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27

Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park
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Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park © Jim Snyder
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park © Jim Snyder
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park © Jim Snyder
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park © Jim Snyder
Trail leading from parking lot to the beach.
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park © Jim Snyder
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park © Jim Snyder
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park Reflections 2 © Bud Schrader
Moving inland from the Lake
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park Geneva, Lake Erie View © Bud Schrader
Geneva is, literally, On-The-Lake
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park Harbor Beacon © Jim Snyder
Lake Erie in background
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park Reflections 1 © Bud Schrader
What appears to be swampy wetland is actually part of Lake Erie
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GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE STATE PARK
GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE STATE PARK
4499 Padanarum Rd
Geneva, Ohio   44041-8172
(lat:41.8518 lon:-80.9697) map location

Phone: (440) 466-8400
Reservations: 866-644-6727
Geneva State Park's cottage replacement is underway. Twelve cottages and an enclosed group sheltherhouse will be available late this summer. Located on Ohio's northeastern shoreline, Geneva State Park reflects the character and charisma of Lake Erie. The shimmering expanse of the lake lures vacationers who enjoy fishing and boating. Swimmers rejoice in the beautiful sand beach while nature enthusiasts retreat to the park's freshwater marshes and estuaries associated with the lake.
Nature of the Area
Geneva State Park exhibits graphic evidence of the dynamic effects Lake Erie has on our changing landscape. The lake has been a dominant force shaping Ohio's natural and cultural development for thousands of years.

The lake's beginning can be traced to the glacial era of Ohio's geologic history when the state was covered by ice over a mile thick. During the Pleistocene (Ice Age), continental glaciers advanced and receded from Ohio at least four times. The scouring action of this ice sheet created the Lake Erie Basin which slowly filled as the ice melted northward to Canada. Initially, the newly formed lake drained to the southwest into the Mississippi River. When the glacier retreated from near present-day Buffalo, New York, a new outlet was exposed via the Niagara River. A flood of water escaped, draining the shallow western basin and much of the central basin. Twelve-thousand years ago, this outlet was 100 feet lower than it is today due to the great weight of the mile-thick ice depressing the land surface. The rebounding of this bedrock is reflected in the present lake level.

Geneva offers the visitor a natural beach, several areas of freshwater marsh and beautiful mature woodlots. The middle and western beach areas contain plants that are rare in Ohio but characteristic of the Atlantic coast. Sea rocket, seaside spurge, beach pea and silverweed can be found on the Geneva beaches. Marshes located at the mouth of Cowles Creek, No Name Creek and Wheeler Creek contain swamp smartweed, leafy sedge and submerged aquatic vegetation.
History of the Area
Geneva State Park is situated along the Lake Erie shoreline. Erie, meaning wildcat or "it is long-tailed," is derived from the tribal name of Indians who inhabited the area until 1655.

The lake was a principal avenue of transportation for Indians and frontiersmen alike. Overlooked by French settlers traveling west because of a shorter overland route linking Lake Ontario and the western Great Lakes, French trappers eventually established trade routes on Lake Erie in the mid 1600s. Since that time, the lake has figured prominently in Ohio's history and growth.

By the mid 1800s, the state's canal system was open and goods could be shipped from Ohio's rural farms to populous eastern cities using well-developed inland canals. Ports were established at Toledo and Cleveland to accommodate the growing shipping industry. Freight from these ports was shipped east across the lake to New York.

Today, the Saint Lawrence Seaway enables the Midwest to trade directly with many nations. Freighters of international registry carry corn, wheat, soybeans and other commodities from our region's diverse industries to many foreign markets. New trade avenues opened on Lake Erie contribute to the prosperity of Ohio's strong agricultural and industrial economies.

Acquisition of land to create the park began in 1964 with the purchase of Chestnut Grove. Land acquisitions continued through 1972. The last parcels added were the cottage and campground areas.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres698
 Water, acresGreat Lake
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles2
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #2
 Swimming Beach, feet300
BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP
 Seasonal Dock Rental383
 Launch Ramps, #1
 Fuel For Saleyes
CampingElectric Sites, #93
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camper Cabins, #12
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
 Snowmobilingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
AccommodationsLodge Rooms, #109
 Game Roomyes
 Indoor Swimming Poolyes
 Outdoor Swimming Poolyes
 Golf Courseyes
 Restaurantyes
Camping
A full facility campground with electricity, showers and flush toilets offers shaded sites in a hardwood forest and sunny sites in open meadows. Three spacious, fully equipped Rent-A-RV units can be reserved for daily or weekly stays during the summer months. Pet camping is available at designated sites.
Swimming
A 300-foot swimming beach adorns the shoreline of Lake Erie. A beach house with restrooms and changing rooms also offers a food concession. The entire length of the park overlooks Lake Erie for approximately two miles with access to the lake provided at various points along the lakefront. The east breakwall of the marina is capped with a sidewalk, providing park visitors with a scenic panorama of the Lake Erie shoreline.
Boating
Lake Erie provides unlimited opportunities for boaters. A six-lane boat ramp provides easy access to Lake Erie's central basin. Geneva State Park Marina, completed in 1989, is a focal point of the park's facilities. The concession area which supplies gasoline, boating essentials and bait, also has restrooms and a canteen. Catches of walleye, Coho salmon and yellow perch are common. The marina features 383 docks and also rents bicycles and wave runners.
Fishing
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park is located on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes known for its abundant fish populations.

One popular spot within the state park is Cowles Creek where visitors can catch species such as steelhead trout during their spawning runs from late fall to early spring. Other common catches include yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass which are available throughout most parts of Lake Erie.

The marina at Geneva Marina State Park also provides excellent access to deep water fishing areas in Lake Erie with boat launch facilities available. Anglers often target trophy-sized walleyes or go trolling for rainbow trout here.

In addition to these spots, there's also a 450-foot accessible breakwall that extends into lake waters providing another great location especially suited towards shore-based angling activities like casting or fly-fishing.

Fishing licenses are required by law when engaging in any form of recreational fishing activity within this area so make sure you have your license before heading out onto the waterways around Geneva-on-the-lake state park!


Location
Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park is located near Ashtabula, Geneva and Madison

Picnicking
The picnic areas at Geneva are especially inviting. Chestnut Grove is a relatively old woodlot comprised primarily of white oak. The Crabapple Picnic Area features two shelterhouses perfect for family reunions or other large gatherings.
Trails
Three miles of multi-use trails traverse the park. They are used by hikers, cross-country skiers and hunters.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a 1.2-mile paved trail, but be aware it's shared with pedestrians and rollerbladers.

Off-road biking isn't permitted due to potential damage to the park's natural resources; stick strictly to designated paths.

For safety reasons, night cycling is not allowed as there are no lighting facilities on trails or roads within this area.

Remember that helmets aren't provided at rental stations so bring your own for protection during your ride.

Rental bikes may not always be available in peak season - consider bringing personal equipment if possible.

Please respect all signage and speed limits while riding through the park's scenic routes - they're there for everyone's safety!
Area Attractions
Photographers will delight in the twelve covered bridges found in the county. History buffs will also want to visit the area museums: Conneaut Railroad Museum, Shandy Hall Museum in Unionville, and the Jenny Munger Memorial Museum at Geneva-On-The-Lake. Headlands Beach State Park and the adjacent Headlands Dunes Nature Preserve offer a different view of the Lake Erie shoreline. They are located west of Geneva in Lake County.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 24 Good evening by Jamie_A
park review stars; one to five
June 7 The beach was disgusting. by Razem5
park review stars; one to five Beach was disgusting. Dont you clean up the debris Its a shame. Plus the bike path had a snow fence for a path that I guess was actually closed but someone tore it down. Path was washed away from erosion. No one from the park system checks to make sure its closed still. My tax dollars at work.
April 3 Wonderful Area to Visit
park review stars; one to five We stayed at the campground during the fall of 2010. What a wonderful place to visit. You can hear the waves from the lake at your site. Quiet and relaxing.
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Area Campgrounds
Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground
2034 South Ridge Road West
Ashtabula, OH
440-992-4431
Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake
4710 Lake Road East
Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH
440-466-8191
Audubon Lakes Campground
3935 North Broadway
Geneva, OH
440-466-1293
Willow Lake Campground
3935 North Broadway
Geneva, OH
440-466-0150
Hearthside Grove Lake Erie
6300 Lake Road West
Geneva, OH
440-261-4063
Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake
2021 Mill Creek Road
Jefferson, OH
440-576-9030
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Ther-e-is Fishing Charters
3043 Lake Rd. W
Ashtabula, OH
(440) 964-5351
Ashtabula Watercraft
1 Front St
Ashtabula, OH
(440) 964-0518
TRW Rod & Gun Club
4323 N State Route 534
Geneva, OH
(440) 474-4201
Ashtabula Rod & Gun Club Inc
6739 Ninevah Rd
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-6600
Conrad's Bait & Tackle
1500 Great Lakes Ave
Ashtabula, OH
(440) 992-4220
Walleye Willy Fishing Charters
Madison, OH
(440) 428-2917
Area Cabins and Lodges
Pera's Motel Apartments
4944 Golf Ave
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-8675
Lakeview Resorts
5287 Lake Rd E
Geneva, OH
(440) 466-8773
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Starting from Cleveland, Ohio, head east on I-90 East.
2. Continue on I-90 East for about 50 miles.
3. Take Exit 218 for Ohio State Route 534 towards Geneva/Ashtabula.
4. Turn left onto OH-534 North.
5. Continue on OH-534 North for approximately 1.5 miles.
6. Take a slight left onto Lake Road East.
7. Stay on Lake Road East for about 1 mile until you reach the park entrance on your right.

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Ohio
27

Ohio State Parks

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