Float a scenic Niobrara River stretch with shuttle support and an easy-going current
4 Hours
Shuttle, life jackets, fees
Launch into the Niobrara’s gentle current and enjoy an easy float with scenic cliffs, forests, and meadows. You’ll pass a few manageable rapids and have chances to spot waterfalls and wildlife along the way.
Trip times are estimated and may vary. Children under 13 must wear a lifejacket. Alcohol is not allowed on trips starting from Cornell Bridge; from Berry Bridge, alcohol is permitted.
You can reschedule for a different day for the remainder of that year. 20 days or more out: full refund minus 20% rebooking fee. 11–19 days out: 50% refund. 0–10 days out: no refund. 7 days prior, you may no longer cancel equipment and must pay for what you reserved at check-in.
Suggested items include sunscreen, a dry bag, a waterproof phone case, a hat and sunglasses, water shoes, swimwear, a towel, food and snacks, drinking water, extra clothes, and trash bags.
Avoid bringing valuables or anything irreplaceable, glass containers, heavy backpacks, non-waterproof electronics (unless protected), large or styrofoam coolers, pets, expensive clothing, firearms or weapons, and excessive trash.
If you park at Smith Falls State Park, you will need a park sticker (available at the park office).
Dryland Aquatics
Repeat visitors and first-timers alike consistently rave about the friendly, knowledgeable staff here. The owners bring years of river experience to every trip, which clearly puts guests at ease, and the whole process from booking to pickup runs smoothly. Groups of all sizes and ages seem to do well here, with several reviewers noting how accommodating the team is, even when arrival times shift a bit. The Niobrara River float trips are the real draw, offering beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace that works well for families and larger groups. Canoes, kayaks, and tubes are all available, and the equipment consistently gets positive marks. The camping option on-site is a nice bonus for those wanting to make a full weekend of it. A handful of reviewers mentioned occasional inconsistency in customer service, with one noting a less-than-welcoming interaction and another flagging a lack of staff presence at the landing area. These appear to be isolated experiences given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, but worth keeping in mind if a smooth end-to-end experience is important to you.
Third time with this excellent outfitter. This time with a group that included two of my adult children and six grandkids. The entire experience, from fact-finding, to reservation, to staging, to the time on the river, to pickup... were all excellent. Super friendly staff. Great equipment. On top of all this is the owners' years of experience with the river and with float expeditions, which provide a valuable sense of comfort. Highly recommend.
Todd Herges
August 25, 2025
Third time with this excellent outfitter. This time with a group that included two of my adult children and six grandkids. The entire experience, from fact-finding, to reservation, to staging, to the time on the river, to pickup... were all excellent. Super friendly staff. Great equipment. On top of all this is the owners' years of experience with the river and with float expeditions, which provide a valuable sense of comfort. Highly recommend.
Todd Herges
August 25, 2025