Whipple Dam State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whipple Dam State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Whipple Lake
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 Whipple Dam State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Jackson, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 256 acres (104 ha) |
| Elevation | 984 ft (300 m) |
| Established | 1928 |
| Named for | Osgood M. Whipple's Dam |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Whipple Dam State Park |
Whipple Dam State Park is a fun place to visit in Pennsylvania. It covers 256 acres (104 ha) in Jackson Township, Huntingdon County. The park is home to Whipple Lake, a 22 acres (8.9 ha) lake made by people. This lake was first built a long time ago to help power a sawmill during the time when lots of trees were being cut down. Whipple Dam State Park is about 12 miles (19 km) south of State College.
Contents
Park History
The land where Whipple Dam State Park is located was bought from the Iroquois people in 1754. Later, a place called Monroe Iron Works was built there. Workers made charcoal and dug for iron ore (rock that contains iron). You can still see parts of these old iron mines in the park today.
In the 1860s, people started cutting down many trees in this area. Large white pine and hemlock trees were harvested from the mountains. A man named Osgood M. Whipple bought a big piece of land. He built a sawmill and a dam to create a lake. The water from this lake powered his sawmill.
Mr. Whipple stopped his lumber business in 1897. But the lake stayed, and people have used it for fun ever since. Today, it is known as Whipple Lake. The state of Pennsylvania bought the land in 1904. The dam was rebuilt in 1928. The park land was already being used for recreation by the 1920s. Camps for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Girls were built by the lake in 1928. They were used until 1941.
The Great Depression in the 1930s was a busy time for building state parks. Many young men who didn't have jobs worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). They helped clear streams, plant trees, and build roads to prevent fires. The CCC also built many of the buildings and areas you see at Whipple Dam State Park today. In 1935, they took down the old dam and built a new one. They also built picnic pavilions, restrooms, roads, and the beach. Their hard work was recognized in 1987.
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The dam spillway
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The park's ranger headquarters
Fun Things to Do
Whipple Lake Activities
Whipple Lake is a great place for many activities. You can go fishing and ice fishing when the lake freezes. Boating is also popular, but only electric-powered boats are allowed. Any boat needs to be registered. You can also go swimming at the sandy beach. The beach opens around Memorial Day weekend and closes after Labor Day weekend. There is no lifeguard on duty, so be careful! The beach area also has a beach volleyball court, a bathhouse, and a snack bar. The lake is home to many birds like great blue herons and ospreys. You might also see beavers and muskrats. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission adds trout to the lake for fishing.
Picnic Areas
The park has three large picnic pavilions. These were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can reserve these pavilions up to 11 months ahead of time. If they are not reserved, you can use them on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also many picnic tables in the shaded picnic area near Whipple Lake.
Hunting Rules
Hunting is allowed in some parts of Whipple Dam State Park. However, it is not allowed in the main day-use area. Hunters must follow all the rules from the Pennsylvania State Game Commission. Some common animals hunted here include ruffed grouse, squirrels, turkey, white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and black bears. Hunting for groundhogs is not allowed.
Nearby State Parks
Here are some other state parks not too far from Whipple Dam State Park:
- Bald Eagle State Park (Centre County)
- Black Moshannon State Park (Centre County)
- Greenwood Furnace State Park (Huntingdon County)
- Canoe Creek State Park (Blair County)
- Penn-Roosevelt State Park (Centre County)
- Poe Paddy State Park (Centre County)
- Poe Valley State Park (Centre County)
- Reeds Gap State Park (Mifflin County)
- Trough Creek State Park (Huntingdon County)
