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Ohio
23

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Findley State Park
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Findley State Park Last Light of Summer © Bruce Wilkinson
Labor Day 2007 natural Light
Findley State Park © Doug Holland
Findley State Park The last cast of the day © Bruce Wilkinson
Early Evening Labor Day 2007
Findley State Park © Cindy Hilditch
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FINDLEY STATE PARK
FINDLEY STATE PARK
25381 OH-58
Wellington, Ohio   44090-9010
(lat:41.1295 lon:-82.2111) map location

Phone: (440) 647-4490
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Once a state forest, Findley State Park is heavily
wooded with stately pines and various hardwoods.
The scenic hiking trails allow nature lovers to view
spectacular wildflowers and observe wildlife. The
fields, forests and quiet waters offer a peaceful
refuge for visitors.
Nature of the Area
The bedrock materials underlying Findley State
Park, principally Bedford Shale and Berea
Sandstone, were formed over 300 million years ago.
In most places in Ohio, the Berea Sandstone is only
10 to 40 feet thick. In South Amherst, north of the
park, this sandstone reaches its maximum thickness
of more than 200 feet. The sandstone quarries at
South Amherst are the largest and deepest in the
world.

This part of the state is known as Ohio's dairyland.
Crops and cows are a common sight. In the midst of
this rich agricultural area is the forest oasis found
within Findley State Park. This forest is a regrowth
secondary forest on abandoned farmland. It contains
red maple, white ash, wild black cherry, oaks, white
and red pine and beech. The forest floor supports a
variety of woodland wildflowers including spring
beauties, Dutchman's breeches, hepatica, bloodroot,
marsh marigold, trillium and woodland asters.
White-tailed deer, red fox, beaver and raccoon are just a few of the animals that make this park their home. A variety
of reptiles and amphibians can be found along the lakeshore. One area of the park is set aside as a sanctuary for the
Duke's skipper butterfly, an extremely rare insect.
History of the Area
Long before the first settlers arrived in this area, the Erie Indians inhabited the area now known as Lorain County.
Although the Eries were fierce warriors, they were eventually subdued by a confederation formed between other
Iroquois tribes in the early 1600s using firearms obtained from the Dutch.

In 1795, the Treaty of Greenville set aside the lands north of the treaty line as a reserve for Indians. Much of the
land restricted by the treaty had previously been granted to Connecticut. This claim, known as the Connecticut
Western Reserve, ran along Lake Erie from the Pennsylvania border to present-day Erie County and included more
than 3.5 million acres. The Connecticut Land Company, after purchasing some of the land, disputed the Indian
claims and petitioned the government for the right to establish settlements on Indian lands. In 1800, Connecticut
and the Congress agreed to attach the lands in dispute to the Ohio Territory as a county.

The threat of Indians still existed in the area, so settlement was slow. In 1807, a major settlement was established at
the mouth of the Black River which later became the city of Lorain. That same year, the Connecticut Land Company
sold 4,000 acres of land of what was to become Wellington Township to four men from Berkshire County,
Massachusetts. In the winter of 1818 the four men were joined by William T. Welling of Montgomery County, New
York. Following an Indian trail, they cut their way through to the area that became known as Wellington.

Wellington today has a rich heritage. Almost seventy-five percent of the downtown district is included on the
National Register of Historic Places, reflecting the New England influence in the architecture. Many industries
flourished during the mid-1800s, most notably brickyards, wagon and carriage shops. Later, it shared the reputation
of being one of the greatest cheese producing locations in the Union. Lorain County generated annually the
equivalent of one pound of cheese for each man, woman and child in the state. Wellington was also the home of
Archibald M. Willard, painter of the classic "Spirit of 76." A copy of the work and many Willard originals hang in the
town library.

Located two miles south of Wellington is a tract of agricultural land purchased in 1936 and 1937 by Guy B. Findley,
Lorain County Common Pleas Judge. Judge Findley donated the land to the state of Ohio to be maintained as a
perpetual state forest, utilized for timber production and forest product experiments.

Findley Forest was planted by the Division of Forestry with extensive assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps
with nearly half a million trees including many varieties of pine and hardwoods. In 1950, the forest was transferred to
the Division of Parks and Recreation to be maintained as a state park. An earthen dam, started in 1954 and
completed in 1956, created the lake.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres791
 Water, acres102
 Nearby State Forest, acres2,601
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles4
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #2
 Swimming Beach, feet400
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits-1
 Launch Ramps, #3
CampingPrimitive, #181
 Electric Sites, #90
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camp Commissaryyes
 Group Camp, capacity40
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
Camping
Findley's campground offers 272 non-electric sites in
both sunny and shaded areas. The campground features
showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, dump station,
game room and a fully stocked camp store. Pet camping
is permitted on designated sites. Three rustic camper
cabins complete with cots, dining fly and multi-level
picnic grill can be rented during the summer months by
reservation. A recreation area with sand volleyball, a
basketball court and two horseshoe pits are also
available for camper use.
Swimming
A 435-foot beach with a concession attracts swimmers.
Boating
Boating with electric motors only is permitted on the
93-acre lake. Two launch ramps provide access to the
lake. Canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats can be rented at the marina.
Fishing
Findley State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's main attraction is its 93-acre lake, which is stocked with several species of fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.

The lake has two boat ramps available for public use where visitors can launch their own boats or rent one from the park office. Electric motors are allowed on the water but gas-powered engines are prohibited to maintain peace and tranquility within the area.

In addition to boating access points, there are also numerous spots along the shoreline that provide excellent locations for bank fishing. These areas offer easy accessibility as well as scenic views while you wait for your catch.

For those who prefer fly-fishing or want an extra challenge, Findley State Park also features a small creek known as Wellington Creek running through it where trout can be found during certain seasons.

Fishing at Findley State Park requires an Ohio Fishing License which can be purchased online or at various retail outlets throughout state. It's important to note that all statewide bag limits apply when fishing here so make sure you're familiar with these regulations before casting out your line.

During winter months ice-fishing becomes popular among locals providing yet another way enjoy this pastime year-round in Findly Lake despite colder temperatures outside; however safety precautions should always taken due thinness some parts frozen surface especially near middle body water itself


Location
Findley State Park is located near Amherst, Elyria and Grafton

Picnicking
Picnic areas are located in scenic areas around the park. A picnic shelter is available by reservation.
Trails
Approximately ten miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the statewide Buckeye Trail, allow nature lovers to
explore various habitats. A self-guided interpretive trail starts and ends at the camp check-in building.
Bicycling
The park offers several biking trails, varying in difficulty from easy to moderate.

There are over 10 miles of mountain bike paths available.

All bikers should wear helmets and follow trail rules for safety reasons.

Some routes may be challenging due to hilly terrain or rough surfaces.

Bikers must yield the right-of-way on shared-use trails with pedestrians or equestrians present.

Riding is not permitted after dark without proper lighting equipment installed on your bicycle.

Please note that weather conditions can affect trail accessibility and safety; check before you ride.

Always remember: stay hydrated during long rides especially under hot summer days!
Birding
Located in Wellington, this park offers a variety of birding options. It is home to diverse habitats including forests, meadows and wetlands that attract different species of birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can spot migratory songbirds during spring and fall migration periods as well as resident species like woodpeckers, owls or hawks all year round.

The park's extensive trail system provides excellent opportunities for bird watching with trails winding through various ecosystems providing unique viewing experiences. The lake within the area also attracts waterfowl such as ducks and geese making it an ideal location for avid bird watchers.

In addition to self-guided tours along these paths, there are often organized group outings led by experienced guides who provide insights into local avian life which could be beneficial especially if you're new to ornithology.
Area Attractions
Wellington State Wildlife Area contains 200 acres adjacent to the park. This land is managed by the ODNR Division
of Wildlife for public hunting. Spencer State Wildlife Area in nearby Spencer offers 548 acres of land and a 70-acre
lake open for public hunting and fishing.

Two state nature preserves are located within a 40-minute drive. Fowler Woods, southwest of the park near Ashland,
offers visitors mature beech-maple woodlands and buttonbush swamps. Old Woman Creek, along Lake Erie east of
Huron, consists of open water estuary, marshland, a 15-acre wooded island, barrier beach and other upland habitat.
The hiking trails and observation deck are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through October. The visitor center and
research complex is open year-round, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 12 My Favorite Camping Spot! by SherriK
park review stars; one to five My family and I have been going to Findley State Park for almost 30 years now and have not missed a summer taking at least two trips there a year. I love this place!
February 21 Fishing by butcherbob
park review stars; one to five I have been going to this park ,For over 30yrs.And I hate when I have to leave.The fishing is good and for the kids very safe shore line.Very clean and well kept up park
March 30 bad fishing
park review stars; one to five the absolute worse place to fish for bass.
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Area Campgrounds
Sunset Lake Campgrounds
5566 Root Road
Spencer, OH
330-667-2686
Terrace Lakes Campground
622 Township Road 462
Sullivan, OH
419-736-3463
Town & Country Camp Resort
7555 Shilling Road
West Salem, OH
419-853-4550
Camp HiYo!
11450 Crawford Road
Homerville, OH
330-625-2817
Freedom Valley Campgrounds
1875 U.S. 250
New London, OH
419-929-8100
Hidden Acres Campground
107 Township Road 810
West Salem, OH
419-853-4687
Chatham Lakes Campground
6794 Avon Lake Road
Spencer, OH
330-667-6038
Pier-Lon Park
5960 Vandemark Road
Medina, OH
330-667-2311
Rustic Lakes Campgrounds Inc
44901 New London Eastern Road
Sullivan, OH
440-647-3804
Schaun Acres Campground
51390 Ohio 303
Oberlin, OH
440-775-7122
Shawnee Lake Park
6464 Congress Road
Spencer, OH
330-648-2577
Claremar Twin Lakes Camping Resort
47675 New London Eastern Road
New London, OH
440-647-3318
Indian Trail Campground
1400 U.S. 250
New London, OH
419-929-1135
Cleveland/Sandusky Jellystone Park
40 Township Road 1031
Nova, OH
419-652-2267
American Wilderness Campground
17273 Avon Belden Road
Grafton, OH
440-926-3700
Camp HiYo!
11450 Crawford Road
Homerville, OH
330-625-2817
Camp HiYo!
11450 Crawford Road
Homerville, OH
330-625-2817
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Chet & Fran's Country Store
27050 State Route 58
Wellington, OH
(440) 647-3497
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Camp Patmos - Kelleys Island, OH
Conference Center
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.
41.5 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From Cleveland, Ohio:Take I-480 West to S.R. 10 West.S.R. 10 West to U.S. Rt. 20 West.U.S. Rt. 20 West to S.R. 58.South on S.R. 58 for ten miles. Park is 2.5 miles south of Wellington on east side of road.From Columbus, Ohio:I-71 North to U.S. 250 East.U.S. 250 East to S.R. 89 NorthS.R. 89 North to S.R. 58 North.Park is 2.5 miles north of S.R. 162 on east side of road.From Cincinnati, Ohio:I-71 North to U.S. 250 East.U.S. 250 East to S.R. 89 NorthS.R. 89 North to S.R. 58 North.Park is 2.5 miles north of S.R. 162 on east side of road.From Toledo, Ohio:Take Ohio Turnpike East to Exit 7A.Take Baumhart Rd. South to U.S. Rt. 20U.S. Rt. 20 East to S.R. 58 SouthTen miles to park which is 2.5 miles south of Wellington on east side of road.From Akron, OH:I-76 West to U.S. 224 WestU.S. 224 West to S.R. 58 North.Park is 2.5 miles north of S.R. 162 on east side of road.

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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