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Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio facts for kids

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Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Village
State Route 531
State Route 531
Location of Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Location of Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Location of Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ashtabula County
Location of Geneva-on-the-Lake in Ashtabula County
Country United States
State Ohio
County Ashtabula
Area
 • Total 2.21 sq mi (5.73 km2)
 • Land 2.20 sq mi (5.69 km2)
 • Water 0.02 sq mi (0.04 km2)
Elevation
604 ft (184 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 916
 • Estimate 
(2023)
933
 • Density 417.12/sq mi (161.04/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
44041
Area code(s) 440
FIPS code 39-29652
GNIS feature ID 1064710
Website visitgenevaonthelake.com

Geneva-on-the-Lake is a small village in Ashtabula County, Ohio. It's located right on the southern shore of Lake Erie. This village is known as a popular resort town for summer fun. In 2020, about 916 people lived here. It's part of the Ashtabula area, located about 46 miles (74 km) northeast of Cleveland.

History of Geneva-on-the-Lake

Four Gable Place, Geneva on the Lake LCCN2007661172
Four Gable Place (1913)

People started settling in this area, once called the Connecticut Western Reserve, in the early 1800s. Farmers and adventurers from New England and the Mid-Atlantic states came to use the land and the resources of Lake Erie.

Over time, businesses grew along the lake. There was a lime burning business and small-scale lumber and ship building. In 1869, Cullen Spencer and Edward Pratt bought land called Sturgeon Point. They opened it as a public picnic spot with beach access. Later, a pony-powered carousel was added. This helped make Geneva-on-the-Lake Ohio's very first summer resort!

To welcome more visitors, local people built guesthouses and inns. The first one is now the Jennie Munger Gregory Museum. More vacation homes and inns, like the Idle-A-While and Shady Beach Inn, opened in the early 1900s.

Erieview Park, an amusement park, started in 1945. It had many rides for both kids and adults. The park closed in 2006, but its Ferris wheel and carousel are still used nearby. Starting in 1964, land was bought to create the Geneva-on-the-Lake State Park. By 1974, it offered cabins, campgrounds, and a swimming beach.

Geography and Location

Geneva-on-the-Lake covers a total area of about 2.28 square miles (5.91 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 2.26 square miles (5.85 square kilometers), is land. A small part, about 0.02 square miles (0.05 square kilometers), is water, mostly from Lake Erie.

Population and People

Historical population
Census Pop.
1930 102
1940 172 68.6%
1950 388 125.6%
1960 631 62.6%
1970 877 39.0%
1980 1,634 86.3%
1990 1,626 −0.5%
2000 1,545 −5.0%
2010 1,288 −16.6%
2020 916 −28.9%
2023 (est.) 933 −27.6%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2010, there were 1,288 people living in the village. There were 589 households, and 326 of these were families. The village had about 570 people per square mile (220 people per square kilometer).

Most residents, about 95.9%, were White. A small number of people were from other racial backgrounds. About 3.2% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

The average age in the village was 42.7 years. About 19.3% of the residents were under 18 years old.

Fun and Culture

Lake Erie shoreline
Eddie's Grill 2023
Eddie's Grill

The main attraction in Geneva-on-the-Lake is "the Strip." This is a part of State Route 531 that is full of parks, restaurants, and arcades. It has been a popular place for tourists for many years. In 2004, the Lodge and Conference Center at Geneva State Park opened right on the lakefront.

One exciting event held here is "Thunder on The Strip." This is an annual Biker Rally that happens the weekend after Labor Day. It started in 2007 and brings thousands of motorcyclists from all over the country. This event is a big boost for local businesses.

Schools and Education

The Geneva Area City School District serves students in Geneva-on-the-Lake. This district provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The district has three elementary schools for students in grades K-5. There is one middle school for grades 6-8 and one high school for grades 9-12. The school district has an "open enrollment" policy. This means students from other parts of the county, and even nearby counties like Lake and Geauga, can choose to attend these schools.

Notable People from Geneva-on-the-Lake

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Geneva-on-the-Lake para niños

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