Shikellamy State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shikellamy State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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The entrance to Shikellamy State Park's scenic overlook
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 Shikellamy State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 132 acres (53 ha) |
| Elevation | 705 ft (215 m) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Named for | Shikellamy |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Shikellamy State Park |
Shikellamy State Park is a fun place to visit in Pennsylvania. It covers 132 acres. The park is located where two big rivers meet: the West Branch Susquehanna River and the main Susquehanna River.
The park has two main parts. One part is the Shikellamy overlook. It is 78 acres and sits on a high cliff. The other part is a 54-acre marina (a place for boats). This marina is on Packer Island. Packer Island is between the towns of Sunbury and Northumberland.
Contents
Park History: Named for a Chief
Shikellamy State Park is named after a very important Iroquois chief. His name was Shikellamy. Chief Shikellamy was a key person in the history of the Pennsylvania frontier. He was a friend to both Native Americans and the early American settlers in the 1700s.
Chief Shikellamy's village was located close to where the park's overlook is today. The park opened in two stages. The overlook area welcomed visitors in 1960. The marina section, for boaters, opened later in 1972.
Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam: World's Longest Inflatable Dam
The Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam is also called the Sunbury Fabridam. It is the longest inflatable dam in the world! This dam holds back the waters of the Susquehanna River. You can find it just below where the two branches of the Susquehanna River meet. It sits between the towns of Shamokin Dam and Sunbury.
The dam is 2,100 feet long. When it is raised in the summer, it creates a large lake. This lake is called Lake Augusta and covers 3,000 acres. People use Lake Augusta for many fun water activities. The dam and the lake are both part of Shikellamy State Park.
There are plans to add a special "fish ladder" to the dam. This ladder will help fish, like the American shad, swim upstream. This way, they can reach the upper parts of the Susquehanna River.
Shamokin Dam: A Look Back
Before the current dam, there was an older dam called the Shamokin Dam. This old dam helped keep the water level high enough for ferries. Ferries carried people and goods across the Susquehanna River. The town of Shamokin Dam on the west bank is named after this old dam.
In March 1904, the old dam was destroyed. This happened when 22 inches of ice broke up during a spring thaw. There is another, smaller dam downstream today. It is used for the Shamokin Dam Power Plant.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Shikellamy State Park offers many ways to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Amazing Views from the Overlook
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The Overlook has been a special spot in the Susquehanna valley for hundreds of years. It offers two amazing views. You can see the rivers from 360 feet up! From here, you get a bird's-eye view of Northumberland, Sunbury, and Hummels Wharf.
Look closely, and you might spot some rare birds. A pair of state-endangered peregrine falcons have made their nest on the cliffs below the overlook. This is only the third known "wild nest" for these birds in Pennsylvania!
Hiking Trails and Wildlife
Both parts of Shikellamy State Park have hiking trails. At the overlook, there's a one-mile nature trail. If you walk quietly, you might see some wildlife. You could spot white-tail deer, many different songbirds, and a variety of wildflowers.
You can also see how the forest changes along the trail. It goes from small scrub trees to a mature hardwood forest. The marina area has paved paths. These are great for a walk along the river and around the boats.
Rowing on Lake Augusta
Rowing has a long history here! In the 1800s, a dam created Lake Augusta. This lake became a popular spot for rowing races. In 1874, rowers from Shamokin Dam and Sunbury competed. The Shamokin Dam team won prizes like a barrel of flour and a silver cup!
The sport became very popular. In 1888, a big national rowing championship was held on Lake Augusta. Thousands of people came to watch. Trains even changed their routes to bring all the spectators!
Rowing stopped being popular when the old dam was destroyed in 1904. But in 1968, a new inflatable dam was built. This allowed rowing to slowly come back. Today, Bucknell University and Susquehanna University have crew teams. There's also a club for adult rowers. They all share a boathouse on Lake Augusta.
Marina and Environmental Learning
Shikellamy Marina is right on the Susquehanna River. The world's largest inflatable dam is about three miles downstream. This dam creates Lake Augusta, which is 3,600 acres. The lake is usually about 6 feet deep. It's perfect for recreational boating.
You can rent boats like kayaks and canoes at the park. There's also a store for snacks, boating gear, and gas. The marina building is being updated to become an environmental education center. This center will help improve water quality and teach people about the Susquehanna River. Students from several colleges will use the center to study the river.
Boating Fun
Boating is a very popular activity at Shikellamy State Park. The river is often busy with people enjoying their boats and water skiing. All kinds of boats are allowed, as long as they are properly registered.
Fishing for All Ages
Fishing is a big draw at Shikellamy State Park. The Susquehanna River is home to many different kinds of fish. Anglers (people who fish) can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappies, catfish, walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge.
Picnic Spots
There are many picnic tables available throughout Shikellamy State Park. They are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends.
Nearby State Parks
If you like Shikellamy State Park, you might also enjoy these other state parks. They are all within 30 miles of Shikellamy State Park:
- Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area (Dauphin County)
- McCalls Dam State Park (Centre County)
- Milton State Park (Northumberland County)
- Ravensburg State Park (Clinton County)
- R. B. Winter State Park (Union County)
- Sand Bridge State Park (Union County)
- Susquehanna State Park (Lycoming County)
- Swatara State Park (Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties)
Images for kids
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Shikellamy State Park Overlook panorama showing where the West Branch Susquehanna River (left) and North Branch (center) meet. You can also see Northumberland (left) and Sunbury (far right). The park's marina on Packer Island is also visible.
