West Branch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Branch State Park |
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Sunset, West Branch State Park, October 2015
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| Location | Portage County, Ohio, United States |
| Area | Land: 5,379 acres (2,177 ha) Water: 2,650 acres (1,070 ha) |
| Elevation | 981 feet (299 m) |
| Established | 1966 |
| Administered by | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Designation | Ohio state park |
| Website | West Branch State Park |
West Branch State Park is a fun place to visit in Ohio! It's a big park located near Ravenna, Ohio, right by the west part of the Mahoning River. This park covers over 5,000 acres of land and 2,650 acres of water.
You can find the park mostly in the areas of Charlestown, Edinburg, and Paris townships. Some parts also stretch into Palmyra, Ravenna, and Rootstown townships. It's a great spot for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and swimming in the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. You can also go hiking and camping here.
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Park History: How West Branch State Park Began
Long ago, Native Americans and early settlers used the Mahoning River to find salt. Salt was very important for preserving food and for other daily needs.
Around 1810, Captain John Campbell, a leader in the War of 1812, opened an old brick land office building. This building was moved before the big reservoir was created.
Building the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir in 1965. This large body of water was made for several important reasons. It helps control floods and provides water for people.
The reservoir also offers a place for fun activities and helps protect fish and wildlife. After building it, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers let the state of Ohio use the land.
Opening West Branch State Park
Ohio decided to turn the area into a state park. West Branch State Park officially opened its doors in 1966. Since then, it has been a popular spot for people to enjoy nature and outdoor adventures.
Fun Things to Do at West Branch State Park
West Branch State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors of all ages. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful natural area.
Water Activities
You can go swimming in the clear waters of the reservoir. Fishing is also very popular here, with many different kinds of fish to catch. Boating is another favorite activity, perfect for exploring the large lake.
Trails for Exploring
The park has many trails for different adventures. There are 14 miles of hiking trails, perfect for a walk in nature. If you like horses, there are 20 miles of bridle trails for horseback riding. For those who enjoy biking, there are 12 miles of mountain biking trails.
Seasonal Fun and Wildlife
During the winter, you can enjoy various winter sports. The park also allows seasonal hunting for deer, small game, and waterfowl. This helps manage the wildlife population in the area.
