Lake Herman State Park will re-open Friday after damage from a May 5 storm closed the park. All but 15 campsites will be usable in the park.
"Campsites 31-45 are still underwater," said park manager John Bame. "We are working to pump the water off those sites and will open them for campers as soon as they are dry."
Those campsites are located in the lower campground. Bame said all-in-all the state park looks good.
Following severe thunderstorms May 5, Lake Herman waters rose to record heights the next day topping the roads within the state park. Campers were evacuated May 6 and the park has been closed to vehicle traffic ever since.
The water has receded over the last week and roads are clearing throughout the park. Damage to the park has been noted at the swimming beach (part of the retaining wall collapsed). Part of the handicap fishing pier is also still under water.
If the repairs can't be done before the opening day, those areas will be fenced off, Bame stated. Bame expects all flood damaged facilities to be repaired by the Memorial Day weekend. The park is gearing up to open back up to vehicle traffic Friday for free weekend. Visitors to the state park this weekend can enjoy free entrance and free fishing. There is a cost for camping. Bame said the campsites are booked for the weekend.
For more information, call Lake Herman State Park at 605-256-5003.
Send us your community news, events, letters to the editor and other suggestions. Now, you can submit birth, wedding and engagement announcements online too!
