powered mills and served industry, we’ve also got quite a few tamer waterways that serve as perfect Wisconsin tubing rivers on which to spend a few lazy summer hours.

In every part of the state, you can find a company or campground willing to rent you a few inner tubes and arrange transportation so you can take in the beauty of Wisconsin from another vantage point.

Here are a dozen tubing rivers in Wisconsin where you can find providers or public access areas for a lazy day of floating.

1. Apple River - New Richmond
Apple River, Wisconsin, USA
River's Edge Apple River Campground/Facebook
Way up in the northwest corner, almost all the way to Minneapolis, the Apple River has a bit of something for everyone - slow, relaxing water, and some quicker-moving rapids that should help satisfy the adventure levels of everyone in your family. That's what makes it some of the best river tubing in Wisconsin.
2. Wolf River - White Lake
White Lake, WI 54491, USA
Herb's Wolf River Rafting/Google Reviews
There are two parts of the Wolf River here, so we're counting them separately. This section drops nearly 450 feet over 28 miles and the water is moving quickly. This is less of a lazy float and more of a challenge, but the water is crystal clear, and the surroundings are spectacular. It's location near the south end of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest definitely helps make this a worthwhile trip.
3. Wolf River - Keshena
Big Smokey Falls Rafting, W2210 Co Rd M, Keshena, WI 54135, USA
Big Smokey Falls Rafting/Facebook
Heading south, this bit of the Wolf River is better for beginners as it provides some calmer water and more of a lazy experience. A bit north of Shawano, it's a little easier to reach and is more family-friendly in every way.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details.
4. Red Cedar River - Chetek
Chetek River Campground, 590 24th St, Chetek, WI 54728, USA
julief2/TripAdvisor
5. Crystal River - Waupaca
Crystal River, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA
Adventure Outfitters/Facebook
A great tubing trip for beginners, the Crystal River is like training wheels for the bigger Waupaca River. And the float only lasts about an hour, so you can head out as many times as you'd like or get your fill with one and head home til the next time.
6. Grant River - Potosi
Grant River Tubin' Co. LLC, 5961 Chaffie Hollow Rd, Cassville, WI 53806, USA
Grant River Tubin'/Facebook
Over in the southwest corner of the state, almost to Iowa, the scenic Grant River cuts through some of the bluffs and rock ledges you're used to see on a bigger river a bit north of here.
7. Manitowish River - Manitowish Waters
Manitowish River Access Road, Manitowish Waters, WI, USA
Hawks Nest Outfitters/Facebook
There are a ton of small tributaries in this area, giving you plenty of places to hop on the water and chill out. But make sure you look up - the likelihood is high that you'll spot an eagle, loon, or other wildlife as you float.
8. Nemakegon River - Trego
Jack's Canoe Rental, N7504 Wagon Bridge Rd, Trego, WI 54888, USA
Jack's Canoe Rental/Facebook
Approximately three hours long, this trip is calm and relaxed and you can do it more than once in a day! As part of the St. Croix National Scenic Waterway, you know the views here are stunning.
9. Lower Black River - Black River Falls
Lost Falls Campground, N2974 E Sunnyvale Rd, Black River Falls, WI 54615, USA
Lost Falls Campground/Facebook
Midway between Baraboo and Eau Claire, but right off I-94, this location is a bit of a hidden gem. Never crowded and with a bit lower water depth, you'll find some sandbars to relax on before you float on away.
10. Peshtigo River - Crivitz
Peshtigo River Campground, LLC, Airport Road, Crivitz, WI, USA
Peshtigo River Campground
The upper part of the Peshtigo, above Crivitiz, provides some of the best rapids anywhere in the state. But below the city the river widens and mellows out, making it the perfect spot for a float.
11. Wisconsin River - Wisconsin Dells
River's Edge Resort, 20 Rivers Edge Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, USA
River's Edge Resort/Facebook
By far the most popular area, due to its proximity to the Dells, this part of the river offers islands, sandbars, and, of course, the famous Dells that have been around for a few million years or so.
12. Sugar River - Brodhead
Sweet Minihaha Campground/Facebook
Located south of Madison near the Illinois border, the Sugar River is definitely the option that's closest to the state's two biggest cities. It's a perfect, calm, relaxing little float down the river here, perfect for a quick day-trip getaway.

There’s nothing like a lazy afternoon on one of our fabulous Wisconsin tubing rivers. What’s your favorite outdoor activity in the summertime? Let us know in the comments below!

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Jackie Ann | February 18, 2021

What are the best outdoor activities in Wisconsin?

No matter the season, there is an abundance of natural attractions and outdoor activities in Wisconsin to awaken an adventurous spirit in everyone. Hiking and biking enthusiasts as well as those seeking more adventurous sports will find no shortage of beautiful recreational areas to explore. Venture out to the Lake Superior Ice Caves at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and marvel at not only the spectacular caves, but the stunning arches and various ice formations along the shoreline, too. Also in the Apostle Islands region, discover Sand Island where water sport-lovers can kayak out on a sea cave journey. In the Stevens Point area, The Green Circle is a 27-mile looping trail beginning at the Schmeekle Reserve Visitor Center open to hikers and bikers with some sections available for wintertime skiing.

Are there any good swimming holes in Wisconsin?

When the warm weather hits there is no better way to spend an afternoon than cooling off at one of many refreshing swimming holes in Wisconsin. In Aniwa, swim among ancient volcanic rocks at the Dells of the Eau Claire River where you can relax amid lush scenery and babbling waterfalls. The 4-acre pond of Minooka Park in Waukesha is perfect for a family day of fun with lifeguards on duty daily in the summertime. Low boat traffic and waters with a depth of only 13 feet make Soo Lake in Newbold ideal for a day of splashing around. Pack a picnic and enjoy the lake’s scenic surrounding landscape for a picture-perfect day.

What are the best day trips in Wisconsin?

When you want to get out for a quick but memorable excursion, Wisconsin’s many day trip destinations make it easy to get away from it all. Surrounded by 40 neighboring lakes, the town of Chippewa Falls is an ideal spot full of historic charm and great outdoor activities. Float down the scenic Chippewa River relaxing on an inner tube or take in the town’s quaint sights by strolling through downtown. Make Blue Mounds your destination and visit Cress Springs Bakery. With locally sourced ingredients and an onsight mill, this beloved local bakery serves some of the best fresh bread in the state. Of course, taking an iconic Cheese Trail journey is something all Dairy State residents need to experience. Cheese lovers can follow a 200-mile loop from Madison and sample tasty treats from multiple locations all along the route.

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