As the height of summer approaches and the mercury begins to climb, Nebraskans are cooling off in a fun, unique way—here’s what you need to know.
Imagine floating down a tree lined river with your hand trailing in the water. The sun is flickering through the leaves. You glance down—not at a river raft or canoe, but at a large, round metal tub, the kind that cattle drink out of on ranches.
The unusual water transport mode is called “tanking.” This might be a controversial topic anywhere else but it is especially so in NebraskaIt’s one of the most popular summer activities. The tanking activity involves floating downriver on a galvanized cattle tank. This quirky, quintessentially Nebraskan activity is slowly gaining in popularity outside of the state.
According to local lore, the tradition began when a rancher in the Nebraska Sandhills tossed a few lawn chairs into a stock tank, climbed in, and let the river do the rest—the idea stuck. Outfitters have made tanking a statewide tradition. a tourism niche The tanks are ready to go, so anyone can join in on the fun.
Rick Neibel/Visit Nebraska
Get Tanked is a word-of-mouth, no-website operation in Ericson. Nebraska. claims to have been the first tanking outfitter. Crazy Rayz Tanking, has helped make the activity a summer must. A typical tank has seating for four to six adults, often with built-in chairs or folding seats, as well as space for card games, speakers and small tables. Imagine it as a floating lounge.
These scenic routes can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. They offer a slow-motion, scenic cruise through Nebraska’s rolling hills and greenery. Nebraska is landlocked, but the state has more than 80,000 miles worth of rivers. perfect destination for a float trip. Rivers like the Middle Loup, Cedar, Calamus, Elkhorn, North Platte, Niobrara, and Republican all have stretches ideal for tanking—and chances are, you’ll find more tanks than canoes or kayaks.
Most rental companies offer standard canoes, tubes, and kayaks. They include Sandhill River Trips Thedford is located in Thedford Dusty Trails Outdoor and Water Activities North Platte Nebraska
The cost of a tank can vary from $80 up to $150 depending on the river you plan to float on, how long it will take to rent, and how many passengers you have on board.
