Nebraska may be landlocked, but don’t let that fool you—this state is full of ways to make a splash. With designated Wild and Scenic rivers, trout-filled creeks, and scenic lakes, water plays a surprisingly central role in the Cornhusker State’s outdoor culture. Whether you’re floating in a cattle tank with friends, casting flies into spring-fed streams, or paddling through forested riverbanks, Nebraska serves up aquatic adventures that are anything but ordinary.
Tanking
There are plenty of ways to get down a river, but the most Nebraska way is tanking. All you need is a river, a livestock tank, a few friends, a couple hours’ worth of refreshments, some card games, and paddles. (Pro tip: Paddles can be substituted with a sense of zen-like acceptance.) Whether you’re steering or slacking, tanking is a quintessentially Cornhusker way to enjoy the river and its surrounding scenery. Tanking outfitters can be found wherever there are cows and rivers, but a trip down the gentle currents of the Calamus River in the Sandhills might be your best bet.
Extend your adventure: Experience winter tanking with the Polar Bear Tank Race along the Middle Loup River in Mullen. This extremely competitive race usually takes place in March.
Paddling
Nebraska’s 518 miles of designated water trails make it a paddler’s paradise. Start by setting off down the Missouri National Recreation River. This 100-mile stretch of the Missouri, managed by the National Parks Service, is dotted with campable islands (permit required), old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. Looking for whitewater? Hit the Niobrara River (mellow to sporty, depending on flow), which has its own 76-mile section of peaceful, protected river. And if you’re looking for some tranquil flatwater, retreat to the scenic bluffs of Lewis and Clark Lake.
Extend your adventure: Up for a real challenge? Take on the Dismal River in the Sandhills, nicknamed Divorce River and chronicled by Outside contributor Carson Vaughan in 2020 (still married).
Fly-Fishing
Nebraska’s mightiest rivers might get all the attention, but the legendary waterways that carve their way through the state are far outnumbered by the creeks and streams that feed them. Unsurprisingly, these quieter tributaries offer excellent fly-fishing. East Verdigre Creek, tucked away in the state’s northeast corner, is a true gem. Its cold spring-fed waters are home to a well-stocked population of rainbow and brown trout, beginner-friendly fishing, and the kind of quiet surroundings anglers dream of. Long Pine Creek, located in the scenic Pine Ridge, is another well-loved trout fishery.
Extend your adventure: Achieve a Trout Slam by catching and releasing all four species of trout in Nebraska—rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook.
Tubing
Things getting heated on the family road trip? Try an afternoon of tubing. There’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer’s day, and even though there’s no livestock tank involved, maybe everyone just needs some time to float their own way for a while. You’ll find great local outfitters all along the banks of Nebraska’s 79,000 river miles. For the best combination of convenience, scenery, and relaxation, book a trip down the Elkhorn River, outside of Omaha.
Fun fact: The Elkhorn River’s modern name comes from Lewis and Clark, who called it “Corne de Cerf.”
Swimming
All the water with no equipment required, unless you count bathing suits (park rangers sure do). Of Nebraska’s 73 state parks and recreation areas, 29 offer swimming in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds, or pools. Off I-80 near Lincoln, it’s easy to enjoy the cool waters and sandy beaches of Pawnee or Branched Oak State Recreation Area. As you travel west along the freeway, you’re never far from a beautiful park and refreshing water. Some highlights include Mormon Island, Johnson Lake, and Lake Maloney.
Extend your adventure: Ever gone scuba diving in Nebraska? Home to exceptionally clear waters, the Sandy Channel State Recreation Area is a popular spot for local divers.
The mission of Visit Nebraska is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.
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