Construction is officially underway on a long-anticipated Welcome Center at Adams Lake State Park—marking a major milestone in a project shaped by over a decade of planning, persistence, and collaboration among local and state partners.
Located at 14633 State Route 41 near West Union, the new Welcome Center will serve as a gateway for visitors exploring all that Adams County has to offer, from scenic hiking trails and nature preserves to Amish shops, local festivals, historic landmarks like Serpent Mound, and the iconic quilt barns dotting the countryside.
The idea for a dedicated visitor center was first championed more than ten years ago by Adams County Commissioners Brian Baldridge, Paul Worley and Stephen Caraway in partnership with the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau. A major step forward came in 2020, when then-State Representative Brian Baldridge helped secure $350,000 through the state capital budget.
Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic soon introduced unexpected hurdles. Rising construction costs in 2022 pushed project estimates beyond $500,000—well above the original budget—even after scaling back the design. Despite the setbacks, county officials remained committed to the project’s completion.
Renewed momentum arrived in 2024 when State Representative Justin Pizzulli and State Senator Terry Johnson helped secure an additional $350,000 in one-time strategic investment funds through the state capital budget. That critical funding boost allowed the project to move forward and break ground earlier this spring.
“We’re excited to see construction underway on the new Adams County Welcome Center at Adams Lake,” said the Adams County Board of Commissioners in a joint statement. “This project represents a significant investment in tourism and community development. It will offer visitors a warm welcome and promote everything that makes Adams County special.”
Designed by David Stone of TSHD Architects in Portsmouth, the Welcome Center will include a lobby, reception area, two offices, a workroom with storage, and a restroom for staff. Exterior-access restrooms and a water fountain will serve park visitors. A spacious front porch, furnished with locally made pieces donated by Miller’s Bakery & Furniture, will offer a comfortable place to relax and take in views of Adams Lake.
The Nature Conservancy provided early support with a $20,000 contribution to the construction phase, followed by a $25,000 grant to support educational and interpretive displays within the center. The Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau also contributed $5,000 toward the project.
Following a competitive bidding process overseen by Adams County Economic & Community Development, the construction contract was awarded to AxCraft General Contractors with a bid of $539,000.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources partnered on the project by providing the site within Adams Lake State Park. The Adams County Commissioners also made a significant infrastructure investment to extend sewage services north of West Union to serve the park and support future growth in the area.
According to contractors and county officials, the Welcome Center is expected to be completed by early July. Once open, it will serve as both a tourism hub and community resource—supporting local events, enhancing visitor experiences, and contributing to Adams County’s ongoing growth as a premier destination in southern Ohio.
