Gilbert Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gilbert Lake State Park |
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| Type | State park |
| Location | 18 CCC Road Laurens, New York |
| Nearest city | Laurens, New York |
| Area | 1,584 acres (6.41 km2) |
| Created | 1926 |
| Operated by | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
| Visitors | 77,959 (in 2014) |
| Open | All year |
| Website | Gilbert Lake State Park |
Gilbert Lake State Park is a super cool place to visit in Otsego County, New York. This huge state park covers about 1,584 acres (6.41 km2) of land. It's mostly located in the Town of New Lisbon. You can find it in the beautiful foothills of the Catskill Mountains. The park is east of New Lisbon and north of Oneonta. Inside the park, there are two lovely lakes: Gilbert Lake and Lake of the Twin Fawns.
Contents
Park History: How It Started
Early Days of Gilbert Lake Park
Gilbert Lake State Park was one of the very first parks created by New York State in the central part of the state. People started buying land for the park in October 1926. Before it became a park, this land was mostly used for cutting down trees.
The Civilian Conservation Corps' Role
Work on the park really sped up thanks to a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC had a special camp at the park from 1933 to 1941. These young men helped improve the park a lot. They built many cabins and even constructed dams. They also created a safe place for wildlife. The CCC worked hard to stop soil erosion and built a whole network of roads and trails.
Fun Things to Do at Gilbert Lake Park
Gilbert Lake State Park offers tons of activities for everyone! You can visit all year round.
Outdoor Adventures and Sports
- Go for a swim at the beach.
- Rent kayaks and paddleboards for fun on the water.
- Play disc golf with your friends.
- Enjoy hiking and biking on the many trails.
- In winter, try snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
- You can also go ice-fishing when the lakes freeze over.
Camping and Picnics
- Stay overnight in one of the cozy cabins.
- Set up your tent at the campground.
- Have a picnic at the tables or use a pavilion for a bigger gathering.
Learning and Exploring Nature
- Walk along the nature trail to see plants and animals.
- Check out the playgrounds for some active fun.
- Join in on special recreation programs.
New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
The park is also home to the New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. This museum is full of cool stuff! You can see old photos and printed materials. It has exhibits that show all the amazing work the Civilian Conservation Corps did. They helped build not only Gilbert Lake Park but many other parks across New York and the United States.
See also
