Kiser Lake State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kiser Lake State Park
Kiser Lake (and surrounding state park) viewed from the south
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Location	Champaign County, Ohio, United States
Nearest town	St. Paris, Ohio
Area	Land: 531 acres (215 ha) Water: 396 acres (160 ha)
Elevation	1,093 feet (333 m)
Established	1940
Administered by	Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Designation	Ohio state park
Website	Kiser Lake State Park

Kiser Lake State Park is a fun public area in Champaign County, Ohio. It's about 4 miles northwest of St. Paris. The park covers 531 acres of land. It also includes the 396-acre Kiser Lake, which gives the park its name. You can also find the 51-acre Kiser Lake Wetlands State Nature Preserve here.

A Look Back: Kiser Lake's History

The story of Kiser Lake goes back a long time. In 1840, a dam was first built here. It helped power a mill nearby. Over time, the mill was no longer used. The dam and lake then started to fall apart.

In 1932, a kind person named John W. Kiser gave the land to the State of Ohio. He wanted the lake to be rebuilt. His goal was for people to use it for fun activities. Construction on a new dam began in 1939. Just one year later, in 1940, the lake was filled with water again. This created the beautiful Kiser Lake we know today.

Fun Things to Do at Kiser Lake

Kiser Lake State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a very popular spot for fishing. You can try to catch different kinds of fish here.

Boating and Water Fun

The park has one main boat ramp. There are also four smaller spots to launch boats. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent kayaks and canoes at the marina. These are great ways to explore the lake.

Kiser Lake is special because motorized boats are not allowed. This makes it a quiet place for activities like scuba diving and sailing. You can enjoy the calm waters without loud engines.

Swimming and Relaxing

There's a 300-foot beach area perfect for swimming. On warm days, you can cool off in the lake. There's also a refreshment stand open during certain seasons. You can grab a snack or a drink there.

Picnics and Camping

The park has many picnic areas. These are great spots to enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends. There are also shelter houses if you need a covered space. If you want to stay longer, you can use the campsites or rent cabins.

Exploring Trails

For those who love to explore, Kiser Lake has six hiking trails. These trails let you walk through nature and see the park's beauty. There are also 10 miles of bridal trails. These are perfect for horseback riding.

Kiser Lake State Park is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It's a wonderful place to connect with nature and have an adventure!