Buffalo National River and Harrison Welcome Center Celebrate National Tourism Week

Linda Glass caning a settee from one of the historic CCC cabins. 

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 7, 2016

Contact: Casey Johanssen, 870-365-2776

On Saturday, May 7 Buffalo National River and the Harrison Welcome Center celebrated National Tourism Week at Buffalo Point. The day was largely spent commemorating the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that was tasked with building the infrastructure and cabins that would draw tourists to what was then known as Buffalo River State Park back in the 1930s. It is wonderful that these 78 year old CCC structures continue to serve visitors today. 

Richard Davies, Former Director of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, and Kelley Linck, State Representative, reminisced about growing up on the Buffalo River since both have strong family ties to Buffalo Point. Their round table discussion was a great way to kick off the day as many visitors also shared their own personal memories. Visitors to the event also enjoyed the Arkansas Game and Fish mobile aquarium, a chair caning demonstration, a guided hike on the Overlook Trail, an interpretive talk and tour of one of the historic cabins, and free ice cream at the Buffalo Point Restaurant. Thank you to the staff at the Harrison Welcome Center for helping Buffalo National River host this unique event!