Shawnee State Park (Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shawnee State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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A boat on the shore of Shawnee Lake
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 Shawnee State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Bedford, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 3,983 acres (16.12 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,280 ft (390 m) |
| Established | 1951 |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Shawnee State Park |
Shawnee State Park is a large park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. It covers about 3,983 acres (1,612 hectares). At the heart of the park is Shawnee Lake, a 451-acre (183-hectare) lake. This lake is the park's main attraction.
You can find the park's main entrance near Schellsburg. It is along U.S. Route 30. The park is also easy to reach using State Route 31 and State Route 96.
Contents
What is the History of Shawnee State Park?
Shawnee State Park gets its name from Shawnee Creek. This creek flowed through the area before the lake was made. The creek was named after the Shawnee, a Native American tribe. They used to live in parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.
The Shawnee people were forced to leave their lands. First, the Iroquois, a powerful group of five nations, pushed them from Ohio and Kentucky. Later, settlers from the Thirteen Colonies made them move west from Ohio.
How Was the Park Area Used in the Past?
The land around the park was important during the French and Indian War. This war is also called the Seven Years' War. It was used as a trade route and a military road.
In 1758, General John Forbes built the Forbes Road. This road helped send supplies to British soldiers. They were trying to capture Fort Duquesne from the French. Today, U.S. Highway 30 follows a similar path to the old Forbes Road.
When Was Shawnee State Park Created?
The idea for Shawnee State Park came from the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1947. Building the dam for Shawnee Lake started in 1949. It was finished in 1951, and the park opened to the public that same year.
The lake was officially "full" on March 4, 1951. Water began flowing over the dam.
What is the Geology of Shawnee State Park?
The rocks under Shawnee State Park are mostly shale and siltstone. These rock layers include the Devonian Brallier Formation, Harrell Formation, Mahantango Formation, and Marcellus Formation.
These rock layers tilt towards the southeast. The park is at the southern end of Chestnut Ridge. This ridge is a large, folded rock structure called an anticline. You can see some of these shale rocks along the shores of Shawnee Lake, especially near the dam on the southern side.
Where Can You Stay Overnight at Shawnee State Park?
Shawnee State Park offers different ways to stay overnight. You can go camping or rent a special lodge.
Camping at Shawnee State Park
The park has a large campground with 293 sites. Many sites have electric hook-ups for your convenience. There is a central building with clean toilets and hot showers. A place to empty waste from RVs is also available.
The camp store sells things you might need, like firewood and charcoal. Camping season starts in mid-April when trout season begins. It closes in late December after deer season.
Staying at Shawnee Lodge
Shawnee Lodge used to be the home of John Gabbert Bowman. He was a president at the University of Pittsburgh. He helped build the famous Cathedral of Learning there. His old home and other buildings are now surrounded by Shawnee Lake.
You can rent Shawnee Lodge all year round. It has a modern kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, a sitting room, and four bedrooms.
What Activities Can You Do at Shawnee State Park?
Shawnee State Park is open for fun activities all year. There are many trails and places to relax.
Hiking and Picnics
The park has about 15 miles (24 km) of trails. These trails are great for hiking, and some are also open for biking. You can find five pavilions and many picnic tables throughout the park. These are perfect spots for a meal outdoors.
Fun on Shawnee Lake
Shawnee Lake is a "warm water" lake, which means it's good for swimming and certain types of fish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission adds fish to the lake for fishing.
- Fish you might catch: walleye, pickerel, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, catfish, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, bullhead, sucker, and carp.
- Boating: There are three places to launch boats. Only electric or non-powered boats are allowed. Gas-powered boats are not permitted. All boats need to be registered or have a launch permit.
- Swimming: The beach at Shawnee State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. Since 2008, there are no lifeguards on duty at the beach.
Hunting at the Park
Hunting is allowed on over 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) of Shawnee State Park. Hunters must follow the rules of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
- Animals you can hunt: squirrels, white-tailed deer, rabbits, and ruffed grouse.
- Animals you cannot hunt: Hunting groundhogs is not allowed.
What Other State Parks Are Nearby?
Here are some other state parks within 30 miles (48 km) of Shawnee State Park:
- Blue Knob State Park (Bedford County)
- Laurel Mountain State Park (Westmoreland County)
- Warriors Path State Park (Bedford County)
What Other Cool Places Are Nearby?
You can find other interesting spots close to Shawnee State Park. These include the old Story Land amusement park, Gravity Hill, and the remains of the Grand View Point Hotel high up on Allegheny Ridge.
Images for kids
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View of the lake on a clear winter day.
