 © Michael Greene
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Facilities and Activities:
| General | Land, acres | 79 | | | Water, acres | -10 | | | Nearby Wildlife Area, acres | 2600 | | Day-Use | Fishing | yes | | | Hiking Trail, miles | 0.5 | | | Picnicking | yes | | | Picnic Shelters, # | 1 | | | Swimming Beach, feet | 3500 | | Winter | Snowmobiling | yes | | | Ice Fishing | yes |
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 © Michael Greene
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Nearby Parks:
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge
Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge
Mallard Club Marsh State Wildlife Area
Maumee Bay State Park
South Bass Island State Park
Catawba Island State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | Located on the scenic shore of Lake Erie, Crane Creek State Park offers a vast freshwater marsh and spacious sandy beach for enjoyment. This coastal environment is home to more than 300 species of birds. Herons, waterfowl, warblers, gulls and the magnificent bald eagle make this park one of the best birdwatching areas in the country. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Crane Creek is located along the shores of Lake Erie, one of the largest freshwater bodies in the world. Lake Erie is the result of the massive ice sheets that entered Ohio during the ice age. As the ice melted, the area from Fort Wayne, Indiana to western New York was covered by a large lake. Eventually, the lake shrank in size as waters drained from the state leaving a vast area of swamps and marshes. The wetlands of the Crane Creek area are remnants of those ancient swamps.
These Lake Erie marshes provide food, shelter and nest sites for many species of waterfowl, birds-of-prey, songbirds and others. The bird population grows enormously during spring migration as weary migrants take refuge in the marsh and rest for a time before winging northward across Lake Erie into Canada. Known as one of the premier birdwatching areas in the country, it is not uncommon to observe more than one hundred species in a day's time. Throughout summer, swallows in flight delight the eye, while ducks, geese, coots and egrets are easily sighted in their natural habitat. In the winter, short-eared owls can be seen hunting over the open meadows and marshes. Careful observers may see the elusive bittern or horned grebe.
The Lake Erie shoreline provides one of the last strongholds of the bald eagle in Ohio. Several nesting pairs have been reported recently in the Crane Creek vicinity.
Numerous reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish and insects inhabit the marshes including the fox snake, northern water snake, painted turtle, green frog, bullfrog, spotted salamander, raccoon, muskrat and a variety of wetland insects. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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| Trails: |
| A one-half-mile boardwalk trail provides access to the many different habitats in the park. The wheelchair accessible boardwalk skirts several small ponds, winds through woodlots and borders open marshlands. Birdwatchers delight in the numerous avian species sighted along the trail. |
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| Area Activities |
| Family Outting | |  | Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
Week long youth camps. Located on the shores of Kelleys Island. Guests will learn to sail, wakeboard, waterski while enjoying the beauty of the Lake Erie island.
Web Site: http://www.camppatmos.com |
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| Picnicking: |
| Tables and grills are scattered along the Lake Erie shoreline providing a scenic picnicking opportunity. One picnic shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Boating: |
| Lake Erie offers unlimited opportunities for boaters. Marinas near the park offer access to the lake. |
| Swimming: |
| A spacious 3,500-foot, sandy beach graces the shore of Lake Erie. Latrines and changing booths are provided. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Anglers will enjoy catches of walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie, white bass, channel catfish and freshwater drum from Lake Erie, summer or winter. Controlled hunting is permitted on the adjacent Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Waterfowl hunting is excellent in this area. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required. All hunters and fishermen must comply with the rules and regulations established by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. |
| History of the Area: |
| The Crane Creek area was originally part of the Great Black Swamp, an enormous flat plain 120 miles long and 30 to 40 miles wide. For many years, the swamp was a tremendous barrier to western settlement. In 1859, a law was passed providing for a system of ditches to drain the land. Eventually, after a period of intense lumbering and draining, the swamp nearly vanished as it became a major agricultural area. The area gained fame during the late 1800s as one of the best waterfowl hunting areas in the United States. Most of the land in the area was purchased by wealthy sportsmen, so that by as early as 1890, much of the wetland area was being operated for private shooting. By 1951, the entire 30,000 acres of marshlands along the Lake Erie shore from Toledo to Sandusky was under private club ownership.
In 1951, a total of 650 acres, which included a strip of marshlands and sand beach three miles long, was purchased by the ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation. The purchase was made in collaboration with the ODNR Division of Wildlife which purchased some of the marshlands behind the beach for the purpose of developing a public duck hunting area. A segment of the beach was opened to swimming in 1955.
Today, Crane Creek State Park comprises 79 acres of beach and marshlands adjoining the 2,600-acre Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The park's name is borrowed from nearby Crane Creek which flows into Lake Erie just west of the park. Undoubtedly, the creek owes its name to the great blue herons and egrets--often misidentified as cranes--which are abundant in the marsh habitat. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| Campgrounds | | | Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
Week long youth camps. Located on the shores of Kelleys Island. Guests will learn to sail, wakeboard, waterski while enjoying the beauty of the Lake Erie island.
Web Site: http://www.camppatmos.com |
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| | Conference Center | | | Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
Week long youth camps. Located on the shores of Kelleys Island. Guests will learn to sail, wakeboard, waterski while enjoying the beauty of the Lake Erie island.
Web Site: http://www.camppatmos.com |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Statewide Ohio bird sightings in April 1998 - Statewide Ohio bird sightings in April 1998 | | Statewide Ohio bird sightings during May-June 2000 - Statewide Ohio bird sightings in Summer 2000. | | Where do you want to go birding today in Ohio? - Birding Factoids. 402 species in 48 families. 27 of the 246 species endemic to North America are represented here. No state endemics 1 USA endemics. Ohio Hotspots. ... Check out Ohio native Bob... | | Favorite Haunts - Favorite Haunts. To a photographer, most of the work of good photography comes in finding just one commodity -- Location, location, location! Once he finds his own "secret" spots, he makes like... | | Birdwatching Around Lake Erie - Wildlife & Birds of Lake Erie. Birdwatching is enjoyed every day around Lake Erie and we have assembled some of the best spot in which to do this. Follow these links for directions and the types... | | Pasterick - Gallery II - The Ornithology WebSite. Gregg Pasterick. Gallery II. Gregg tolerates the work week to put food in his mouth and a roof over his head, but nature is the current beneath his boat. He and his wife... | | Pasterick - Gallery 1 - The Ornithology WebSite. Gregg Pasterick. Gallery I. Gregg tolerates the work week to put food in his mouth and a roof over his head, but nature is the current beneath his boat. He and his wife... | | Episode 111 - >Stokes Birds At Home. >Show Times. >Season Two Episodes. >Season One Episodes. >Feedback: Let Us Know What You Think!>Viewer Comments. >Sign Up for Email Newsletter. EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS. ... | | Magee - Magee Marsh Wlldlife Area & Crane Creek State Park. To get there: In Ottawa and Lucas counties, ten miles north of Oak Harbor. The entrance is on Ohio 2, seventeen miles west of Port Clinton and... | | Fat Birder - World Birding > North America > United States > Ohio - birding... Ohio, United States. World Birding. UK Birding. Fun Pages. Signpost/Mail Lists. Webrings. Travel. Library. Bird Families. Ornithology. Sight & Sounds. Equipment/Supplies. News... | | Lamberjack's Cottages For Rent - Lamberjack's Marina And Cottages In just minutes you can be fishing in some of the best locations on Lake Erie for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass | | Ottawa County Sheriff's Office - Communication's CFS Statistics - COMMUNICATION DIVISION CALL FOR SERVICE (CFS) STATISTICS 01/01/2000 through 06/30/2000 TOTAL CFS'S FOR PERIOD: 12,924. AGENCY. CALLS FOR SERVICE. Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. 4226 Traffic... | | U.S. Parks and Protected Areas - LAKE ERIE WATERSHED. NEW YORK. Evangola State Park. Lake Erie State Park. PENNSYLVANIA. Presque Isle State Park. OHIO. Catawba Island State Park. Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge. Chagrin... |
| Area Attractions: |
| Encompassing 2,600 acres of wetland adjoining Crane Creek State Park, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area offers outstanding nature study areas and fishing access to Turtle Creek Bay. Controlled public hunting is permitted here.
The Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center, located on the main entrance road to the park, is operated by the ODNR Division of Wildlife and features displays of native wildlife species and information about the area. An observation platform offers a unique perspective of the surrounding terrain.
The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge borders th southwest portion of Crane Creek State Park. The largest federal wildlife refuge in the state, Ottawa NWR is one of the few nesting sites of the bald eagle left on the Great Lakes. More than 250 species of birds along with a variety of mammals, reptiles and insects have been found in the refuge.
There are two other state parks near Crane Creek. East Harbor State Park lies east just past Port Clinton via S.R. 2, and Maumee Bay State Park is 17 miles west of the park also via S.R. 2. Camping, fishing, swimming and boating opportunities exist at both parks, while Maumee Bay also provides a resort lodge, cabins, golf course and nature center. Louis W. Campbell State Nature Preserve in Springfield Township, Lucas County, is a 73-acre sedge meadow and beach ridge site. This scientific preserve can be accessed by written permit only by contacting the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. |
| Area Campgrounds | | Cedarlane RV Park
2926 N. E. Catawba Rd.
Port Clinton, OH
419-797-9907
| Wooded Acres Campground
2232 CR 106
Lindsey, OH
419-665-2414
| Portage Cove Park & Marina Condo
531 S. Findlay St
Port Clinton, OH
440-237-3046
| Family Camping Center
2318 E. Harbor Rd.
Port Clinton, OH
419-734-5580
| Tall Timbers Campground Resort
340 S. Christy Chapel Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-732-3938
| Shade Acres Campground & Cottages
1810 W. Catawba Rd.
Port Clinton, OH
419-797-4681
| Chet's Place
7154 W. Harbor Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-898-1104
| Inland Mobile Home Park & Marina
10655 W. State Rt 2
Oak Harbor, OH
419-838-5071
| Portage View Campground
5024 West Harour Road
Port Clinton, OH
419-635-4479
| Hillside Park
2534 West Comet Road
Clinton, OH
330-882-5678
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Fisherman's Wharf
83 Madison St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-9002
| Sassy Sal Charters
40 Jefferson St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-7755
| Shore Nuf Charters
247 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-2958
| Drawbridge Marina
247 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-4422
| Brands Dry Dock Marina
315 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-9753
| A-N-J Bait & Tackle
6797 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 635-4436
| Rickard's Bait & Tackle
17 NE Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-2496
| Fenwick Marina
10195 W State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH
(419) 898-7009
| Maumee Bay General Store
7410 Jerusalem Rd
Oregon, OH
(419) 836-4049
| B & B Beverage Center
1901 Broadway St
Toledo, OH
(419) 243-0752
| Edgewater Bait & Tackle
3058 131st St
Toledo, OH
(419) 727-8380
| Bait Bucket
5809 Edgewater Dr
Toledo, OH
(419) 729-2881
| Zunk's Sportsman Bait & Carry
9636 Jerusalem Rd
Curtice, OH
(419) 836-3713
| Butch & Denny's Bait Shop
10408 Corduroy Rd
Curtice, OH
(419) 836-7351
| Al Szuch Fishery-Live Bait
10950 Corduroy Rd
Curtice, OH
(419) 836-5264
| Blue Gill Fishing Club
642 N Detroit Ave
Toledo, OH
(419) 255-0546
| Zap Custom Lure Co
1939 1/2 W Sylvania Ave
Toledo, OH
(419) 475-2621
| ABC Charters
Curtice
Toledo, OH
(419) 242-2510
| Herb's Sportsman's Supply
1713 NE Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 797-2455
| Port Clinton Fisheries Inc
2 Madison St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-3101
| Fishermens Trading Post
255 Se Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-2076
| Happy Hooker Bait Store
9688 W State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH
(419) 898-9676
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | West Bay Inn
1230 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 746-2597
| Shores Condominium Resort The
1801 E Perry St
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-2169
| Maumee Bay Resort & Conference Center: Lodge
1750 State Park Rd # 2
Oregon, OH
(419) 836-1466
| Radisson Hotel Toledo
101 N Summit St
Toledo, OH
(419) 241-3000
| Wyndham Toledo Hotel
444 North Summit Street
Toledo, OH
(419) 241-1411
| Johnny's Resort Incorporated
3942 W Oliver Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-6566
| Scrappin' at Country Corner
3872 Harbor Light Landing Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-1616
| Beach Cliff Lodge
4189 NW Catawba Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 797-4553
| Beachfront Resorts
252 W Lakeshore Dr
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 732-6684
| Char-Nel Shores Resorts
2327 E Sand Rd
Port Clinton, OH
(419) 734-3356
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| Directions: |
| From Cleveland, Ohio: I-71 South to State Route 56 east (Mt. Sterling Exit) into Mt. Sterling, then State Route 207 South 5 miles.
From Columbus, Ohio: I-71 South to State Route 56 east (Mt. Sterling Exit) into Mt. Sterling, then State Route 207 South 5 miles.
From Cincinnati, Ohio: I-71 North to State Route 56 east (Mt. Sterling Exit) into Mt. Sterling, then State Route 207 South 5 miles.
From Toledo, Ohio: I-75 South to US Highway 33 South to I-270 South to I-71 South to State Route 56 east (Mt. Sterling Exit) into Mt. Sterling, then State Route 207 South 5 miles.
From Circleville, Ohio: Take Highway 22 West eight miles to Keyes Road. Turn right on Keyes to the stop sign. Turn right and then an immediate left onto Yankeetown Pike. Follow for approximately nine miles to the park entrance (on left) |
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