About Sandhill River Trips

in Thedford, NE

At Sandhill River Trips, our goal is simple. We want to share the beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills and the Middle Loup River with anyone looking for meaningful time outdoors. We believe some of the best memories are made when people slow down, spend time in nature, and enjoy genuine connection with family and friends. Everything we do is built around creating relaxed, welcoming river experiences that feel easy from start to finish.

Thedford is a special place, surrounded by rolling dunes, open skies, and quiet stretches of water. For locals and visitors alike, our river trips offer one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities in the area and a memorable way to experience the Sandhills.

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Rooted in the Heart of the Sandhills

We are located at 608 Court St in Thedford, Nebraska, about 15 miles from Halsey and the Nebraska National Forest. This puts us roughly an hour north of North Platte and an hour south of Valentine, making us an easy destination for weekend getaways and longer stays. The surrounding region is known for its wide-open spaces, peaceful pace, and natural beauty that feels untouched and authentic.

The Sandhills landscape changes subtly with the seasons. Summer brings warm days, cool evenings, and long hours of daylight that are perfect for floating the river. The steady breeze, fresh air, and open views create an atmosphere that invites you to relax and stay present.

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Rooted in the Heart of the Sandhills

Simple, Stress-Free River Experiences

One of the things our guests appreciate most is how simple we keep the experience. We provide shuttle service from Ewoldt’s Grocery in Thedford and bring you back at the end of your trip. This central pickup location means you do not need to worry about transporting food or supplies from your lodging.

Ewoldt’s Grocery is fully stocked and makes it easy to grab everything you need. Guests are welcome to bring a cooler and fill it before the trip. If you call ahead, they can even have your order ready when you arrive. Our focus is on removing the small stresses so you can focus on enjoying the river and the moment.

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Simple, Stress-Free River Experiences

Floating the Middle Loup River

The Middle Loup River is one of the true highlights of the area. It is a gentle, lazy river that flows steadily through the Sandhills and offers an ideal setting for float trips. This makes it especially well suited for first-time tanking trips and relaxed tubing or kayaking experiences.

As you float, you will notice how quiet the surroundings feel. Deer and turkeys often frequent the riverbanks, and it is not uncommon to spot them moving through the grass or stopping to drink along the water’s edge. The calm current allows you to take in the scenery without feeling rushed.

River Info

Floating the Middle Loup River

Sandhills Scenery and Local Hospitality

The scenery along the Middle Loup River is a reminder of why so many people fall in love with this part of Nebraska. Rolling sand dunes stretch into the distance, native grasses sway in the breeze, and the sky feels endless. It is a place where the land and river work together to create something peaceful and grounding.

Just as memorable as the scenery are the people. The Sandhills are known for friendly, light-hearted hospitality. From local shop owners to fellow floaters on the river, you will quickly notice how welcoming the community feels. Many visitors say that as soon as they step outside and breathe in the fresh air, they understand what people mean when they talk about the good life.

Hospitality

Sandhills Scenery and Local Hospitality

Meet the Owners of Sandhill River Trips

Sandhill River Trips is owned and operated by Cay, pronounced Kai, and Stephanie Ewoldt. Both share a deep appreciation for the outdoors and time spent on the river. In the off-season, they enjoy visiting national parks and traveling, always looking for new landscapes and experiences.

Cay attended Doane College, where he earned a degree in Environmental Science. After graduating, he worked in the environmental field for 17 years, primarily focused on water quality. His work took him to streams and rivers across Nebraska, giving him a deep understanding of waterways and their importance.

Stephanie grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa. She is a licensed mental health therapist and previously owned her own practice in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was also a swimmer at Northern Iowa and is very comfortable in the water, which adds another layer of confidence and care to the river experiences we provide.

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Meet the Owners of Sandhill River Trips

Why We Do What We Do

We started Sandhill River Trips because we believe the Sandhills deserve to be experienced, not rushed past. River trips offer one of the most enjoyable things to do in Thedford, allowing people to connect with the land in a simple, meaningful way. Whether you are a local looking for a familiar escape or a visitor discovering the area for the first time, we are excited to welcome you.

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Why We Do What We Do

William Wood


We had a wonderful time here, everyone was so nice and polite. The kayak trip was perfect, the river cutting through the Sandhills was truly epic. We will definitely come back if we come through the area again, 10/10!

Sarah Wood


We had a great time tanking! Did the 2 hour tour with 2 tanks and 9 people. Tied our tanks together most of the way and enjoyed the relaxing and challenging ride.
Kai helped us get on and off and brought our friend to us partway…

Heather Karber


Has an amazing time floating with Sandhills! They are super nice and very knowledgeable about the area and river! We were also guided by a special river guest! It was so fun sharing our time with Remmi the dog! 100% recommend this company!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sandhill River Trips



We are based in Thedford, Nebraska, near the Middle Loup River and about 15 miles from Halsey.


Yes. We provide shuttle service from Ewoldt’s Grocery in Thedford and back at the end of your trip.


Yes. The river is calm and well suited for first-time tanking, tubing, and relaxed kayaking.


Deer, turkeys, bald eagles, beaver, a vast variety of birds, turtles, and muskrats are commonly seen along the riverbanks during float trips.


We recommend bringing a cooler with food and drinks, sunscreen, and clothing suitable for being on the water.

Sharing the Good Life, One River Trip at a Time

At Sandhill River Trips, we are proud to be part of what makes this area special. Our mission is to help people experience the Sandhills in a way that feels genuine, relaxed, and memorable. From the calm waters of the Middle Loup River to the friendly faces you meet along the way, everything here reflects the slower pace and natural beauty of this region. Whether you are exploring local attractions, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply floating downstream with people you care about, we look forward to being part of your time in Thedford and helping you discover what the good life truly means.

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