Home / Environment / 137-Year-Old Ranch Opens as Post Oak Ridge Park
137-Year-Old Ranch Opens as Post Oak Ridge Park
3 Nov
Summary
- Post Oak Ridge State Park, on land used since 1889, opened September 24, 2026.
- The 3,118-acre park is being developed with funds from a $1 billion conservation initiative.
- Camping facilities and river access are planned for completion around 2029.
Post Oak Ridge State Park, established on land with a history dating back to 1889, opened for independent day visits on September 24, 2026. The 3,118-acre property in Central Texas, originally settled by John Fletcher and Mattie Lou Vann, has been acquired by the state and is now part of its park system.
The park's development is being financed by the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a $1 billion initiative approved by Texas voters in 2023. This fund aims to support the creation and enhancement of state parks to meet increasing demand.
Currently, visitors can explore about four miles of trails and enjoy scenic river overlooks. However, the park is still under development, with plans for enhanced roads, utilities, camping facilities, and eventual river access expected around 2029.
The land's strategic location along the Colorado River, opposite Colorado Bend State Park, was a key factor in its selection for preservation and public access. Texas Parks and Wildlife is prioritizing facility development that minimizes impact on sensitive habitats.
