Millersylvania State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Millersylvania State Park |
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 Millersylvania State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Thurston, Washington, United States |
| Area | 903 acres (365 ha) |
| Elevation | 203 ft (62 m) |
| Established | 1921 |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Millersylvania State Park |
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Millersylvania State Park
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| Location | 12245 Tilley Road, Olympia, Washington |
| Area | 842 acres (341 ha) |
| Architect | Civilian Conservation Corps; Ebmeier, Ernest & Ellsworth Storey |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000732 |
| Added to NRHP | September 16, 2009 |
Millersylvania State Park is a fun public park located in Washington, about 8 miles south of Olympia. It sits right on the edge of Deep Lake. This amazing state park covers 903 acres and has many old cedar and fir trees. It also has 3,300 feet of freshwater shoreline along the lake.
In 2009, the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened because its design and buildings, created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are very well-preserved. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission takes care of the park.
Park History
The land where Millersylvania State Park now stands was first settled in 1855 by a person named Squire Lathum. Later, it was sold to the Miller family. They first called the area Miller's Glade. After some time, they changed the name to Millersylvania. In 1921, the Miller family generously gave the land to the state. They wanted it to be a park forever for everyone to enjoy!
You can still find cool clues from the past in the park! Look for old tracks from a small train, called a narrow-gauge railway, and paths used to move logs in the 1800s. You might even see old tree stumps with special cuts. These cuts are where loggers used springboards to stand while cutting down huge trees.
In 1935, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) started working in the park. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that gave young men jobs. They built many of the park's buildings, trails, picnic spots, bathhouses (places to change for swimming), and even a home for the park's caretaker. Many of these old buildings are still used today and are in great shape!
Fun Activities and Things to Do
Millersylvania State Park is a great place for outdoor fun and adventure! You can go camping with your family or friends. The park has 16 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking.
Deep Lake offers many water activities. You can go boating, try fishing, or cool off with a swim. The Miller family diaries mention that a rare type of freshwater crab once lived here. Sadly, these crabs disappeared because too many were caught by new settlers.
