FAQs
Q: When are you open?
A: We will open for the season on Saturday, May 27th. Our hours will be Thursday-Monday 9am-3pm (last tubes go out at 3pm), and closed Tuesday-Wednesday. Online reservations are available now. There will be no one to answer the phones on days that we are closed, but if you leave a message, someone will get back to you as soon as possible when the office is staffed!
Q: How much does it cost to float?
A: All tube rentals are $18. A child may float in a tube with an adult for $7.
Q: How long is the float?
A: Water conditions and float time vary, but it takes approximately two hours.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: We ask that all children are at least old enough that they are no longer wearing diapers, and no younger than two (2) years old. All children under 12 must wear a PFD (life jacket), which we can provide at no extra cost if you do not have one.
Q: Do I need reservations?
A: We do ask that you make your reservations in advance as we can not guarantee availability for walk-ins. Remember to make your reservation time or the next person in line will get the next available spot on the shuttle. We can not hold a shuttle for your party if members of your party are running late and we have people waiting. Please also note that reservations guarantee your spot in line before any walk-ins that may arrive at or after your reserved time slot, but it's possible that we could get very busy and backed up before your time, so a wait is still possible. Reservations can be made online now, or over the phone beginning on May 21st. We will not be staffed until that time and will always be closed Tuesday-Thursday, so leave a message with your desired reservation time and someone will call you back when we open to either confirm or find another reservation time for you.
Q: Is there a weight limit?
A: We don't have a specific weight limit, just remember that this is a very shallow float, and tubes are more likely to drag in some areas with the lower the tubes sit in the water. We do have larger tubes to help distribute the weight and help with this issue to some degree.
Q: What can I bring on the float?
A: Absolutely nothing disposable. Remember that you don't want to be encumbered with trying to keep up with too many things on tubes designed to carry only people. Drinks and snacks are welcome, but we asked that all drinks and snacks are in a reusable container to help us keep litter from ending up on our beautiful creek. PLEASE DO NOT LITTER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Smoking nor fishing are allowed on or around tubes, as these things can easily damage the tubes.
Q: Is alcohol allowed?
A: We cannot police what you choose to drink while floating with us, but bear in mind that the City of Lawrenceburg does have an open container law that restricts alcohol consumption outside of designated/permitted establishments. The creek is a public area in the City of Lawrenceburg where individuals may be cited for public consumption.
Q: Are there areas where I can get out to picnic or play?
A: You may get out of the creek ONLY on public property, such as the green picnic shelter at Simm's Park and the beach at Scout Park bend on the disc golf course, as well as the take-out location at Hope Springs Park (also still the disc golf course). PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF PROPERTY OWNERS AND DO NOT TRESPASS.
Q: How deep is the float?
A: This is a very shallow float with very minor rapids. Water conditions vary, so you may find your tube dragging in some shallower areas or getting hung up in the minor rapids. If this happens, please stand up and walk the few feet to deeper water to avoid damaging tubes and having to walk the rest of the trip. As you become more familiar and experienced with this sort of water activity, you find yourself more able to read the water and choose the coarse to avoid dragging! Many people are able to avoid it all together, but do keep in mind that there is potential for this to happen in some areas. Push sticks are extremely helpful for successful navigation.
Q: What if I see a snake?
A: Remain calm, and keep floating! The vast majority of snakes on Shoal Creek are non-venomous (despite being commonly misidentified as venomous) and have no interest in attacking people. Wild snakes only bite if they feel threatened, so your best course of action is to not appear threatening (leave them alone).
Q: I want to bring my child, but I'm worried about them floating too far from me. What can I do?
A: No worries! Ask our bus driver for some cord to tie your child's tube to your own. We do not recommend tying more than two tubes together, however, as this can make it much harder to maneuver.
Q: Can I bring my own float?
A: We are usually full with tube rentals and unable to shuttle personal tubes. We also do not recommend personal tubes for this area of the creek as it is a very shallow float with potential to drag. Our tubes are made from commercial-quality PVC and are twice as durable as the best ones sold in retail stores.
Q: Can I fish/smoke/bring my dog while tubing?
A: No. Unfortunately, all of these things can damage our tubes and are strictly prohibited. We hope to come up with a solution to allow dogs in the near future.