This week marks the 50th anniversary of the first land acquisition for Eno River State Park, which stretches across 4,600 acres in northern Orange and Durham Counties. To celebrate, the park and the Eno River Association are marking the anniversary with daily activities — including raffles, a fundraising challenge and a special event on Friday.

In recognition of the 50th anniversary, the park will host a ribbon cutting and open house on August 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for its new visitor center, which recently finished construction after several months of work.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Eno River State Park,” said Jessica Sheffield, executive director for the Eno River Association. “This milestone is a testament to the collective efforts of the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners of the Association and the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation who have worked tirelessly to grow and maintain the park’s ecological integrity and share its wonders with the public.”

Eno River State Park was first created when concerned citizens learned of plans by the City of Durham to dam the river and create a reservoir in the area where the park is now. The citizens formed what is now known as the Eno River Association in 1966, and seven years later officially opened the park.

While the park has grown over time since those early years, it soon is expected to grow even larger. In 2022, the Eno River Association announced it is facilitating a deal to acquire more than 200 acres of land near Hillsborough to add to the park. The land includes the Historic Occoneechee Speedway, the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve and the Eno River Bend — the last of which will be transferred to the Archaeological Conservancy. The Eno River Association listed completing this acquisition as one of its top goals in coming years for the park, as well as adding three miles of new trails and continuing to meet the State Park Master Plan.

The new visitors center facility was finished earlier this year and is part of a 2016 program which provided more than $75 million in funding for North Carolina state parks. The open house will feature remarks, music, educational activities and a birthday cake. The building’s address is 6101 Cole Mill Road in Durham.

Photo via the Eno River Association.

Photo via the Eno River Association.

“This center will be a beacon for visitors to engage with the park’s rich history and envision its future,” read a release from the park.

For more information about the Eno River State Park’s 50th anniversary, including additional activities and celebrations, visit the Eno River Association’s website.

 

Featured image via the Eno River Association.

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