Learn About the Park

Mist rising from a frosty Alley Spring on a winter morning.

NPS Photo/Bill O'Donnell

Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established through congressional legislation on August 24, 1964 to conserve and interpret the unique cultural and natural resources of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The Riverways protects 134 miles of clear, free-flowing spring-fed waterways. The impressive karst landscape of the Riverways supports an amazing variety of features, including a spring system unparalleled in North America. Ozark National Scenic Riverways was the first federally protected river system and provided the inspiration for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.

Explore more about cultural and natural resources of the park by visiting our History and Culture and Nature pages.

For more activities and educational lessons for kids, visit our Education and Kids & Youth pages.

Our News and Management pages will provide current information on park events and management activities, as well as the laws and policies that apply to visitors at the Riverways.

You can also find Photos and Multimedia. For souvenirs and books related to Ozark National Scenic Riverways, visit our online bookstore sponsored by Eastern National.