Susquehanna State Park (Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Susquehanna State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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The Hiawatha paddlewheeler in the West Branch Susquehanna River at Susquehanna State Park
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 Susquehanna State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
| Elevation | 518 ft (158 m) |
| Established | 1961 |
| Named for | West Branch Susquehanna River |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Susquehanna State Park |
Susquehanna State Park is a fun state park in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It covers 20 acres right on the West Branch Susquehanna River. This park is a great place for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors.
The park is managed by the Williamsport / Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. They work with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. At Susquehanna State Park, you can take a ride on a paddlewheeler, go boating, try fishing, or have a nice picnic.
Park History: From Canals to Cruises
Susquehanna State Park has an interesting past. The land was once part of the West Branch Division of the Pennsylvania Canal. This canal was like a water highway for boats. It ran along the river from Northumberland to Lock Haven. The canal was used from 1834 until 1889. A big flood then destroyed it.
The Susquehanna Boom
The park is also located where the Susquehanna Boom once was. This was a huge system in the river. It used chained logs and special structures called cribs. Its job was to catch and hold floating timber (logs). These logs were then sent to nearly 60 sawmills nearby. The Susquehanna Boom operated from 1851 to 1909. It closed when there wasn't enough timber left to float down the river.
How the Park Started
Later, big walls called flood control levees were built around Williamsport. These levees protect the city from floods. The park land ended up outside this levee system. In 1961, the state and city worked together to create a "riverfront recreational area." This is how Susquehanna State Park began!
The Hiawatha Paddlewheeler
A modern paddlewheeler named the Hiawatha started offering boat rides here in 1982. It quickly became a popular attraction. In 2000-2001, the Hiawatha got a big makeover. It received a brand new hull (the main body of the boat). This made it even better for cruises.
The Williamsport / Lycoming Chamber of Commerce runs the park. However, another park, Shikellamy State Park, helps manage its facilities for the state.
Fun Things to Do at Susquehanna State Park
Susquehanna State Park offers many activities for visitors. It's a great place to spend a day outdoors.
Paddlewheeler Cruises
One of the most exciting things to do is take a cruise on the Hiawatha paddlewheeler.
- Public Cruises: These are offered on weekends from May to October. You can also take a ride on weekdays from July to September. Each cruise lasts about one hour.
- Special Cruises: The Hiawatha also has fun themed cruises. These include family night, karaoke cruises, Sunday brunch cruises, dinner cruises, and sunset concert cruises.
- Private Charters: You can even rent the Hiawatha for your own special event!
The Hiawatha House is where you can buy tickets for cruises. It also has souvenirs and snacks. River Valley Transit operates the Hiawatha. They also run bus and tourist trolley services in the area.
Boating and Water Sports
The park has a special launch area for boats. This lets you get your boat onto the river easily.
- Motorboats: There are no limits on how powerful your motor boat can be.
- Non-Powered Boats: You can also bring Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and other boats that don't use motors.
- Waterskiing: A dam on the West Branch Susquehanna River creates a large area of deep water. This 652-acre section is perfect for waterskiing!
Fishing Fun
Fishing is allowed from the river banks or from a boat. You might catch different kinds of fish here. Some common types include catfish, panfish (like sunfish), and smallmouth bass. Remember to follow all the rules from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Picnic Areas
If you want to relax and eat, there are many picnic tables throughout the park. There's also a pavilion with more tables. You can even reserve the pavilion for a group event.
Other State Parks Nearby
There are many other state parks close to Susquehanna State Park. Here are some within 30 miles:
- Bucktail State Park Natural Area (Cameron and Clinton Counties)
- Little Pine State Park (Lycoming 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)
- Shikellamy State Park (Union and Northumberland Counties)
- Upper Pine Bottom State Park (Lycoming County)
- Worlds End State Park (Sullivan County)
Images for kids
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Susquehanna State Park from the West Branch Susquehanna River
