I'm trying to plan an August long weekend with my old-ish (19-26) children and have been considering tubing in wisconsin. I'd love to find a good tubing river with a nice nearby cabin. Or another weekend idea. Any thoughts? This is hard . . .

how about taking them river rafting? we did an amazing trip on the middle fork of the salmon river in idaho with a group called row, inc. (www.rowadventures.com)
They offer a number of different trips for a range of abilities. It's incredibly beautiful, a great bonding experience, and perfect for any age above eight. Trips range from one to 14 days.

In Wisconsin, where the OP wanted to tube, the Apple, Wolf and Wisconsin Rivers all offer tubing.

Years ago we did a float trip on the Apple River in Somerset WI (near St Paul, MN). I did a search for Wisconsin tubing and came up with Float Ride. Check it out www.floatride.com

I did the Apple years ago too and it was a blast. Not sure about it currently (no pun intended) but Oh...the memories I have from that trip!

I have never taken a rafting trip with them but I have always heard that Shotgun Eddy's was the best place to book a rafting trip. It was something about Shotgun Eddy being an indian & his trips went through the reservation. But I am not sure of the exact details.

http://www.shotguneddy.com/pages/trips.html

We always went to the Apple River when I was in college at the U of MN (quite a few years ago) and had a ball. Now my nephews say they go there and love it too - so guess it is still a fun place. Not far from Mpls./St Paul but in WI - Somerset.

Thanks for all of your replies. I, too, had tubed from Shotgun Eddy's about 20 years ago and it was amazing .. . perhaps it hasn't changed! Thanks!