Parks Near Me in Dundee

Water recreation, hiking, camping and picnicking attract visitors to Mosquito Lake, one of the largest lakes in Ohio. 2,483 acres of mature woodlands and vast marshes provide safe haven for wildlife and will delight nature enthusiasts.

Alum Creek's 3,387-acre reservoir and 4,630-acres of gently rolling span of fields and woodlands provides a hub of recreational activity just minutes from Ohio's capital city. Quiet coves nestled among shale cliffs await the solitary fisherman in the park's northern reaches while sunseekers mingle with thousands on Ohio's largest inland beach.

History:

Long before recorded history, man called this forest and the Alum Creek valley home. The Adena culture lived here over 2,000 years ago. Seven mounds constructed by the mound builders were identified along the creek. Six were excavated before the valley was flooded although archaeologists did not believe them to be burial mounds.

Much later, the Delaware Indian tribe occupied several villages near Alum Creek. A large town was located where the city of Delaware now stands on the banks of the Olentangy River. The Indians cultivated a 400-acre cornfield in much of what is presently downtown. These Algonquin tribespeople entered Ohio in the 1700s, being displaced from their eastern home in the Delaware River valley by the fierce Iroquois nation.

Colonel Moses Byxbe was one of the first settlers in the county. He built his home in 1805 on Alum Creek and named the township Berkshire after his native Berkshire, Massachusetts. He owned 8,000 acres on the creek and was the co-owner of 30,000 more. These were military lands which he sold for $2.50 to $10 per acre.

With the threat of the War of 1812, the frontier counties set about erecting structures to defend themselves in case of Indian attack. Four blockhouses were built in the county, one of which was on Alum Creek. The fortress had two stories, the second of which protruded over the first yielding a place from which to shoot. drop boiling water on the attackers and defy attempts to set the log structure on fire. This Fort Cheshire, which stood until the Civil War, was later used as a schoolhouse. A bronze plaque commemorates the site where the fort once stood in what is now the park's family campground.

During the fifty years prior to the Civil War, the border state of Ohio offered many routes for the Underground Railroad by which slaves escaped to freedom. Over 40,000 slaves passed northward through Ohio along these paths. The Sycamore Trail, whose guideposts were often the ghostly white bark of this floodplain tree, ran along Alum Creek. Slaves waded in the waters of the creek as they left the safe Hanby House in Westerville and attempted to elude pursuing trackers. Africa Road received its name from the fact that thirty slaves, freed in North Carolina, settled near friendly homeowners in this area.

Alum Creek Dam is part of the flood control plan for the Ohio River Basin. The lake was authorized by Congress in the Flood Control Act of 1962. Construction began in August of 1970 and was completed in 1974.

Camping

286 electric campsites offer both wooded and sunny areas, some of which overlook the lake (ie, Premium site).
Each site has 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookup
24 full-service campsites offer electric, sewer and water hookups
Heated shower facilities with flush toilets
Beach and boat ramp for exclusive use of the overnight guests
Basketball courts, volleyball, miniature golf, horseshoe pits and playgrounds
Nature programs
Dump station
Group camp for organized groups is available by reservation
Equestrian camp with 30 primitive sites on a first-come, first-served basis
Pets are welcome on designated sites

Activities

Boating

Alum Creek Reservoir offers 3,387 acres of water. Four launch ramps offer public access to the lake; one ramp is available to campers only. A full-service marina at the Hollenback ramp offers 240 slips ranging from 24-32 feet in length, with some offering water and electric. Courtesy docks, fuel, boat supplies, food concessions, and boat rentals are available. Season-long docks are available through a dock lottery. There is a life jacket loaner board at the New Galena ramp.

The lake south of Cheshire Road is a boater's paradise with unlimited horsepower and plenty of room for skiers while the northern portion of the lake offers a quieter scene with tree-lined shores, shale cliffs and sheltered inlets for paddling.

Boaters may swim in Big Run, the Sailing Association Cove, and in marked coves just south and north of the US Route 36/37 bridge. Boaters may camp overnight in the Sailing Association & 36/37 coves.

The Alum Creek Sailing Association offers learn-to-sail programs for members and the general public along with special sailing programs for youth.

Disc Golf

An 18-hole "Players Course" is located at the New Galena Launch Ramp area. Equipment rental is available. No fee is charged to play.

Dog Park

Alum Creek State Park is home to the Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park, a 4-acre site along the lake near the marina. The dog park features a fenced area with water access for dogs that enjoy water sports and two additional fenced areas for small and large dogs.

Fishing

Narrow coves and quiet inlets offer fine catches of bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie and saugeye. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in designated areas. The northern half of the park is best for the squirrel and deer hunting. The southern half offers better opportunities for rabbit and other upland game. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Several scenic picnic areas are available with tables, grills, restrooms and drinking water. Three shelterhouses at the Alum Creek dam are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Swimming

Alum Creek State Park's 3,000-foot beach is largest inland beach in Ohio's state park system. Facilities include changing area and shower house, beach vendors, and sand volleyball courts. The beach is open during daylight hours only. Swimming is at your own risk in designated areas. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.

Trails

There are 3 hiking trails:

Park Office Trail - 1.5 miles - easy
Hollenback Trail - 1.5 miles - easy
Rocks to Roots Trail - 4.1 miles - moderate
One Multi-Purpose Trail (Hiking, Snowmobile, Dog Sledding, Cross-country Skiing) is a moderate 7 Miles.

Winter Recreation

Under proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling on the multi-purpose trail, cross-country skiing on the multi-purpose trail, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Kelleys Island, known as Lake Erie's Emerald Isle, is a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts, and a relaxing retreat for vacationers. The island is renowned for its unique geological, ecological, and archaeological features, and popular for its recreational offerings and picturesque landscapes. The 677-acre state park is located on the northern shores of the island.

History:

Evidence that ancient civilizations inhabited this area include several prehistoric mounds and earthworks on the island. Mysterious petroglyphs carved into a massive limestone boulder known as Inscription Rock are believed to date back to the 1600s or earlier. Prior to the 19th century, the Lake Erie Island region was inhabited by Ottawa and Huron (Wyandot) Indian tribes and visited occasionally by European explorers.

In the early 1800s, Kelleys Island was known as Cunningham's Island, after an early settler who lived and traded with the Indians. Cunningham left the island as tensions escalated in the War of 1812. After the war, a small timber operation was established on the sparsely populated island to provide fuel for Lake Erie's first steamer, "Walk on the Water". In 1833, businessman Datus Kelley, along with his brother Irad, began systematically purchasing parcels until they owned the entire island. The Kelley brothers developed infrastructure for shipping along with timber operations, limestone quarries, and orchards and vineyards. In 1840, with a population of 68, the community was renamed Kelleys Island. The diverse workforce of immigrants from a number of European countries gave the island a reputation as a melting pot where various cultures and customs were tolerated.

Wine production was introduced in 1842, and by the early 1900s, dozens of wineries were active on the island, with the largest, the Kelleys Island Wine Company, producing 500,000 gallons of wine per year. In 1891, various independent quarry operations producing high quality building stone as well as flux stone, were consolidated as the Kelleys Island Lime and Stone Company. The merger resulted in a continuous quarry pit stretching more than a mile across the island. Most of the quarry operations ceased by 1940. Commercial fisheries were active from the mid 1800s until the mid 1950s.

Kelleys Island State Park was cobbled together from properties acquired by the state of Ohio, including lakefront property and the beach purchased from the village of Kelleys Island, the north pond and adjacent land, and the historic East Quarry, formerly mined by the Kelleys Island Lime & Transport Co. The glacial grooves near the north shore were set aside as a State Memorial in 1932. Kelleys Island became a state park in 1956.

Camping

A lakeside campground offers 126 sites with electrical and non-electric campsites.

43 non-electric sites (11 are premium)
46 electric sites
35 sites with full hook-up (water and electric)
Pets are permitted on designated sites
Showers with flush toilets
Dump station
Volleyball court playground
Picnic shelter available on a "first come, first served" basis
Youth group camp that can accommodate up to 50 people is available by reservation for organized groups

Activities

Boating

A double-lane launch ramp ocated on the island's north shore provide access to Lake Erie.

Kayak rentals are available at the sand beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Fishing

Lake Erie is known as the "Walleye Capital of the World." A valid Ohio fishing license is required

A stone pier and shoreline fishing are offered on the island's north shore. A fish cleaning house located in the campground is free to register campers, and for a small fee, to non-guests.

Hunting

Limited hunting, including bow hunting of deer, is permitted in designated areas of the park. Check with the park office for details. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

The park features two picnic areas.
A picnic shelter is available to campers in the campgrounds on a "first come, first served" basis

Swimming

A 100-foot public swimming beach on Lake Erie is located within easy walking distance from the campground.

Swimming is permitted in designated areas during daylight hours only.
Swim at your own risk.
Pets are not permitted on the swimming beach.

Trails

North Pond Nature Preserve - 1 mile - easy; paved boardwalk with observation deck
North Shore/Alvar Loop Trail - 2 miles - moderate hiking and intermediate mountain biking; hilly and rocky
East Quarry Trail - 5 miles - novice and intermediate mountain biking; moderately level with rocky terrain

Winter Recreation

Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.

Hocking Hills provides a variety of recreational opportunities in a splendid natural setting. The 2,356-acre park has towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep hemlock-shaded gorges to lure the hiker and naturalist and serve as a backdrop to popular facilities and accommodations.

Camping

109 electric sites with 20-, 30- or 50-amp electric
47 full hookup sites
13 non-electric sites
Each site has a paved pad and can accommodate up to a 50' unit
Heated showers, flush toilets, laundry, dump station
Campground store
Swimming pool for registered campers
Playgrounds, volleyball court and horse shoe pit
Tent-only organized youth group camping. Thirteen sites are available by reservation only. Call for group size limitations.
Primitive hike-in only camp sites for hiker who have hiked into the area. Pit latrines are provided. Reservation needed.

Activities

Archery

An archery range with 5 static targets and 22 3-D targets is open from daylight until dark year-round.

Boating

Boats with electric motors and paddlecraft are allowed at the 17-acre Rose Lake. Access is carry-in, off of State Route 374 via a 1/2-mile hiking trail.

Disc Golf

Nine holes open as of October 2018; the first tee is located near the Whispering Cave trailhead. Every hole has a level tee pad and map. Bring your own equipment, rental equipment is not available. No fee to play. Starter pack of discs available for sale in park office gift shop.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed at the 17-acre Rose Lake. Access is off of State Route 374 via a 1/2-mile hiking trail. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park and in the adjacent Hocking State Forest. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Six picnic areas with tables, grills, latrines and drinking water are located at each of the recess caves. Five shelterhouses are available: Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Rock House, Cedar Falls and Cantwell Cliffs.

Trails

Multiple hiking trails traverse the park, giving visitors a chance to view the majestic scenery. These trails are beautiful as well as potentially dangerous. Caution and common sense are necessary. Young children should be closely supervised while on the hiking trails. All park visitors must remain on the marked trails at all times. Trails are typically covered in ice in winter months.

Thirty-three miles of bridle trail are located in the state forest, along with portions of the Buckeye Trail. The system, one of the most popular riding destinations in Ohio, is available to riders with their own mounts. New in 2017, visitors will be able to explore Whispering Cave, an area of the park formerly closed to visitation. The area features the second largest cave in the region with a 105 foot high seasonal waterfall cascading to the floor below. Visitors can choose to access the new Hemlock Bridge Trail near the cabins or by using a new connecting trail, located halfway between Cedar Falls and Old Man’s Cave, which features a swinging bridge.

Ash Cave Gorge - 1/4 mile - Easy - Handicap Accessible
Ash Cave Rim - 1/2 mile - Moderate
Cantwell Cliffs - 1 mile - Difficult
Cedar Falls - 1/2 mile - Moderate
Conkles Hollow - 1 mile - Easy - Handicap Accessible
Conkles Hollow Rim - 2.5 miles - Moderate
Hemlock Bridge Trail - 1 mile - Moderate
Old Man's Cave - 1 mile - Moderate
Rock House - 1/2 mile - Moderate
Whispering Cave Trail - 1/2 mile - Easy
Buckeye Trail - 6 miles through the park - Moderate
 
Mountain bike trails

Purple Trail Loop - 2 miles - Moderate
Orange Trail Loop - 2 miles - Difficult
 
Thirty-three miles of bridle trail are located in the adjacent state forest. The system, one of the most popular riding destinations in Ohio, is available to riders with their own mounts.

Winter Recreation

Park guests can enjoy the icy splendors of winter during the colder months. A popular event is the the annual winter hike. Typically held in January, this hike has been celebrated for over 50 years. Appropriate outdoor gear and footwear is recommended for participants. Under the proper conditions, park visitors can enjoy ice fishing during the colder months.

Hedges-Boyer Park is Tiffin's community park, consisting of 78 acres of parkland with a creek running through it, and bridging the gap between Coe St. and Summit St. The park is home to many year-round special events, including Tiffin’s Fourth of July Celebration, the Cross Country Carnival (2nd largest cross country race in the nation), 5K benefit races, the Heritage Festival, and much more. The park has six picnic shelters, with approximately 10 picnic tables and a grill at each shelter. The park is also home to a large historic barn that can accommodate larger groups in an enclosed, but rustic environment.

Forested hills, a picturesque lake and the lazy Ohio River characterize 791-acre Forked Run State Park. Located in the heart of Appalachia, colorful history, riverboats, scenic vistas and abundant wildlife give the park its rural charm.  

History

The colorful history and folklore of the Ohio River create the character of Forked Run State Park. The Ohio River felt the pull of the Indian's paddle, served as a territorial boundary, brought settlers into the Northwest Territory and carried flatboats and "steamers" that shipped passengers and cargo from Pittsburgh to New Orleans.

The mouth of the Shade River which empties into the Ohio nearby was known as a gloomy, rocky place called the Devil's Hole. The Indians returning from their raids into western Virginia routinely crossed the Ohio at that point with their prisoners and plunder. They would travel through the valley of the Shade River on the way to their towns on the Scioto. Settlement of the area was slow to develop until the Indian threat had subsided and the discovery of coal in the region provided means of support.

As mining increased, towns sprang up along the Ohio. Pomeroy, Middleport, Minersville and Syracuse were important mining centers. The coal was used to manufacture coke which in turn was used in the many furnaces that smelted iron ore from the surrounding sandstone bedrock. The ore resulted in iron used to produce agricultural implements, ammunition and cannons for the Union Army during the Civil War. During the 1860s, Ohio was one of the nation's leading producers of iron.

Equally important to the prosperity of the area was the salt industry. The first salt well was drilled in 1850 near Pomeroy. Eighteen salt furnaces were in operation during their peak of importance. Nearly 3,600 barrels of salt were produced daily.

The villages of Reedsville and Belleville were important boat-building centers, and it was on this section of the Ohio River that Captain Horatio Crooks introduced the compound-cylinder steam engine.

John Hunt Morgan, the Confederate General, while on his raid through Ohio was hampered in his efforts here to escape into western Virginia. The local militia thwarted Morgan's effort to ford the Ohio near Pomeroy, and as a result, he was eventually captured in Columbiana County.

Today, the area is known as a truck-farming center which produces crops of cabbage, melons, sweet corn and the famous Ohio River tomatoes.

Construction of Forked Run State Park began in May of 1951. In October 1952, the 102-acre lake was completed. The lake was stocked and opened to the public in the following year.

Forked Run State Park is located adjacent to Shade River State Forest. Much of the forest's 2,601 acres is second growth pitch pine and Virginia pine. The area is also rich in hardwoods such as oaks and hickories. Hemlock and mountain laurel are found in some of the deep gorges.

Camping

143 campsites are available in five areas.

79 electric sites
64 non-electric sites
Showers, vault latrines, dump station
Playgrounds
Pets are permitted on select sites

Activities

Boating

There is no horsepower limit but boats over 10HP must operate at a no-wake speed on this 120-acre lake due to a recent (2019) rule change.

Two launch ramps provide access to the lake, plus a Division of Wildlife launch ramp provides access to the Ohio River. The ramp on Curtis Hollow Road offers no amenities. The boat ramp at the dam has tie-ups and is wheelchair accessible. A restroom is nearby at the beach parking lot. Boat rental is available.

Disc Golf

The park features a 24-hole disc golf course.

Fishing

Anglers will enjoy nice catches of crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in designated areas of the park and the nearby Shade River State Forest. Squirrel, deer, grouse and wild turkey are popular game species in the area. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Three picnic areas have tables and grills for picnicking opportunities.

Swimming

The park features a 400-foot sand beach. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.

Trails

Three hiking trails provide opportunity for exploration, exercise, nature study and wildlife observation.

Honeysuckle Trail - 0.6 Mile - Easy
Lakeview Trail - 2.2 Miles - Moderate
Riverview Trail - 0.75 Mile - Moderate

Winter Recreation

When conditions permit, park visitors can enjoy sledding.

Volleyball, horseshoes and tetherball
Playgrounds in the campground and day use areas

Twisting park and forest roads pass through 604 acres of deep ravines and dense woodlands. Scattered shortleaf and pitch pines growing on the ridges were once a source of pine tar for early settlers, hence the name Tar Hollow. Dogwoods, redbuds and a variety of wildflowers color the hillsides in the springtime. Fall's pageant of color is spectacular.

Camping

A total of 105 camping options offer a variety of sunny and shady sites to suit every camper.

70 electric sites (2 are Host/VIP sites)
23 non-electric sites (12 are walk-in only)
7 shelter campsites for group use (must be reserved in advance, see above)
5 primitive sites along the backpack trail
Campground equipped with showers, laundry facilities, pit latrines and a dump station
Beach is nearby
General Store offers camping supplies, souvenirs and snacks
Registered campers may borrow game and sporting equipment from the General Store
Pets permitted on all campsites

Activities

Boating

Boating with electric motors only permitted on the 15-acre Pine Lake. The lake is perfect for canoes and rowboats. A launch ramp is located near the beach.

Fishing

Bluegill and other panfish provide good sport on the 15-acre Pine Lake. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is not permitted in the state park, but the adjacent state forest provides excellent hunting opportunities for squirrel, deer, grouse and turkey. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Four picnic areas offer excellent scenery and a peaceful setting. Seven additional shelterhouses can be reserved by calling the park office at (740) 887-4818 on the first business day of each calendar month. Camping is permitted at these shelters.

Swimming

Pine Lake offers a 500-foot unguarded beach, which is within walking distance of the campgrounds. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT allowed on swimming beaches.

Trails

A range of moderate to difficult hiking trails provide access to the scenic hills of Tar Hollow.

Homestead Trail (blue blazes) - 2.5-mile loop - family friendly. Begins at the spillway at Pine Lake.
Ross Hollow Hiking Trail (yellow blazes) - 3.5-mile loop - moderate terrain. Located in the Ross Hollow campground; provides foot access to the hills of Tar Hollow.
Logan Backpack Trail (red blazes) - 21-mile figure eight - difficult terrain. Traverses the park and forest. Parking and the trailhead are located near the dam spillway at Pine Lake or at the fire tower. Backpack camping is located at the fire tower (at the center of the Logan Trail) and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must register at the park office or general store; cost is $4 per adult or $1 per youth per night.
A section of Ohio's Buckeye Trail (light blue blazes) overlaps part of the Logan Trail.

Twenty-five miles of bridle trails (white blazes) and a horse camp are located on the forest land.

Playground and basketball court are located near the campgrounds

Located in the heart of Ohio's agricultural country, Deer Creek State Park is central Ohio's vacation showplace. A collage of meadows and woodlands surround the scenic reservoir. This 2,337-acre resort park features a modern lodge, cottages, campground, golf course, swimming beach and boating for outdoor enthusiasts.

History:

On a long ridge that once overlooked Deer Creek and its valley, researchers have discovered evidence of a camp of an ancient Indian tribe. The nomads who camped here around 2,000 B.C. were hunters and gatherers and used this camp periodically throughout the year. Since agriculture was not practiced by the nomads, they moved on after they depleted the plant or animal food supplies in a locale. Burial sites near the camp indicate it was inhabited over a period of time.

In more recent years, a cottage owned by Harry M. Daugherty, the attorney general under President Warren G. Harding, overlooked the valley. The rustic one and one-half story cottage was built in 1918. The President was said to have visited this cottage which now bears his name.

The completion of the dam in 1968 created the lake with the park officially opening in 1974.

Camping

232 electric sites
Features include showers, flush toilets and a dump station
Pets are permitted on all sites except Camper Cabin sites - 2 pet maximum per site
Tetherball, volleyball, basketball, pickleball and gaga ball courts, horseshoe pits, 2 playgrounds, and miniature golf at the campground
Bicycles can be rented from the camp office

Group Camp

Group camp is available by reservation
Two sites accommodate up to 100 people each
Primitive, tent camping only

Equestrian Camp

An equestrian camp provides primitive overnight facilities for riders

Activities

Boating

Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted on the 1,277-acre Deer Creek reservoir. Two boat launch ramps provide access to the lake.

A fully equipped marina offers fuel, boat rental and seasonal dock rentals. For information, call (740) 869-4543.

Boaters may swim from their boats in designated boat-swim areas. One boat-swim area is located in the cove adjacent to the lodge.

Disc Golf

18-hole disc golf course plus one practice hole. The course is located near the campground check-in station and is free to use. Equipment may be rented at the campground store.

Fishing

Deer Creek Lake is famous for its early spring saugeye fishing below the dam. Excellent catches of catfish, largemouth bass and crappie also entice the angler. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Golf

Golfing enthusiasts will enjoy the park’s 350-acre, 18-hole golf course, located near the lodge. Course challenges include 10 ponds and 46 sand traps.

Hunting

The lake provides excellent waterfowl hunting. Fourteen hunting blinds are issued each season on a lottery basis. Hunting for pheasant, rabbit, squirrel and deer is not permitted in the state park, but it is permitted in the state wildlife area adjacent to the park. An archery range can also be found at the wildlife area. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Several picnic areas and nine shelterhouses are situated in scenic locations around lake.

Swimming

A 1,700-foot swimming beach with picnic tables and grills is available at the park. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches. A boat-swim area is located in the cove adjacent to the lodge. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only. Swim at your own risk.

Trails

Eight hiking-only trails are found at the park:

Adena Ridge Trail - .8 mile - easy
Hawkview Meadow Trail - .6 mile - easy
Lakeview Trail - .5 mile - easy
Marsh Walk Trail - .7 mile - moderate
Ridge Trail - .9 miles - moderate
Rolling Hills Trail - 1.5 miles - moderate
Van Horn Trail - .8 miles - easy-moderate
Waterloo Trail - .3 mile - easy
Bridle Trails: Two large loops and a spur form 17 miles of bridle trails - moderate (These trails are also open to snowmobiles in season.)

Winter Recreation

Under the proper conditions, park visitors may enjoy sledding, ice fishing, and ice skating. Snowmobiling is permitted on the 17-mile bridle trail when conditions allow.

Volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds, a baseball field, pickle ball court and gaga ball pit are offered in select day-use areas.

History and Culture 

The present Hopewell Culture National Historical Park evolved in part from the former Mound City Group National Monument. The national monument was established by a proclamation signed by President Warren G. Harding in 1923 to preserve prehistoric mounds of "great historic and scientific interest." In 1980 Congress expanded the monument by adding a portion of the nearby Hopeton Earthworks and authorized the investigation of other regional archeological sites to determine their suitability for preservation. The National Park Service recommended four additional sites. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park was thus established in 1992 by a law that renamed Mound City Group National Monument, expanding boundaries at Hopeton Earthworks, and included High Bank Works, Hopewell Mound Group, and Seip Earthworks.

The park protects the prehistoric remains of a dynamic social and ceremonial phenomenon that flourished in the woodlands of eastern North America between 200 B.C. and A.D. 500. The term Hopewell describes a broad network of economic, political, and spiritual beliefs and practices among different Native American groups. The culture is characterized by the construction of enclosures made of earthen walls, often built in geometric patterns and mounds of various shapes. The culture is known for a network of contacts with other groups, which stretched from the Atlantic coast to the Rocky Mountains. This network brought materials such as mica, shark's teeth, obsidian, copper, and shells to Ohio.

Our Mission:

Welcome to the Ohio State Parks home page. We are eager to communicate with you directly and bring our beautiful parks to your living room or office. Our Internet presence allows us to serve our customers with one-stop information shopping at the stroke of a few keys.

Visit us often at our home page, as well as at the parks. We will be continually updating and expanding the information here to keep you apprised of the fine outdoor recreation opportunities Ohio has to offer.

Browse our pages for detailed descriptions of each of Ohio's 74 state parks. Make plans to join us for special events listed in the calendar of events. Learn how to make reservations for one of our exciting camping options. Explore Ohio's fascinating natural history.

Our Vision:

The nationally recognized Ohio State Parks team is committed to service as stewards of the state's most treasured natural resources and tourism destinations. We will innovate, educate, collaborate, and lead, providing a high standard of quality with our family oriented facilities, services and programs.

As ambassadors, we will reach out to build partnerships, involve our communities, and enrich the lives of Ohioans with fond memories of visits to Ohio State Parks. We will honor our rich natural and cultural heritage to ensure a lasting legacy which will feed the hopes and aspirations of all generations.

5,800-acre Indian Lake offers a variety of water-related recreational opportunities. Boating, fishing, skiing and camping are highlights of this 800-acre multi-use park.

History:

Early American history tells of the Indian tribes who lived and hunted in this region. Because of its close proximity to the Miami River, Indian Lake became part of the Indian trade route linking the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Generations of native Americans followed this route and occupied villages in the vicinity. By the early 1800s, white settlers made their way here and the history books record many accounts of skirmishes and battles resulting from the conflict between the Indians and new settlers. The famous frontiersmen Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton were known to have traveled here.

Despite Indian Lake's popularity as a year-round recreational area, the lake was not originally constructed with that purpose in mind. In the early 1800s, the primary means of commercial transportation was the canal system. Old Indian Lake was built in 1851 as a feeder lake for the Miami and Erie Canal to maintain the required four-foot water depth.

Following the passage of a resolution by the Ohio General Assembly in 1850 to use Indian Lake as a water supply for the canal, a bulkhead was built in Washington Township where the Great Miami River began and covered 1,000 acres. The work began in 1851 and was not completed until 1860. The total cost up to that time was $340,000. Irish laborers performed the work with picks, shovels and carts. Ironically, use of the canal system was declining as work on Indian Lake was completed. In 1893, Indian Lake or Lewistown Reservoir as it was then called, spanned 6,334 acres with 29 miles of shoreline. On April 9, 1898, the Ohio General Assembly dedicated the lake as a recreation area by the name of Indian Lake.

Indian Lake became a popular resort area at the turn of the century due to its central location on the old Toledo and Ohio Central Steamline and the Ohio Electric Railway. At one time, Indian Lake was known as the "Midwest's Million Dollar Playground". In 1949, the old Department of Conservation was abolished and Indian Lake became part of the newly-created Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation.

Camping

360 electric sites
43 full hookup sites
34 premium electric sites (waterfront)
Heated shower houses, flush toilets, laundry facility and camp commissary
Pet are permitted on all sites
Beach, boat ramp and boat docks are provided for exclusive use of registered campers
Seasonal naturalist program, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball, and bicycle and boat rental
Group camp area may be reserved for groups up to 60 people by advanced registration
10 boat camping spaces are also available (these site do not accommodate tents and there are no fire rings)

Activities

Boating

The 5,100-acre lake offers unlimited horsepower boating. There are five launch ramps. 530 boat docks are available for seasonal rental. A kayak launch is located at Moundwood.

Water skiing is popular in the open zone area. Boaters may swim off their boats around Walnut Islands and Oldfield Beach

Fishing

Largemouth bass, saugeye, white bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, yellow perch and catfish are plentiful here. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in designated areas only. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Picnicking

Several shaded picnic areas equipped with tables and grills are located around the park. Six shelterhouses are reservable online or by calling (866) 644-6727. The rental fee is $50 per day for each shelter:

Black Hawk Shelter -- Partially enclosed 25' x 30' shelter on a paved site is ADA accessible with 2 electric outlets (110-amp), small grill, 8-10 picnic tables, parking for up to 30 vehicles, close to restrooms and lake, adjacent picnic area has grills and lots of shade

Bridge Shelter -- Open 30' x 20' shelter on a paved site is ADA accessible, electric is NOT available, 8 picnic tables, parking for up to 30 vehicles, close to lake, located at the Blackhawk Channel, near the Oldfield Beach bike trail

Fox Island Shelter -- Open 30' x 20' shelter with 6 electric outlets (110 amp), group grill, 8 picnic tables, parking for up to 50 vehicles, close to restrooms, lake, beach, volleyball court, and boat rental

Moundwood Shelter -- Open 35' x 45' shelter with 6 electric outlets (110 amp), 6 picnic tables, <100 yards to flush toilets, playground nearby, access to fishing, located in the Moundwood channel, near kayak launch

Oldfield North Shelter -- Partially enclosed 25' x 30' shelter on a paved pad is ADA accessible with 2 electric outlets (110 amp) located at the main beach, small group grill, 6-8 picnic tables, parking for 20+ vehicles, close to restrooms,bike trail, and large fishing jetty

Oldfield South Shelter -- Partially enclosed 25' x 30' shelter on a paved pad is ADA accessible with 2 electric outlets (110 amp) located at the main beach, small group grill, 6-8 picnic tables, parking for 20+ vehicles, close to restrooms, volleyball court, bike trail, and large fishing jetty

Swimming

Two public beaches, Old Field Beach and Fox Island Beach, provide 1,400-foot of access to the lake.Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.

Trails

Cherokee Trail - 1.4 Miles, easy walk through brushy habitat, is located west of the camp.
Pew Island Trail - .82 Mile, path, encircles Pew Island, which can be accessed from a causeway and offers a spectacular view of Indian Lake.
Biking Trail - 3.5 Mile, paved Multi-use bikeway is located on the West Bank between Old Field Beach and Lakeview Harbor, walkers and joggers also allowed.

Winter Recreation

Under the proper winter conditions, park guests can enjoy snowmobiling, ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Naturalist programs are offered during the summer months
Playgrounds are located at various areas throughout the park
Sand volleyball courts at the beach
Dog park at Oldfield Beach includes lake access.
Kayak launch at Moundwood