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 drifting down a tree-lined river, your hand trailing through cool, slow-moving water as the sun flickers 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.
This unusual mode of water transport is known as “tanking.” It might raise eyebrows anywhere else, but in Nebraska, it’s a beloved summer pastime. Tanking involves floating downriver in a galvanized livestock tank. It’s quirky and quintessentially Nebraskan, and it’s slowly gaining popularity outside 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. Today, tanking is a full-fledged statewide ritual, and outfitters have turned it into a tourism niche with ready-to-go tanks that make it easy for just about anyone to partake in the fun.
People tanking in Fullerton, Nebraska.
Rick Neibel/Visit Nebraska
Get Tanked (a no-website, word-of-mouth operation) in Ericson, Nebraska, claims to be the original tanking outfitter, while other companies like Crazy Rayz Tanking, have helped turn the niche activity into a summer must-do. A typical tank seats four to six adults and often has things like built-in seating or folding chairs, plus room for snacks, card games, speakers, and even small tables. Think of it as a floating living room.
Tanking routes range from two to six hours and offer a scenic, slow-motion cruise through Nebraska’s rolling greenery and gentle hills. Nebraska may be a landlocked state, but it has nearly 80,000 miles of rivers, making it the 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.
Other than a couple of tanking-specific outfitters, most rental companies also have standard tube, canoe, and kayak rentals. These include Sandhill River Trips in Thedford and Dusty Trails Outdoor and Water Activities in North Platte, Nebraska.
Rates for a tank rental can range anywhere from $80 to $150 based on what river you want to float, how long you need the tank rental, and how many people will be on board.