You know it's officially summer when the river tubing rentals open for the season! Rochester River Rides opened this past weekend for their second season. Yep, we've got a spot right in town now where you can hop on a tube and enjoy a relaxing float down the river.

There are quite a few options around southeast Minnesota for river tubing. We'll get to that list in a minute. But it's super nice to have the option right in Rochester now.

ALSO READ: Rochester (and SE Minnesota) Summer Events Guide for 2026

River Tubing in Rochester, MN

Rochester River Rides launches off over by Coronas Tacos off of North Broadway. You go into the parking lot of the strip mall and go to the left. You'll see their set up.

rochester river rides
Rochester River Rides via Facebook
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It costs $30 for a tube (kids, adults, and cooler tubes). You'll hop on the Zumbro River and off you go on a nice, relaxing 3.5 mile float. You are able to bring your own tube if you'd like and you can still take the shuttle, you just still have to sign the waiver and pay a $15 per person fee.

They're open Thursdays through Sundays with launch times between 10 AM - 2 PM (you have to be off the river by 7 PM). Also, it's first come first served when it comes to the tubes.

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Some friends and I tried it out last summer and it was great! They do provide biodegradable twine to tie everyone together but tie it carefully because 1. if there's too much tension it could break and 2. tie it in a way so it's not rubbing on your legs. It HURTS.

Also, I've never been more sunburned in my life than when I went tubing last summer, so please remember to bring sunscreen and reapply more often than you think.

River Tubing in Southeast Minnesota

Ok, now onto all of the great river tubing options around southeast Minnesota!

5 Spots to Go Tubing this Summer in SE Minnesota

Tubing down rivers in the summer is always so fun. Here are 5 spots near Rochester, MN where you can hit the river on a tube this summer.

Gallery Credit: Carly Ross

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