Friends of the River

Spring Spruce-Up
2026-04-18 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
A volunteer day for you, your family, civic club, church, organization, or business. Tools and snacks will be provided. Anyone 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Smoky Hill River Research & Education Symposium
2026-05-07 18:30 - 20:15 | KS
The Friends of the River Foundation has partnered with Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) and Sacred Heart Jr/Sr High to encourage local students to engage in field studies in Saline Co. and along the Smoky Hill River. Students participated in field work, gathering data and hands-on experience, the results of which are seven presentations at our 2026 Smoky Hill River Research & Education Symposium (SHRRES).

Iron Avenue: Salina's Beginnings
2026-05-30 09:30 - 10:45 | KS
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 Salina’s early history with us. (Walk will take us along Iron Avenue and through Founders Park.)

Oakdale Park: The Heart of the Community
2026-06-06 09:30 - 10:45 | KS
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 adjacent South Park, a mostly forgotten park that once hosted schools, a pond, and a band shell. Learn how these parks played a vital role in Salina’s recreational and arts history. (Walk will take us around Oakdale Park.)

River Festival: Oakdale Celebrations
2026-06-14 13:00 - 13:45 | KS
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. (No registration required. Must purchase entry to the Smoky Hill River Festival. Meet at Mulberry Ave. bridge.)

Indian Rock Park: Battles, Bricks and Beauty
2026-06-27 09:00 - 10:45 | KS
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 Smoky Hill River was moved, cutting the park in half. (Hike will take us on very uneven ground throughout Indian Rock Park, including rocks, woods, and prairie.) * Not recommended for those with mobility or balance issues. A talk presenting this information will be given at a later date, allowing those unable to hike the opportunity to discover this area’s history.

Indian Rock Park: Battles, Bricks & Beauty
2026-07-02 05:30 - 18:30 | Smoky Hill Museum, 211 W. Iron Avenue, Salina, KS, 67401, United States

Fall Fix-Up
2026-10-03 08:00 - 12:00 | KS

Spring Spruce-Up
2027-04-17 08:00 - 12:00 | KS
