'Buy' the River Blog

"a celebration of flow and heritage"

River Blog for Curious Minds, History Buffs, and Art Lovers

If you’re a nature enthusiast with a deep-seated love for rivers, or perhaps a history buff with a penchant for river lore and trivia, or maybe even a contemporary art aficionado who enjoys a leisurely stroll through a museum, then this river blog is your perfect destination.

Our Travel section invites you on a global river adventure, exploring fascinating museums, riverine destinations and tranquil river cruises. Delve into our History section to discover the lives of historical figures like Robert Fulton and the civilizations that thrived along riverbanks. Explore the cultural significance and scientific discoveries surrounding rivers in our Culture and Science section, while catching up with worlds news affecting global waterways in our News section. And finally, celebrate the recreational wonders of rivers in our Outdoors section, complete with product recommendations.

History

The Humboldt River: A Tribute to Alexander von Humboldt

Beneath the relentless Nevada sun, where the air shimmers and the horizon stretches into a mirage, a river whispers secrets. The Humboldt, a silver vein snaking through the parched earth, holds more than just water; it carries the echo of a visionary. A man who, before the age of satellites and data streams, dared to see the world as a living, breathing tapestry. Forget dusty textbooks and dry lectures. This is a journey into the heart of a wild landscape, where a river’s flow becomes a portal to a mind that reshaped our understanding of nature itself. Prepare to be drawn into a story where the arid beauty of the American West meets the revolutionary ideas of Alexander von Humboldt, and discover how a river, and a name, can illuminate the very soul of our interconnected planet.

Read More »
Recent Posts
Travel

Cities Where Rivers Meet: A Reddit Inspired Geography Lesson

Cities nestled at the confluence of rivers offer a unique blend of geography, history, and human ingenuity. A recent thread on the popular subreddit r/geography, a vibrant community dedicated to all aspects of geography, featured a captivating sub-discussion focused on ‘cities where rivers meet,’ showcasing a remarkable collection of images depicting these captivating urban environments.

Read More »
News

River Gets Rights: Tribe Gives Rappahannock River Power to Sue!

In a groundbreaking move, the Rappahannock Tribe in Virginia has become the first in the United States to grant legal rights to their namesake river – the Rappahannock. This unprecedented decision, enshrined in their tribal constitution in 2024, recognizes the river’s inherent right to exist, flourish, and maintain clean water, marking a significant step forward for environmental protection and Indigenous sovereignty.

Read More »
News

China’s Dam on Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo River: A Risky Bet

The Yarlung Tsangpo (or Zangbo) River, renowned as the “world’s highest river,” is set to become the site of China’s most ambitious hydroelectric project yet. This colossal dam promises to be a game-changer for energy production, but also raises serious concerns. We’ll delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks of this undertaking, examine the anxieties of downstream countries, and consider the environmental implications of harnessing such a powerful force of nature.

Read More »
Outdoors

Pushing Limits on the Missouri: The MR340 River Race

Battle a raging river, not with fear, but with a fierce determination to conquer its currents. Push your body and mind to the absolute limit, fueled by an adrenaline rush and a deep connection to the natural world. This is the reality of the Missouri River 340, a grueling 340-mile canoe and kayak race that transforms ordinary individuals into extraordinary human beings.

Read More »
Science

Unraveling the Mystery of How Rivers Form: A Hydrological Journey

Meandering through landscapes, carving canyons, and nourishing life, rivers are the Earth’s liquid veins. They’ve inspired poets, artists, and explorers for centuries. But what drives the ceaseless flow of these watery wonders? Let’s dive into the science that underpins their existence, from the gentle trickle of a mountain stream to the mighty rush of a river delta.

Read More »
Travel

The World’s Most Rebellious River: The Okavango

The Okavango River, a defiant force of nature, defies expectations by turning inland. This audacious river carves its own path through the heart of Africa, creating a breathtaking oasis that captivates the imagination. Unlike most rivers that flow towards the sea, the Okavango River takes a different course, creating a unique and awe-inspiring ecosystem.

Read More »
Culture

A River of Time: The Enduring Legacy of Langston Hughes

Hidden within the heart of Harlem, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture houses a poignant memorial to the legendary Langston Hughes. The “Rivers” cosmogram, a mesmerizing artwork inspired by Hughes’ iconic poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” takes us on a breathtaking journey through time and space. As we delve deeper into this captivating piece, we’ll uncover the profound connections between ancient civilizations, the African diaspora, and the enduring spirit of Black culture.

Read More »
Newly Featured

Featured Blogger

Divergent Travelers.

Divergent Travelers is a website featuring the adventures and experiences of a couple, David and Lina Stock, as they explore the world. They seem to have a passion for unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Includes detailed accounts of their journeys, including personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and practical travel tips. Essentially, it's a platform for them to document and share their adventures with their audience.

Featured Guardian

Andrés Ruzo.

As founder and director of the Boiling River Project, a nonprofit organization, Ruzo is committed to understanding and protecting the Amazon's revered Shanay-Timpishka Geothermal System. The Shanay-Timpishka, a tributary of the Amazon River with water temperatures reaching 200 degrees Fahrenheit, is a boiling river named for the "heat of the sun" and located in the Mayantuyacu sanctuary of Peru's Huánuco high forest.

Featured Artists

Ivan Mikolji.

Ivan Mikolji is a world-renowned river explorer who tirelessly documents the diversity and wonder of the world we live in. He is an Associate Investigator of the La Salle Institute, promoting the importance of preserving freshwater biodiversity around the globe. His work inspires a deep love and respect for the conservation of nature, stating “You cannot preserve something that you don’t know exists.”
Buy Rivers