The winning logo from the Buffalo National River Partners’ 50th anniversary logo contest created by Ana Laura Salinas of Rogers, Arkansas.
Buffalo National River 50th Anniversary and Celebrations!
Buffalo National River invites all to join in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the designation of Buffalo National River, America’s First National River! To celebrate this historic milestone, the park is planning a series of event weekends throughout 2022.
Buffalo National River was originally designated by Congress as a public park in 1972 to conserve the unique scenic and scientific features of the area, while preserving as free flowing an important segment of the Buffalo River for the enjoyment of future generations.
We’ve had a busy group of volunteer community members, park stakeholders and partners, including Buffalo National River, Buffalo National River Partners, Arkansas Master Naturalists, Buffalo River Historic Jail and Museum, and Lucky Star Farms. Their hard work and collaboration have created an exciting schedule of park anniversary events in 2022! These events offer a wide variety of opportunities to learn, participate, celebrate and enjoy all that’s in store as we honor our nation’s first national river.
We don’t have all our meeting times available quite yet, but we have some save the date opportunities for your 2022 calendars. As the specifics get clarified, we will be updating our BNRP calendar.
Check our Events page for the most up-to-date information.
Buffalo National River 50th Anniversary and Celebrations! — Buffalo National River Site
Here is a sneak peek at what we have in store for our 2022 Buffalo National River 50th Anniversary yearlong celebration!
History Weekend
February 26 - March 1, 2022
Celebrating the rich cultural history of the area and the creation of the park.
Saturday, February 26, 2022: Oral History StoryCorp Event
https://archive.storycorps.org/communities/buffalo-national-river-oral-history/
Come share your stories about the Buffalo National River. This event will be held to collect oral histories from those who have stories to tell about their experiences at the river or around the creation of the National River in 1972. Location and times for this event to be announced.
Saturday, February 26, 2022: Geology Interpretive Program
We will gather at Buffalo Point to learn about the geological history of the park. Time of event will be announced soon!
Sunday, February 27, 2022: Tribal Partners Presentation
Join us at St. Joe High School Auditorium for a presentation discussing current and historical tribal connections to the Buffalo National River. Coordinated by Bob King of the Buffalo River Historic and Jail Museum. Event time to be announced.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022: Science Symposium and 50th Kick Off
Our annual Science Symposium will be held at North Arkansas College including an opening ceremony for the anniversary year! Come join us for a celebration and some birthday cake! Time to be announced.
Art in the Park Weekend
June 9 - 12, 2022
Celebrating the ways in which the Buffalo National River inspires artistic endeavors.
Thursday, June 9, 2022: Student Film Fest
We are having a student film fest at the Marshall Kenda Drive- In, showcasing short films inspired by the park.
Friday, June 10, 2022: Folk Story Telling Night
Join us at the Buffalo Point Campground Amphitheater for a storyteller event organized by Lucky Star Farms. Come hear local storytellers share stories of the Buffalo River area. Time schedule to be announced.
Saturday, June 11, 2022: Tyler Bend Music Festival
This music festival at Tyler Bend will feature artists demonstrating traditional Ozark music traditions showcasing how the river inspires modern creations. Hosted by Buffalo National River and Buffalo National River Partners.
Sunday, June 12, 2022: Dance Celebration
The Chinelos Morelenses Unidos en Arkansas, a Mexican American Dance group from Springdale, will perform at Steel Creek and speak about the inspiration they gather from nature and visiting the Buffalo River area.
Park RX Weekend
October 8 - 9, 2022
Celebrating the natural resources at Buffalo National River and the health benefits they provide.
October 8-9, 2022: Park Wide Scavenger Hunt
All weekend long there will be a photo geocaching event going on throughout the Park.
Friday, October 7, 2022: Bio Blitz Program
This one-hour education program will give families an opportunity to identify species at the Buffalo National River. Location and times to be announced.
Saturday, October 8, 2022: Yoga in the Park
Yoga instructors will provide morning yoga classes at Steel Creek and the Buffalo Point campgrounds. Join us to start your weekend off balanced and refreshed. Times to be announced.
Saturday, October 8, 2022: Moon Party
Want to check out the moon? Meet us at the Tyler Bend Pavilion and enjoy the opportunity to view the moon with telescopes and discuss the importance of the night sky. Times to be announced.
Sunday, October 9, 2022: Naturalization Ceremony
Help us welcome 15 new US citizens at their naturalization ceremony held at our new Ozark Campground Pavilion.
Please note that events are subject to change due to COVID-related requirements or weather. Buffalo National River encourages everyone to visit the Park’s website and calendar of events for the most up-to-date information. http://www.nps.gov/buff
Get your 50th Anniversary Merchandise!
Don’t miss out! Be ready for the 2022 celebration of Buffalo National River by buying a commemorative tee shirt or sweatshirt featuring the 50th Anniversary Logo. All proceeds benefit Buffalo National River. We will have merchandise for sale at each event and will have periodic sales throughout the year at our Bonfire store.
