Milton State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Milton State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Soccer fields, picnic tables, and the Pennsylvania Route 642 Bridge on Milton State Park
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 Milton State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Milton, Northumberland, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 82 acres (33 ha) |
| Elevation | 453 ft (138 m) |
| Established | 1966 |
| Named for | Milton, Pennsylvania |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Milton State Park |
Milton State Park is a cool Pennsylvania state park that covers 82 acres (33 ha). You can find it in Milton, which is in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
The park is located on Montgomery Island. This island sits in the West Branch Susquehanna River. It's just east of a small village called West Milton in Union County. You can easily get to Milton State Park because it's right on Pennsylvania Route 642.
Contents
Park History: From Orchard to Park
Early Days of Montgomery Island
The story of Milton State Park began a long time ago in 1762. A man named Marcus Huling Jr. decided to claim the island. He planted an apple orchard there. This is why the island became known as Montgomery Island.
Mills and Farms on the Island
Later, the Straub Family took over the island. In 1824, they built a dam across part of the river. The Straubs used the island to run a sawmill and a gristmill. They even built a bridge to connect the island to the riverbanks. Over time, the mills closed down. The land was then used for farming. By the early 1900s, farming on the island stopped.
Becoming a State Park
For the next 60 years, different people owned parts of the island. It was used as a picnic spot and had several sports fields. The Milton Rotary Club and the Borough of Milton worked together. They gathered all the land deeds. In 1966, they gave Montgomery Island to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is how Milton State Park was created!
Rebuilding After Hurricane Agnes
In 1972, a huge storm called Hurricane Agnes hit the park. The island and much of Pennsylvania were badly flooded. This happened because the storm caused the Susquehanna River to overflow. But don't worry, the park was rebuilt! It got help from federal disaster relief money.
Nature and Wildlife
Milton State Park is very close to downtown Milton, Pennsylvania. The West Branch Susquehanna River surrounds the island. The southern part of the island is still wild and natural. It's covered with many trees. You can see river birch, silver maple, and sycamore trees.
This park is a great place for birds. Many migrating birds and waterfowl stop here. It's like a safe resting spot for them on their long journeys.
Fun Activities at the Park
Sports and River Adventures
Milton State Park has lots of space for sports. There are several soccer and softball fields. Local groups and church leagues use these fields for games.
If you love being on the water, this park is perfect! Montgomery Island is a good stopping point for people in canoes and kayaks. You can take a short trip from Milton or West Milton.
Fishing and Hiking
Many people come to Milton State Park for a day of fishing. The river is full of different kinds of fish. You might catch catfish, panfish, bass, northern pike, or even a muskellunge.
If you enjoy walking, there's a 1 mile (1.6 km) hiking trail. It's located on the northern side of the park.
Picnic and Facilities
The northern part of the park is great for picnics. You'll find picnic tables and charcoal grills. There's also fresh drinking water available. Plus, you can use the restroom facilities. It's a perfect spot for a family outing!
Nearby State Parks to Explore
Want to visit more parks? Here are some other state parks not too far from Milton State Park (within 30 miles (48 km)):
- McCalls Dam State Park (Centre County)
- Ravensburg State Park (Clinton County)
- R. B. Winter State Park (Union County))
- Sand Bridge State Park (Union County)
- Shikellamy State Park (Union and Northumberland Counties)
- Susquehanna State Park (Lycoming County)
