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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Southeast Ohio Region
Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area
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It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
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TYCOON LAKE STATE WILDLIFE AREA
TYCOON LAKE STATE WILDLIFE AREA
Raccoon Township, Ohio   45614
(lat:38.931 lon:-82.3493) map location
Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area is a serene and picturesque sanctuary nestled in southern Ohio. Spanning over 1,200 acres, this wildlife area encompasses a pristine 180-acre lake, surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and diverse wetlands. It offers a haven for nature enthusiasts and avid anglers, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and trout, making it a sought-after destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and numerous recreational activities, Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area is truly a treasure for visitors seeking solace in nature.
History of the Area
Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area is located in southern Ohio, in Athens County. The history of this wildlife area is intricately tied to its namesake, the Tycoon Lake.

The lake was originally created in the early 1900s as a result of strip mining operations in the area. The surrounding land was mined for coal, leaving behind a large, man-made hole. Over time, the hole filled with water, and thus, Tycoon Lake was formed. The name "Tycoon" is said to have come from the nearby Tycoon Furnace, which was a prominent iron furnace in the mid-19th century.

In the early 1970s, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources acquired the Tycoon Lake property and established it as a State Wildlife Area. The primary purpose of the wildlife area was to provide suitable habitat for various wildlife species and to facilitate recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources actively manages and maintains Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area to support its wildlife populations and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. The area consists of more than 1,700 acres, including the 204-acre Tycoon Lake itself. The lake is home to various fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish, making it a popular destination for anglers.

Besides fishing, Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area offers opportunities for hunting, hiking, wildlife photography, and birdwatching. The woodland and wetland habitats in the area attract a diverse array of bird species, including waterfowl and songbirds, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area has transformed from the remnants of strip mining into a thriving wildlife habitat that supports both native flora and fauna. Its rich history and ecological significance make it a valuable resource for both conservation and outdoor recreation in Ohio.




Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 27 OK by Anlger4Life
park review stars; one to five Lots of stumps, not for the unexperienced. No shore access. Great bass lake though, and I mean great.
July 14 Would Like To See More..... by Sandylee
park review stars; one to five This is a beautiful lake and I would visit it often if there were more areas cleared for easy access to fish. Also, I think there should be more areas for camping. Having all the campsites clumped together really offers no privacy. A bait and tackle shop on site would definitely be a plus.
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Area Campgrounds
Lazy Dog Camp Resort
1564 McGiffins Road
Jackson, OH
740-384-4700
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Bidwell Bait & Tackle
14489 State Route 554
Springfield, OH
(740) 388-8122
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Hidden Cave Cabin - Rockbridge, OH
Cottages and Cabins
Hidden Cave Cabin is an authentic log cabin with 2 bedrooms in a private wooded setting. It is located on one of the most scenic drives in Hocking Hills and just 3.6 miles to Rock House and less than 10 miles to Conkle's Hollow and Old Man's Cave.
42.8 miles from park*
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Cottages and Cabins
Trickle Creek offers luxury cabins in Hocking Hills. The cabins are situated on nearly 236 acres of secluded cabin rentals in the deep wooded ravines in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Hocking County, Ohio.
45.8 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. From Rio Grande, head east on OH-588/Eastern Avenue for approximately 2.6 miles.
2. Continue straight onto Cadmus Road for about 2 miles.
3. Turn left onto Wilkesville Road and drive for 1.2 miles.
4. Take a slight right onto Lawson Street and continue for 0.2 miles.
5. Turn right onto Chapel Creek Road, and after 0.3 miles, turn left onto Shamrock Lane.
6. Follow Shamrock Lane for approximately 1 mile until you reach the entrance of the Tycoon Lake State Wildlife Area.

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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