Green River: River History, Canyons and Melon Days

Green River Between River History and Canyon Country

Green River lies against the backdrop of the Book Cliffs. Their sandstone terraces resemble shelves full of books and give the landscape a distinctive profile. The town’s history is also closely connected to the river: the Old Spanish Trail crossed the Green River at the site of what is now the small town of Green River. This crossing became Green River’s first established route. Here, the history of a travel route meets the riverside landscape.

River History at the Museum and Outdoors

The John Wesley Powell River Museum is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to river history. It has a 170-seat theater where a film about Powell’s 1869 river expedition is shown. Check current screening options before your visit. Outside the museum, a series of interpretive panels overlooking the Green River explains local history. The museum and panels offer different perspectives: the museum focuses on river history, while the panels explore the history of Green River.

River Trips and Planning Your Time

The trip through Labyrinth Canyon on the lower Green River, from the town of Green River to Mineral Bottom, covers 68 river miles. Plan on at least three to four days; river conditions affect the duration. Labyrinth Canyon is an easy, calm-water stretch suitable for canoes, kayaks, and rafts of all kinds. Seasonal conditions can vary, so check conditions before planning your trip.

Rafting and other river trips offered by Colorado River and Trail Expeditions and Holiday River Expeditions begin in Green River. Outfitters and launch arrangements may change, so check the latest information before your trip. Green River State Park is a starting point for boat trips through Labyrinth and Stillwater canyons. Access the park via I-70, Exit 160, then Green River Boulevard.

Riverside Scenery and Nearby Excursions

Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness protects the west side of a 49.2-mile stretch of the Green River designated as a Scenic River below Green River. The stretch runs from Bull Bottom to the Wayne County boundary. Nearby, you can explore the travertine landscape on foot at Crystal Geyser. Check local conditions and visitor information. At Fossil Point, visitors can see Jurassic-era dinosaur bones, including large sauropod bones visible from the top of the rock. Check access and protection rules on site.

Melon Farming and Melon Days

Green River has more than 100 years of experience growing melons. Hot days, cool nights, sandy soil, and low water requirements are among the conditions associated with growing them. Melon Days is the annual celebration of locally grown fruit; the festivities have been held on the third weekend of September since 1906.

On Saturday, growers offer free melon samples in the park. The program also includes a parade, food trucks, craft booths, live music, and free melon slices in the park. The program may vary from year to year. Check the exact event dates and annual program before you travel.

Another Activity

Green River Golf Course has an 18-hole disc golf course. If you’d like to include this sport in your stay, keep in mind that disc golf facilities may change over time and check the latest information.

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