It was a cold, bleak day when Kansas officials joined Allen County folk last March to officially break ground for construction at Lehigh-Portland State Park.
Swathed in their winter gear, they shoved their gold-plated shovels into the frozen ground. The wind blew so strong that whitecaps dotted the lake.
Almost a year later, the blueprints have come to life. The park’s visitor center and RV park will be open for business in May, according to Conner O’Flannagan, Kansas State Parks Director.
Limestone facing is being applied to the lower section of the exterior. Last week, painting began on the outdoor siding. Inside, drop ceilings for the office spaces are being installed and more painting. Still to come is an expansive 30-foot by 80-foot deck off of the main lobby that looks out over the lake.
ACCESS to the lake is allowed for those who want to fish from the shoreline but the use of lightweight watercraft such as canoes or kayaks must wait until the current construction ends, O’Flannagan said. Life vests are mandatory and must be at the ready, he said. Those age 12 and younger must wear them at all times when on board.
Because of funding, construction of a boat launch cannot begin until fall. Funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year begins July 1.
Once those funds are released, a swimming beach, playground and cabins also are on tap.
O’Flannagan said the park “will be our flagship for the state.”
This story was updated Feb. 19, 2026
