Placid Lake State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Placid Lake State Park |
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Sunset over Placid Lake
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 Placid Lake State Park
Location in Montana
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| Location | Missoula County, Montana, United States |
| Nearest city | Missoula, Montana |
| Area | 31 acres (13 ha) |
| Elevation | 4,124 ft (1,257 m) |
| Designation | Montana state park |
| Established | 1977 |
| Visitors | 57,119 (in 2016) |
| Administrator | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks |
| Website | Placid Lake State Park |
Placid Lake State Park is a fun place to visit in Montana. It's a public park located about 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Missoula. This park covers 31 acres (13 ha) of land. It sits right at the eastern end of Placid Lake. The park also includes the lake's outlet, which is a stream called Owl Creek. This creek flows into the Clearwater River. People love coming here for the beautiful views, camping, water activities, and fishing.
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Park History: How Placid Lake Got Its Name
Placid Lake got its name from a famous lake in New York called Lake Placid. A man named Hiram Blanchard moved to this area in 1892. He was from New York and started a company called the Clearwater Land and Livestock Company. He decided to name the lake "Placid" after the one back home.
A dam was built below the lake's Owl Creek outlet in 1972. This helped control the water flow. A few years later, in 1977, Placid Lake officially became a state park. This means it's a special area protected for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Activities at Placid Lake
Placid Lake State Park offers many exciting things to do. It's a great spot for families and friends to spend time outdoors.
Swimming and Boating
The park has a special area where you can go for a swim. On a hot day, jumping into the cool lake water is perfect! If you like being on the water, there's also a boat launch. You can bring your own boat or kayak and explore the lake.
Camping Adventures
If you love sleeping under the stars, Placid Lake State Park has campsites. You can set up your tent or park your RV. Camping here lets you wake up to the sounds of nature. It's a wonderful way to experience the park's beauty day and night.
Wildlife Watching
Placid Lake is home to many interesting animals, especially birds. If you're quiet and patient, you might spot some amazing waterfowl. Look out for:
- Red-necked grebes: These birds are known for their unique calls and diving skills.
- Ospreys: You might see these large birds of prey flying overhead. They are excellent fishers!
- Common loons: Listen for their haunting calls across the lake. They are beautiful swimmers.
The park is a great place to learn about different bird species and their habitats. Remember to bring your binoculars!
