Congaree National Park's 50th Anniversary

Congaree National Park celebrates its 50th anniversary October 17–18, 2026, with a weekend of special programs exploring the history, conservation, natural resources, and cultural legacy of the “Green Heart of South Carolina.”

Visitors can learn about the local conservation efforts that helped establish the park in the 1970s and discover how Congaree has evolved over the past half-century while protecting the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.

The anniversary weekend features ranger talks, guided hikes, the Congaree National Park 50 for 50 BioBlitz, and the Voices of Congaree speaker series. Additional programs include presentations from Carolina Wildlife Center and Riverbanks Zoo, an Owl Prowl, and the 50th Anniversary Big Tree Hike with John Cely.

Saturday programming begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, with events including ranger talks, the BioBlitz, speaker presentations, and an Owl Prowl at 5:45 p.m. Sunday activities begin at 9 a.m. with the Big Tree Hike and continue through the afternoon with anniversary programming, ranger talks, and the Voices of Congaree series.

The celebration is free, though registration is required for select programs. Detailed locations and program information are available through the individual event listings. To see the full schedule, click HERE.

Questions? Contact Congaree National Park at 803-776-4396.

Community event in Hopkins, Richland County, SC 29061.