September 9, 2025, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine:
MINSTER, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz celebrated the opening of the new welcome center at Lake Loramie State Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today. The new space will serve as a hub for visitors, offering sweeping views of the lake and spillway while sharing the park’s natural and cultural history.
“Lake Loramie State Park has a rich history, and the new welcome center tells the story of this wonderful outdoor space,” said Governor DeWine. “Today we were joined by Minster Local Schools' third grade class, and it really highlights the importance of opening buildings like this to allow students and Ohioans of all ages to learn more about Ohio’s great outdoors and experience it new and meaningful ways.”
The new center features engaging displays that trace the area’s story from the Ice Age through the lives of indigenous communities, early settlers, canal-era development, and the creation of Lake Loramie State Park in 1949. A dedicated “nature nook” introduces visitors to the plants and animals that call the park home, providing hands-on opportunities to connect with the natural world.
“This new welcome center honors the stories of the past while creating new opportunities for learning, exploration, and connection to nature,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “It’s a place where visitors can better understand the rich history of this region and the incredible natural resources that make Lake Loramie so special.”
The building’s design reflects the area’s canal heritage, with architectural touches and materials that pay homage to this historic landscape. Outside, guests will also find a landscaped area that complements the setting and creates a welcoming space for visitors of all ages.
Lake Loramie, created in 1824 as a reservoir for the Miami & Erie Canal, played a key role in Ohio’s transportation history. Now, more than 200 years later, the new welcome center will help share that story while enhancing the park experience for modern visitors.
The welcome center is located at the front of the park’s campground and offers convenient access to both the campground and day-use areas, serving as a true gateway to the Lake Loramie State Park experience.
