Kansas' Newest State Park Offers A Scenic Lake, Camping, And Miles Of Hiking Trails

Tall limestone cliffs and cedar-covered slopes aren't normally what you'd associate with the Sunflower State landscape. Throw in a peaceful lake dotted with rocky islands and you'd be forgiven for thinking you're not in Kansas anymore. This green, grassy, and unexpected landscape sits within Lehigh Portland State Park, near Iola in Allen County, the latest and 29th state park in Kansas. Others include Wilson State Park for fun-filled water adventures and Clinton State Park for camping adventures.

Located in a former cement quarry that operated from the early 1900s until its closure in 1970, Lehigh Portland had a major role in the construction of roads and cities throughout Kansas. It was bought by Iola Industries in 1971 before being handed over to the state of Kansas in 2023. Over the years, the former cement works have been reclaimed by nature, with the quarry slowly filling with water from a nearby spring, and plant life taking over the surrounding land.

The roughly 350-acre park centers around Lake Lehigh, its clear waters providing a peaceful escape for swimming and paddling. More than 14 miles of multipurpose trails meander through wetlands, woodlands, and prairie, giving new life to former railroads and connecting to other popular trails. After a busy day exploring, the campground provides a relaxing spot for the night, where you can lay back and listen to the calls of owls, coyotes, and other nocturnal animals. Lehigh Portland State Park is located just three miles from Iola, conveniently close to hotels and restaurants if camping isn't your thing. Both Kansas City and Wichita, one of the best value destinations, are around two hours away, and both have large airports.

The Lehigh Portland Trails existed before it became a state park. Back in 2014, a group of volunteers began creating both wide gravel and single-track trails to give hikers, bikers, and in winter, cross-country skiers, a place to roam. Some follow old railroad lines, like the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, now the Katy Trail, while others make the most of the rocky landscape left behind from its quarrying days.

There are two main trailheads, Eastern and Western, both of which give you direct access to the wider gravel trails. The 1.7-mile South Loop Trail gives some of the best views over the lake, passing through prairie and dense woodland, alongside limestone bluffs and remains of old stone farmsteads. It's a great introduction to the variety of ecosystems the scenic park contains. For a more challenging single-track trail, try the 2.1-mile Cave Trail South. Twisting and turning its way through forest, the highlight is John Brown's Cave, which you can explore in its almost 300-foot entirety, although expect to get a tad wet if you do. At the western edge of the park, the short Connector Trail leads onto the popular Southwind Rail Trail, before eventually joining the 52-mile Prairie Spirit Trail for a much longer cycling excursion.

The campground consists of 28 campsites with water, electric, and a shower block. A daily camping permit costs $10, and reservations are made through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website. With a boat ramp currently in construction, bring your kayak or paddleboard along to make the most of Lake Lehigh's calm, clear waters. Entrance to the park is $5 per day or $25 for an annual pass if you come by car, but free if you arrive on foot or bike.

Although the main draw to the quiet yet charming town of Iola may be its hiking and biking trail network, there are other attractions that make it worth a visit. History fans should head to Allen County Historical Society Museum to follow the town's story from its early Native American inhabitants to when the first settlers arrived. Nearby is the Old Jail Museum, which housed hundreds of prisoners until its closure in 1958. Despite its two-foot thick walls, it was the scene of several escapes over the years as prisoners cut through the window bars or the roof.

Iola is also famous for having the largest town square in the U.S. Eight blocks lined with boutiques, restaurants, and historical buildings, with colorful murals painted in between, surround the grass square. A nice touch is the panels hanging from the lamp posts providing some history on the building you're about to enter. Arrive on a Thursday in June or July for a chance to hear the Iola Municipal Band, one of the longest continually performing bands in Kansas. Gather around the bandstand and tuck into some ice cream as you tap along to the music.

For a small town, Iola has a surprisingly diverse choice of eateries. Try Wild Bloom Coffee for hot drinks and tasty light meals, or Rookies Sports Bar & Grill for typical American-style dining. If you don't fancy camping in Lehigh Portland State Park, the quirky Prairie Barn Cabin is a 120-year-old renovated barn located just three miles north of Iola. Surrounded by woodland, it's a quiet place for spotting some of the native wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.