Lake Logan State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Logan State Park |
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| Location | Hocking County, Ohio, United States |
| Area | Land: 318 acres (129 ha) Water: 400 acres (160 ha) |
| Elevation | 755 feet (230 m) |
| Established | 1964 |
| Administered by | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Designation | Ohio state park |
| Website | Lake Logan State Park |
Lake Logan State Park is a fun place to visit in Hocking County, Ohio, USA. It's a state park in Ohio, known for its beautiful lake. The park is found in Falls Township, Hocking County, Ohio. You can easily reach it from State Route 664, near the town of Logan.
The park sits in the Hocking Valley, which was formed by the Hocking River. Lake Logan itself was created in 1955. This happened when the Lake Logan Dam was built on Clear Fork Creek, a smaller stream that flows into the Hocking River. The lake covers about 400 acres. It's a great spot for fishing, boating, and swimming. In winter, you can even go ice fishing and ice boating!
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A Look Back: Early History of the Area
Long ago, the Wyandot people lived in this area before people from Europe and America arrived. The town of Logan was founded in 1816 by Ohio's governor, Thomas Worthington. The town was named to honor Chief Logan, a famous leader of the Mingo Native American tribe.
Iron Mining in the Hocking Valley
In the mid-1800s, people found iron ore in southern Ohio. The iron industry became very important, especially during the American Civil War. At its busiest, there were 46 furnaces making iron. Ohio was the top producer of iron for the Union during the war. After the Civil War, iron production in the Hocking Valley area slowed down.
When the mining stopped, the forests that had been cut down started to grow back. Today, Lake Logan State Park has a second growth forest. This means the trees you see now grew after the original ones were harvested. This natural regrowth helped create the state park we enjoy today.
About Lake Logan
Lake Logan was formed in 1955 when the Lake Logan Dam was built. After the dam was finished, the ODNR Division of Wildlife took care of the area. The dam helps feed Clear Fork Creek, which then flows into the Hocking River.
The lake was first called Hocking Lake. But its name was changed to Lake Logan later on. This was to avoid confusion with Hocking Hills State Park, which is only a few miles away. The new name also honored the Native American history of the region. The 400-acre lake is home to many different kinds of fish. If you want to fish here, you need a valid Ohio Fishing license.
Fun Things to Do at Lake Logan State Park
Lake Logan State Park is open all year for fun activities. You can go fishing and ice fishing here, but remember you need an Ohio Fishing License. Swimming is allowed, and you can also go boating. Boats with engines up to 10 horsepower are welcome. The State of Ohio's Division of Wildlife often adds different kinds of game fish to Lake Logan.
Bird Watching and Trails
If you love birds, Lake Logan State Park is a great place to visit. You can see many different kinds of birds throughout the year. The types of birds you spot will change with the seasons and as birds migrate.
The park has public swimming beaches on the north side of Lake Logan. These beaches are about 527 feet long. There are also three marked trails for walking and exploring. If you want to have a meal outdoors, there are six picnic areas. Plus, you'll find two boat launch ramps and a marina on the north shore. You can even rent boats with up to 10 horsepower there.
Nature and Wildlife at Lake Logan
Lake Logan State Park is located in Ohio's Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau region. This area was not covered by glaciers long ago. The Hocking River and its smaller streams have a big impact on the plants and animals here. You can even see signs on the land from when glacial meltwater flowed through.
Trees and Plants
The forest around Lake Logan is mostly an Oak–hickory forest. The main types of trees you'll see are White oak, Black oak, Tuliptree, Shagbark hickory, and Pignut hickory. On the ground, you'll find many different wildflowers, shrubs, ferns, and fungi.
Animals of the Park
Many different animals live in Lake Logan State Park. These include various mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These animals are protected inside the park, meaning hunting is not allowed here. Hunting is only permitted in areas to the west of the park.
Images for kids
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Entrance sign
