Half-Day Highlight Reel: Middle District

Photo collage depicting a child wading in the river, the Collier Homestead, Tyler Bend Visitor Center exhibits, and the first overlook on the Riverview Trail.

Terra Fondriest

Your half-day highlights in the park's Middle District are located at Tyler Bend, just off of Hwy. 65 near the town of St. Joe. Most park visitors can complete the activities on this page in 4 hours or less.

Visit the Collier Homestead

The Collier family homesteaded one of the last parcels of land available along the Buffalo River when they moved from Kentucky in 1928. Solomon “Sod” Collier, his wife Ida Mae, and two of their seven children built the cabin and a life here. Sod and Ida Mae stayed until 1962.

Visitors can explore the homestead by walking 1/10 mile down an easy trail from the Collier Homestead parking lot. A brochure is available at the Tyler Bend Visitor Center.

Hike the Riverview Trail

Continuing past the Collier Homestead, hikers may follow the Riverview Trail to a series of overlooks high above the Buffalo River. At 1.5 miles each way, this trail connects the Collier Homestead parking area to the Tyler Bend Visitor Center, campground, and river access. Click here for more information about the Riverview Trail.

Stop by the Tyler Bend Visitor Center

The Tyler Bend Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The center includes interpretive exhibits about the Buffalo River, a theater showing the park documentary, a small bookstore/gift shop, outdoor viewing platforms, and an information desk staffed by National Park Service rangers.

Picnic by the Buffalo River

Head down to the picnic area at Tyler Bend Campground for a shaded picnic overlooking the river. A short path leads you to the river, offering a perfect place to swim, fish, or take in the sights and sounds as you end your half-day highlight tour of Buffalo National River's Middle District.

 

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