Nockamixon State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nockamixon State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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A scene from Nockamixon State Park
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 Nockamixon State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Bucks, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 5,283 acres (21.38 km2) |
| Elevation | 440 ft (130 m) |
| Established | 1973 |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Nockamixon State Park |
Nockamixon State Park is a large state park in Pennsylvania, USA. It covers about 5,283 acres (2,138 ha) (that's over 8 square miles!). You can find it in northern Bucks County. This park is super popular, especially in the summer, because there are so many fun things to do outdoors.
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Fun Activities at Nockamixon State Park
Lake Nockamixon Adventures
Lake Nockamixon is a big, human-made lake right in the middle of the park. It was created by building a dam on Tohickon Creek.
- Boating and Fishing: You can't swim in the lake, but boating is a huge hit! The park has several places where you can rent boats or dock your own. Fishing is also very popular. You might catch fish like walleye, pickerel, carp, and different kinds of bass and catfish. The lake water is usually clean and blue.
- Winter Fun: When it gets cold enough, the lake often freezes over. This means you can go ice skating and ice fishing!
- Whitewater Kayaking: If you love adventure, you can try whitewater kayaking! Twice a year, in March and November, water is released from the dam. This turns parts of Tohickon Creek into an exciting whitewater course. Kayakers can paddle all the way from the lake to the Delaware River.
Horseback Riding Trails
If you enjoy riding horses, the southern side of Lake Nockamixon is perfect for you. This area is bike-free, making it very safe for horses and riders. You can rent horses nearby or bring your own. There are over 20 miles of well-kept trails just for horseback riding!
Hunting Opportunities
Hunting is allowed in some parts of Nockamixon State Park, covering about 3,000 acres (1,200 ha). Hunters need to follow the rules set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. You might find squirrels, turkey, pheasant, and white-tailed deer. However, hunting groundhogs is not allowed. Only shotguns can be used for hunting in the park.
Swimming Pool Fun
Even though you can't swim in Lake Nockamixon, the park has a large swimming pool! It's open every day from late May (Memorial Day weekend) to early September (Labor Day weekend). The pool is about 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) in size and has cool features like slides, fountains, and a special splash area for younger kids. There is a small fee to enter the pool.
Park History
The idea for Nockamixon State Park started in 1958. A man named Dr. Maurice K. Goddard suggested creating a lake for people to enjoy. It was first going to be called Tohickon Lake, but its name was changed to Nockamixon. In the Lenape language, Nockamixon means "place of soft soil." The park also has some old Native American sites.
The dam was built by the state, and the park officially opened in December 1973. To create the lake, the state bought over 5,286 acres of land, including a small community called Tohickon.
Stay at the Hostel
The Weisel Hostel is a special place to stay within the park. It's a 100-year-old country house that has been turned into a youth hostel by Hostelling International USA. It has 18 beds and is a great option for visitors looking for a place to stay.
Nearby State Parks to Explore
There are many other state parks within 30 miles (48 km) of Nockamixon State Park. Here are some of them:
- Benjamin Rush State Park (Philadelphia County)
- Bull's Island Recreation Area (New Jersey)
- Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park (New Jersey)
- Delaware Canal State Park (Bucks and Northampton Counties)
- Evansburg State Park (Montgomery County)
- Fort Washington State Park (Montgomery County)
- Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center (Northampton County)
- Neshaminy State Park (Bucks County)
- Norristown Farm Park (Montgomery County)
- Spruce Run State Park (New Jersey)
- Ralph Stover State Park (Bucks County)
- Round Valley State Park (New Jersey)
- Tyler State Park (Bucks County)
- Voorhees State Park (New Jersey)
- Washington Crossing State Park (New Jersey)
