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4 events found.

Events

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  • May 2026

  • Sat 30

    Iron Avenue: Salina’s Beginnings

    May 30 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am

    Registration opens May 1 by 9:00 am on http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org. Walk in the footsteps of Salina’s founders as we explore how the Smoky Hill River was integral to our city’s founding. Curving along the eastern edge of downtown, the river has seen everything from the first house to ferries, trains, mayhem, movies, and more. Come discover […]

  • June 2026

  • Sat 6

    Oakdale Park: The Heart of the Community

    June 6 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am

    Registration opens May 1 by 9:00 am on http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org. Discover the history of Salina’s beloved Oakdale Park, hugged on three sides by the Smoky Hill River. Explore how Salina made this bend in the river its community gathering spot, from horse racing to boating to the Smoky Hill River Festival. We’ll also touch on the […]

  • Sun 14

    River Festival: Oakdale Celebrations

    June 14 @ 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

    Registration opens May 1 by 9:00 am on http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org. Add to the party with a dive into what made this park THE place for celebrations in Salina. Discover fairs, horse and bicycle races, Chautauquas, camping, and more. This walk is a featurette of our Oakdale Park walk, sharing some but not all of its discoveries. […]

  • Sat 27

    Indian Rock Park: Battles, Bricks and Beauty

    June 27 @ 9:00 am - 10:45 am

    Registration opens May 1 by 9:00 am on http://www.smokyhillmuseum.org. Hike Salina’s most rugged natural area as we investigate the forces that shaped this park. Its natural beauty masks the many drastic changes the land itself has experienced. We’ll unearth a rich history that includes American Indian grounds, industries, and recreation. We’ll also discover how the […]

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river stories

“Salina exists for only one reason. The Smoky Hill River. Beginning with a ferry across the river, to a trading post, to water powered mills, to a growing city, the history of Salina is irrevocably tied to the river. Now, with it’s renewal, it will be the jewel in the crown of downtown redevelopment, a source of civic pride, and an economic asset for the entire community.”

Mike Mattson

“I envision a revitalized river where we can gather with friends and family, creating new memories – kayaking, fishing, and simply enjoying the beauty of nature. This project isn’t just about revitalizing a river; it’s about bringing life and joy to Salina, and I’m wholeheartedly behind it!”

Rafael Mendez - V.P. of Customer Culture, Blue Beacon, Inc.

“Living along the river in Downtown Salina has been a wonderful experience for my family. Getting up in the morning, watching the wildlife, and hearing the river flow when it rains makes us feel more connected to our environment. The river revitalization project will allow our community to strengthen and return to nature but also allow the wildlife that lives off of its resources to thrive.”

Elizabeth Ali-Schade - Director of Operations, Theatre Salina

Contact Us

Friends of the River Foundation
159 S. 4th Street
P.O. Box 953
Salina, KS 67402-0953

Phone: 785-493-8491
Office Hours: By appointment

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