In 1889, a Texas family settled on ranchland along the Colorado River; 137 years later, more than 3,100 acres have become a new state park, with trails opening to visitors as restoration and development continue

In 1889, John Fletcher and Mattie Lou Vann settled on a piece of ranchland along the Colorado River in Central Texas. The couple raised seven children there, and generations of their family continued to use the property for ranching, cutting cedar and operating a fishing camp.More than 137 years later, land that includes part of the family’s former ranch has become Post Oak Ridge State Park. The 3,118-acre property opened for independent day visits on September 24, 2026, giving the public access to a landscape of rolling hills, wooded ridges, limestone cliffs and river overlooks. The park is still being developed, with camping facilities and additional visitor amenities expected around 2029, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

From a family ranch in 1889 to a state park in 2026

The history of Post Oak Ridge stretches back to 1889, when John Fletcher and Mattie Lou Vann established their home on the land. Their seven children and later generations maintained a connection to the property, using it for cattle ranching, cedar cutting and recreational fishing.In January 2025, Texas began acquiring land for the new state park, including property owned by descendants of the Vann family. The acquisitions eventually brought 3,118 acres under state ownership, creating one of the newest additions to Texas’ public park system.The property was attractive to conservation officials because of its location along the Colorado River, directly across from Colorado Bend State Park. Park superintendent Kacey Sloan told local broadcaster 25 News KXXV that the land’s position within the neighbouring park’s viewshed was an important reason for the state’s interest.The acquisition has also brought land with a long family and agricultural history into public ownership, where its natural features and cultural heritage can be protected while visitors gain access to the area.

What makes the 3,118-acre property special?

Post Oak Ridge stretches across parts of Burnet and Lampasas counties in Central Texas. Its landscape includes spring-fed creeks, limestone bluffs, canyons, post oak woodlands and scenic overlooks of the Colorado River.The park takes its name from the post oak trees found along its ridges. These woodlands, together with the river bluffs and creeks, form part of an ecologically diverse landscape that Texas Parks and Wildlife intends to protect as visitor facilities are developed.The property also sits close to Colorado Bend State Park, creating opportunities to protect neighbouring natural landscapes while expanding public access to the region.According to TPWD, natural and cultural research and restoration are continuing alongside development work. The agency intends to design facilities around the sensitive habitats rather than significantly altering the landscape.

What visitors can explore at Post Oak Ridge today

Although the land was acquired in 2025, September 24, 2026, marked an important change in public access. Before that, visitors could participate in organised activities such as guided hikes, birdwatching, educational programmes and public hunts.The September opening introduced independent day visits, allowing people to explore designated trails without joining a guided group.The park currently offers around four miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, an accessible trail and picnic area, a gravel access road and basic restroom facilities.However, it remains a developing park rather than a fully equipped recreation destination. Visitors must reserve their day passes in advance. There is no drinking water or electricity available, mobile phone coverage is limited, and access is restricted to designated trails.Overnight camping and direct recreational access to the river are not yet part of the regular day-use facilities.

How a $1 billion conservation fund is helping develop the park

Post Oak Ridge is among the first new Texas state parks being developed using interest generated by the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund.Texas voters approved the creation of the $1 billion fund in 2023 to support the acquisition and development of new state parks. The fund is intended to provide long-term financial support as population growth increases demand for public recreation areas.Under the state’s constitutional framework, interest earned on money credited to the fund is reserved for creating and improving state parks.Post Oak Ridge is an early example of that initiative. The state began acquiring the property in 2025, expanded public access in September 2026 and plans to introduce more substantial facilities over the coming years.

What will change by 2029?

Texas Parks and Wildlife expects Post Oak Ridge to reach its next major development stage around 2029, approximately four years after the initial land acquisition.Plans include improved roads, utilities, a park headquarters, RV sites, overnight camping facilities, additional trails and eventual river access.Sloan told 25 News KXXV that developing these facilities is comparable to building a small city within the park, with substantial infrastructure required even when the finished development is intended to blend into its surroundings.The department has also involved local communities in planning the park. Four public meetings and two surveys were conducted to gather views on recreation, environmental protection, road access, cultural history and future facilities.For now, Post Oak Ridge offers visitors a chance to explore former ranchland while work continues on its transformation into a fully developed state park. The land’s journey, from a family settlement established in 1889 to a publicly accessible park in 2026, is now part of the region’s conservation history.