7 of The Best River Tubing in MN for a Summer of Fun
A Minnesota summer is not complete until you’ve spent a day floating on a river in an inner tube. But with so many rivers and the logistics, how do you decide which is right for your adventure?
Thankfully, I’ve compiled the best river tubing in MN is only an hour in each direction from the Twin Cities.
Why Float Down a River?
There is something about spending a lazy afternoon floating down a river. Families take their kids, teenagers bring their dates, and the 21+ crowd brings the beverages.
Just about every direction in MN, you’ll find a great river to enjoy. Tubing takes no athletic ability. There is nothing better than spending a Minnesota Weekend bobbing in the water.
What is the Ideal Floating River?
The number one factor in any tubing river is the current. You want to find a river that has a nice flowing current at a meandering pace. If it goes too fast, you might be in for a wild ride.
If you go too slow, you may kick the whole time wearing yourself out, defeating the purpose of the trip. While the river conditions can change, depending on the year, the list below has a perfect balance.
Some of the popular rivers become a mecca for loud music, partying, and other things. When I float, I like to have the river to myself. This also extends out to the non-floating traffic like the canoeist, kayakers, and motorboats.
In most cases, if you stay in the designated tubing routes that the outfitters provide, you will have a smooth ride, but you might have a few extra floaters nearby. Just go with it.
The biggest factor when selecting the river is the location. Some have designated entry and exit points, while others might be a little more primitive.
Some of the best I’ve experienced are those that pull right into your campsite.
Instead of having to get back into the car, drop the tube and go back to camp. Nothing beats it. Just about every popular tubing rivers in MN have a campground option to choose from.
Do you need an Outfitter even if you have your own tube?
No, you technically don’t need to go with a commercial organization. In most cases, the amount of money to purchase your own tube would be like if you rent one.
You just have to figure out the entry points and have transportation to get back to your vehicle. You also have to inflate and transport your tubes. For those reasons, it’s easier to go with a company.
They handle all the extras. They also have scouted out the best routes on the river that don’t go through dams or rapids.
Tour companies have designated parking locations to make sure your vehicle stays safe. In popular tubing river locations, there will be no parking signs all over the roads. That’s why I go with an outfitter.
What should I bring with me for a river tubing trip?
You don’t need a lot of things to have a successful trip. Chances are most of these are things you have lying around the house. Pack them so you have an enjoyable experience.
- Water shoes or Tevas or other sports sandals are a must. You will touch the bottom, getting in, getting out, and during your float. Having proper footwear will ensure that you don’t cut your foot on anything. Don’t bring flip-flops. They can fall off.
- Drinks. When I say drinks, I’m talking water to stay hydrated on the water. When river tubing, it’s nice to bring a Nalgene with you. First, it’s indestructible and chances are, they have some air trapped in so it won’t sink if it gets dropped. But it also can hook onto your tube with a carabineer.
- Sun Protection and Waterproof sunscreen. Another no-brainer on the water. But don’t forget this one. Something as simple as a hat can keep you cool.
- A length of rope or two. It’s so much more fun floating down the river when attached to a couple of friends. Yes, you can spend the whole time hanging on to each other, but rope makes it a little easier.
- Small Dry Bag depending on the outfitter. You may or may not need to manage your possessions and a dry bag is the best way to do this. It will keep valuables like ID, Wallet, and Keys safe. If possible, I would leave these behind just because, if the unthinkable happens, it would be a total bummer.
Where are the best places to go river tubing in Minnesota?
Cannon River Tubing
in Cannon Falls Minnesota
The Cannon River best place to get in is at Cannon Falls, just downstream of the waterfalls. From there, wind your way on a meandering river and keep an eye out for the birds that love the area.
Top Places to Rent Tubes and Shuttles
Welch Mill
Where you float: Cannon Falls MN
Length of ride: Short to Long Rides
Average Costs: $12
Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike
Where you float: Cannon Falls MN
Length of ride: 3-5hrs
Average Costs: $15-20
Otter Tail River
in Detroit Lakes Minnesota
In North West MN, the Otter Tail River has a few areas that are popular to tube, most are near Detroit Lakes. The slow-moving river makes for an enjoyable adventure.
Top Places to Rent Tubes and Shuttles
Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing
Where you float: Detroit Lake MN
Length of ride: 2hrs
Average Costs: $10
K & K Tubing
Where you float: Detroit Lake MN
Length of ride: 2hrs
Average Costs: $7
Platte River
in Royalton Minnesota
The Platte River meanders through the farmland in this part of town. It is also home to bald eagles, short-eared owls and herons.
Top Places to Rent Tubes and Shuttles
Two Rivers Campground
Where you float: Royalton MN
Length of ride: 2hrs
Average Costs: $12
Root River
in Preston Minnesota
The Root River is a fun lazy river going through some of the most amazing parts of Southern Minnesota. There are multiple entry points to float down the river in this area.
Top Places to Rent Tubes and Shuttles
Eagle-Cliff Campground
Where you float: Lanesboro MN
Length of ride: 2hrs
Average Costs: $12
Root River Outfitters
Where you float: Lanesboro Minnesota
Length of ride: 30 mins–3hrs
Average Costs: $11-$17
Genevas Hideaway
Where you float: Lanesboro Minnesota
Length of ride: Not listed
Average Costs: $10
Rum River
in Onamia/Isanti MN
The Rum River is a lazy river of the best sense. The river moves slow and caters to those that love to float. Mostly a bunch of people out for a good time.
In the designated tubing routes that the outfitters have guests on, it’s nothing but smooth sailing. But some parts of this river have rapids.
Top Places to Rent Tubes and Shuttles
Country Camping Rum River Outfitters
Where you float: Isanti MN
Length of ride: 1.5-3hrs
Average Costs: $14
Rum River Campground
Where you float: Onamia Minnesota
Length of ride: 1.5-5.5hrs
Average Costs: $10-$12
Zumbro River
in Hammond Minnesota
The Zumbro River is about 18 minutes north of Rochester and is popular for canoes, kayakers and Tubers. Keep your eyes out for bald eagles that like to next in that area.
Top Places to Rent Tubes and Shuttles
Zumbro Valley Canoe Rentals
Where you float: Zumbro Falls to Hammond
Length of ride: 3hrs
Average Costs: $20
Zumbro River Ratz
Where you float: Hammond to Millville
Length of ride: 2-3hrs
Average Costs: $15
Honorable Mention
While the Apple River is technically in Wisconsin, its proximity to the Twins Cities makes it a favorite for Minnesotan’s.
Apple River
in Somerset Wisconsin
River Notes: The Apple River is controlled by a dam, so the water stays consistently at 3-4 feet deep in most locations. But there are pockets of 6ft deep sections. There are also a few sandbars mid-river people like to stop at.
Top Places to Rent Tubes and Shuttles
Float Rite Park
Where you float: Somerset Wisconsin
Length of ride: averages 3 Hrs
Average Costs: $15 a Tube
Apple River Family Campground
Where you float: Somerset Wisconsin
Length of ride: 3 Hrs
Average Costs: $15 a Tube
Rivers Edge
Where you float: Somerset Wisconsin
Length of ride: 3 Hrs
Average Cost: $15 a Tube
How long does a typical river tubing trip last?
The length of a river tubing trip in Minnesota can vary depending on the specific river and the starting and ending points chosen. Some tubing trips can be as short as 30 minutes, while others can last up to several hours.
Typically, most river tubing trips in Minnesota range from 1 to 3 hours, with the option to extend or shorten the trip based on personal preference and river conditions.
It’s always a good idea to check with the tubing company or rental location for specific details on trip length and expected time frames.
If you are planning on going without an outfitter you’ll need to figure out what distance you plan on going.
The average river float speed in Minnesota can vary depending on the river and its conditions, such as the water level, flow rate, and any obstructions or rapids along the way.
Generally, most rivers in Minnesota have a moderate current, with speeds ranging from 1 to 4 miles per hour.
Is river tubing safe for children?
River tubing can be safe for children. I recomend going with an outfitter, only becuase they have generally safe routes.
Parents should ensure that their children wear properly fitting life jackets at all times, and should supervise them closely throughout the trip.
It’s also important to choose a section of the river that is not too fast-moving or turbulent, and to avoid any areas with hazardous obstacles like rocks or downed trees.
River Tubing is one of my kids favorite activities
What is the water temperature like in Minnesota rivers for tubing?
The water temperature in Minnesota rivers can vary depending on the time of year and location. During the summer months, when river tubing is most popular, the water temperature can range from around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do I need to wear a life jacket while river tubing in Minnesota?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to wear a life jacket while river tubing in Minnesota. According to Minnesota law, all children under the age of 10 are required to wear a properly fitting life jacket while on any type of watercraft.
Adults are strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket while tubing as well, especially if they are not strong swimmers or if the water conditions are rough.
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