Short Float
(Weekdays)
Short Float
(Weekends & Holidays)
If you’re in Oklahoma and looking for a unique and thrilling getaway for you and your family, then you’ve got to try a river tubing trip here with Riverbend By The Bridge. We offer a super fun experience like no other. You can peel your children from their screens and let them see and appreciate the natural wonders of the Illinois River.
This is a great time for you to bond with your loved ones in nature, and have an unforgettable adventure getting wet on the Illinois River. You’ll have plenty of fun stories to take home with you because our tubing trips take you to the best scenic sights in the Tahlequah, OK.
We ensure that everyone will be safe by renting out only high quality equipment like tubes, kayaks, and life jackets. Our friendly staff will provide you helpful floating and tubing guidelines to keep you safe.
*Tubing is short float only. Tubing departure times are Noon-3pm daily
Short Float
(Weekdays)
Short Float
(Weekends & Holidays)
If you’re in Oklahoma and looking for a unique and thrilling getaway for you and your family, then you’ve got to try a river tubing trip here with Riverbend By The Bridge. We offer a super fun experience like no other. You can peel your children from their screens and let them see and appreciate the natural wonders of the Illinois River.
This is a great time for you to bond with your loved ones in nature, and have an unforgettable adventure getting wet on the Illinois River. You’ll have plenty of fun stories to take home with you because our tubing trips take you to the best scenic sights in the Tahlequah, OK.
We ensure that everyone will be safe by renting out only high quality equipment like tubes, kayaks, and life jackets. Our friendly staff will provide you helpful floating and tubing guidelines to keep you safe.
Monday to
Friday
Weekends & Holidays
*Tubing is short float only. Tubing departure times are Noon-3pm daily
You’ll catch our sign on Rte 10 conveniently located outside the town of Tahlequah, right on the Illinois River. You’ll arrive at one of the most famed bodies of water in the state, or dare we say in the country, because of its scenic route, perfect river conditions, and blend of urban and rural features. So, come and relax here with us and spend precious time with your family and friends.
River tube guests will have a great time slowly paddling down the rivers’ curves and light rapids. For the non-tubers out there, you can choose other floating equipment, such as a kayak, a two person boat, or a raft. You can purchase lunch and snacks from us, and then rent cooler tubes to tow along your food or drink items.
How Much Do Short River Tubing Float Trips Cost?
The length of the river float is about four miles. You can expect the trip to take between two and four hours. A short trip costs $15 on weekdays and $20 during weekends and holidays. At this rate, you can take anyone along with you. However, you must note that children ages six and below are not allowed alone.
Guidelines When Going On A Tubing Excursion
The best way to enjoy your tubing excursion is to plan weeks heading into the trip. Check all the things you need to prepare for and bring all the things that can help make your trip a big success. Tubing is one of the most fun trips you can have and we ensure that you will not find any river site like ours.
Wear Your Life Jacket
Enjoy your river tubing excursion safely. We ask that all individuals under 13 years old are required to wear a life jacket at all times. Adults are also encouraged to wear them. We have many sizes of life preservers available for people of all ages.
Pack Light
When going river tubing, you don’t necessarily have to bring a lot of stuff. Just bring the essentials. Here at Riverbend by the Bridge, we encourage you to wear summer clothes, or the essential clothes for going into the water. Absolutely pack sunscreen, and water shoes or tennis shoes to keep your feet clean and safe throughout your ride. We remind everyone not to wear flip flops during the trip as these do not offer a lot of protection and may fall off.
The river tubing ride takes a few hours to finish so it’s best to have water, and anything else you need to keep you going and allow you to rest relax a little throughout the trip.
Another thing to take note of is that you should bring your trash with you, and DO NOT litter in our beautiful waterways. Even if you and your friends are not eating or drinking while floating down river, remain mindful of not dumping anything outside.
The most important thing to remember is that less is more when going on this outdoor adventure. You definitely don’t want to lose your $200 sunglasses or wedding ring while paddling your tube.
Sun Protection
In any sort of sunny weather, a good sunscreen with ample SPF will offer plenty of protection. Just like the beach, you are also exposed to plenty of sunlight in rivers, so wear a cheap hat and sunglasses. It is recommended to have proper swim attire that offers plenty of coverage as well.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your neck and hands. Although you might not realize it, when you go river tubing, portions of your body that are ordinarily covered by clothing are fully exposed. If you’re wearing shorts, keep in mind that they’ll hike up a bit when you get in the tube, so apply sunscreen to your knees and thighs as well as the lower legs and feet.
Mind Your Phone And Valuables
Leave your phone in your car or put it in something watertight. Don’t try to test the water resistance of your phone in the river. Dropping it in the river can be inconvenient to say the least. The same goes for valuables and keys. It is best to store them safely on land.
Bring Food
The river goes for about four miles and going down, the float takes an average of three hours. Fill up on a light snack or a sandwich when taking this trip. If you want to carry some snacks and drinks with you, ask our staff about a cooler tube. This is a convenient way to tow along a cooler with you on your tube trip. Visitors may bring one ice chest that’s 50 quarts or smaller per boat.
As for drinks, try to bring more than you think you need. We don’t recommend you bring plastic water bottles, but if you do, please do not litter. We provide trash bags for all visitors.
Liquor, wine, or any products concocted of wine or liquor are prohibited. No alcohol consumption is allowed at Round Hollow, Todd, or the US 59, US 412, or US 62 Bridges.
Start Your Adventure Early
Even on a short float, you should still make sure that you get started early. This way, you can enjoy the scenic river float and see all its majestic glory in the morning sun. Our check-in procedures are as follows:
- Park at the office and check in at the desk.
- Proceed down the hill to the parking and drop off point. This is where you can unload your cooler and gear.
- Wait at the bus stop for your shuttle to the launch site. This is just a short drive. But while waiting, please refrain from going on a walk away from the site.
- You will finish your float at our landing, which is adjacent to the float parking lot. You can get a river tube or tubes for each person in your party here for the river trip.
Come Float on Weekdays!
- Riverbend Floats, on the scenic Illinois River!
- Our boats and equipment are fresh and clean.
- We float the most scenic section of the Illinois River.
- Our section of the river is typically uncrowded and peaceful even on the weekends and is very family-friendly.
- Our goal is for you and your group or family to have an amazing river experience.
- Be happy and enjoy the the ride!
What to Bring
- Tennis or water shoes
- Sunscreen
Late Fees and Additional Information
- Please note that floats are approximate times.
- All boats are due at our landing no later than 7 p.m.
- Any boats arriving between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. will be charged a $50.00 late fee.
- Any boat arriving after 8 p.m. will be charged a $100.00 late fee.
- Limit one 50-quart or smaller ice chest per boat.
An Awesome Outdoor Adventure River Tubing Trip Awaits!
We would love for you to experience the best tubing trips on the Illinois River with us, and see for yourself why we are highly recommended by our visitors. Enjoy an entire day of fun for all ages floating in tubes down the river.
You can easily reach us by calling (918) 708-6430 or sending an email inquiry at riverbendfloats@gmail.com. Reserve a slot today for a relaxing day off. Our location is at 17252 OK-10, Tahlequah, OK 74464
Quick Details
Duration: 4 Miles
Ages: 6+
Capacity: 1 Guest
Check in Procedures
- Park at the office
- Check-in at the desk
- Proceed down the hill to float parking
- Unload your cooler and gear
- Wait at the bus stop for your ride to the launch site
- You will finish your float at our landing which is adjacent to the float parking lot
Come Float on Weekdays!
- Riverbend Floats, on the scenic Illinois River!
- Our boats and equipment are fresh and clean.
- We float the most scenic section of the Illinois River.
- Our section of the river is typically uncrowded and peaceful even on the weekends and is very family-friendly.
- Our goal is for you and your group or family to have an amazing river experience.
- Be happy and enjoy the the ride!
What to Bring
- Tennis or water shoes
- Sunscreen
Late Fees and Additional Information
- Please note that floats are approximate times.
- All boats are due at our landing no later than 7 p.m.
- Any boats arriving between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. will be charged a $50.00 late fee.
- Any boat arriving after 8 p.m. will be charged a $100.00 late fee.
- Limit one 50-quart or smaller ice chest per boat.
Quick Details
Duration: 4 Miles
Ages: 6+
Capacity: 1 Guest
Check in Procedures
- Park at the office
- Check-in at the desk
- Proceed down the hill to float parking
- Unload your cooler and gear
- Wait at the bus stop for your ride to the launch site
- You will finish your float at our landing which is adjacent to the float parking lot