*Can I take my cell phone? A cell phone is only good for taking photos. If you are not mentally prepared to lose it do not take it. That is the golden rule on the Niobrara with everything "don't take it if you aren't prepared to lose it"
*Where can I find prices? Prices can be found by selecting "Book Now". Select the shuttle option you are interested in and it will adjust accordingly. The only additional charge is for any motel pick-up also referred to as the "out and back".
*When is the best time to float the Niobrara? Canoe/Kayak - Peak conditions early Spring/Summer.
Tube - Pre -Season, 70 degrees and above until Memorial Day weekend. Peak season; Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
*How deep is the water? The average depth of normal conditions is approximately 1.5 feet. There are areas that can be over your head. These areas are usually identified by cliff walls and the surface of the water. The smoother the surface the deeper the water. The choppier the water, the shallower and generally rocky.
*Do you have to know how to paddle? Basic strokes are necessary to paddle a canoe or kayak but the Niobrara River is a perfect place to learn. If you have no previous knowledge of paddling then it does not take long to introduce you to the basic strokes and get you on the water. You will need to inform staff when booking whether you have previous paddling experience or not.
*Can three people ride in a canoe? Three adults are not allowed in the two-person canoe due to the weight capacity and depth of the Niobrara. However, children under eight years of age can ride in the middle of the canoe with two adults.
*Do kayaks have skirting? No, our kayaks are recreational without skirting.
*How old does a child have to be to kayak solo? Generally nine-year-old's and above, are physically capable.
*How often do trips run? Varies, depending on the day. Please refer to the Calendar for more detailed information.
*Is there an age restriction? We do not have an age restriction however if the child or infant is under thirty pounds then you are required to supply your own life jacket to ensure proper fit.
*Is alcohol allowed? Yes & No - Ft Niobrara to Berry Bridge(not allowed) - Berry Bridge to Penbrook and in between(allowed) for responsible consumption by adults 21 years of age and older.
*Should I bring a towel? Some people prefer to bring towels on tubes. They will not stay dry unless they are in a dry bag or dry cooler. Keep in mind if you do use them on your tube they will most likely be full of sand at the end of your trip. Some towels don't make it back because they fall off of the tube and end up in the river by accident. The more stuff you take the more chances there are of losing something.
*Are there restrooms along the way? There are facilities at most major access areas. These can be found on public and private grounds so keep in mind that you may be accessing private property.
*Do you supply the cooler? You are required to bring your own cooler for your trip, however, we do have a few coolers available to lend in the case this is a spur-of-the-moment decision or you have flown or biked in. Tubers should bring a hard-sided, chest size (48-50 quart or smaller) cooler.
Kayakers should bring nothing larger than a 12-pack cooler and preferably soft-sided. Canoers can bring either of the above-mentioned.
*How long are the trips? Trips can be as short as two hours or as long as six hours. The length is determined by the equipment you decide to use and your takeout. Tubes will take twice as long as a canoe or kayak to float the same stretch of river. Available trips can be found on the Calendar. River conditions play a role in the length of the float so keep in mind if the CFS (cubic feet per second) is higher the trip will be shorter than what is expected if you don't stop along the route. And, of course the wind direction and speed.
*How do I stop? You are responsible for getting yourself to the landing site. Know your landing; if you have concerns about your physical abilities then select the trip that will meet those conditions.
*What if the weather is bad? Depending on conditions the launch time may be delayed. Please read the terms and conditions but keep in mind we strive to help in any way we can to get you on the river. We would determine the morning of your scheduled outing whether there is any delay or cancellations.