Lackawanna State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lackawanna State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Lake Lackawanna at Lackawanna State Park
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 Lackawanna State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 5.73 km2 (2.21 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,135 ft (346 m) |
| Established | 1972 |
| Named for | Lackawanna River |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
Lackawanna State Park is a large park in Pennsylvania, covering about 1,445 acres. It's located in Lackawanna County, within Benton and North Abington Townships. The main attraction is Lake Lackawanna, a man-made lake that spans 198 acres. This park is a great spot for outdoor fun and relaxation. You can find it near Dalton, Pennsylvania, right off Interstate 81.
Contents
Park History: From Trails to a Lake
Native American Trails
Lackawanna State Park gets its name from the nearby Lackawanna River valley. The name "Lackawanna" comes from the Lenape people. They were a Native American tribe who lived in this area for many years. Their word "le-can-hanna" means "stream that forks." The Lenape used a special trail that went north towards what is now New York state. When the first European settlers arrived, they also used this same trail. Over time, they built homes and farms along this route.
Fairgrounds, Railroads, and Park Creation
In 1898, local farmers started a fair called the Maitland Fair and Driving Park Association. This fair lasted for at least twelve years. A horse racing track was built on the fairgrounds, which is now where the park's campgrounds are located.
Later, a small railroad company bought the land. They planned to build a reservoir to get their own water. However, they made a deal with the water company instead, so the reservoir plans were dropped. The land was then rented out to farmers. Eventually, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania bought the land in 1968. The state then built Lake Lackawanna. The park officially opened to the public on June 10, 1972.
Fun Things to Do at Lackawanna State Park
Enjoying Lake Lackawanna
Lake Lackawanna is a beautiful man-made lake, covering 198 acres. It stretches about 2.5 miles long and has 7.5 miles of shoreline. The lake was created by building a dam on the South Branch Tunkhannock Creek and Kennedy Creek.
You can enjoy many activities on the lake, like boating and fishing. Sailboats, canoes, and rowboats are common sights. You can use boats with electric motors, but gas-powered boats are not allowed.
The lake is home to many kinds of fish. You might catch largemouth bass, trout, pickerel, channel catfish, bullhead, and muskellunge. In the winter, when the lake freezes, it's a popular spot for ice fishing and ice skating.
Hunting and Exploring Trails
About 500 acres of Lackawanna State Park are open for hunting. Hunters must follow the rules set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Some common animals hunted here include ruffed grouse, squirrels, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and rabbits. However, hunting groundhogs is not allowed.
The park has 15 miles of trails that are shared by hunters, hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bike riders. You can find trailheads at the States Creek Mooring Area and on Rowlands, Wallsville, and Austin roads. There are also an extra 3 miles of trails just for hiking. These trails wind through the park, passing by the lake, through forests, fields, and along woodland streams.
Camping, Picnics, and Swimming
The park has a campground with 61 sites for tents and RVs. It's just a short walk from Lake Lackawanna. The campsites have electric hook-ups. There's also a modern washhouse with restrooms and hot showers.
Lackawanna State Park also has three large areas for group tent camping. These areas have washhouses, fire rings, and picnic tables. The main picnic area is located by the lake, close to the swimming pool. The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend, usually from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Other State Parks Nearby
If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, here are some other state parks within 30 miles of Lackawanna State Park:
- Archbald Pothole State Park (Lackawanna County)
- Frances Slocum State Park (Luzerne County)
- Gouldsboro State Park (Monroe and Wayne Counties)
- Prompton State Park (Wayne County)
- Salt Springs State Park (Susquehanna County)
- Tobyhanna State Park (Monroe and Wayne Counties)
- Varden Conservation Area (Wayne County)
