Beat the Heat: Where to Go River Tubing in Rochester

Rochester River Rides is open for the summer and it's the perfect activity for this hot weekend! Yes, that means you can hop on a tub from right in Rochester and enjoy a nice, relaxing float down the Zumbro.

This is their second summer in operation. There are tubes for rent, tubes for your coolers, and a shuttle at the end, but you can also bring your own tubes and just pay for the shuttle service.

Now, there are quite a few other options around southeast Minnesota for river tubing. We'll get to that list in a minute. But it's super nice now that we have an option right in Rochester.

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

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'll just  have to sign their 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, so going earlier is your best option.

Tips for River Tubing (From Personal Experience)

Some friends and I tried out Rochester River Rides last summer and it was great! They provide biodegradable twine to tie everyone together which is awesome. 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, because boy that hurts.

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

River Tubing in Southeast Minnesota

Ok, as promised, there are other tubing options around SE Minnesota that you can check out as well. Let's take a peek at those.