Iconic straw park ranger hat surrounded by confetti

The Green Heart of South Carolina: Congaree National Park at 50

Congaree National Park

Special Event
  • Every day at 11:00 AM from October 17, 2026 to October 18, 2026
  • Free

The establishment on October 18, 1976, of Congaree Swamp National Monument, began a 50-year legacy of protecting one of the most unique and diverse natural landscapes in the nation for present and future generations to experience and enjoy the Green Heart of South Carolina. From the arrival of the first staff in the early 1980s to today, the park has grown over the past half-century, both in size and visibility. Join a park ranger for an interpretive talk to highlight some of the key moments of park history over the past 50 years. From the opening of the first visitor center in 1985 and the designation of Wilderness in 1988, to the opening of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center in 2001 and the park’s redesignation in 2003, learn about how the park has grown over the years!

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Latitude and Longitude 33.829619, -80.823373

Schedule

Days:

Every day

Dates:

October 17, 2026 to October 18, 2026

Time:

11:00 AM

Duration:

30 minutes

Event Type

  • Talk
Tags: congaree national park, 50th anniversary, ranger talk, celebration