Harrison Lake State Park

Located about an hour away from Toledo, Harrison Lake State Park provides a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors. Located in the historic Great Black Swamp area, the land was once largely underwater, being cleared by pioneers to provide more options for agriculture and development along the shore of Lake Erie.

Harrison Lake State Park features 4.2 miles of magnificent hiking trails within its 105 acres. There are also sandy beaches, some of which are located in a pet-friendly zone. You can swim at the beach, giving you a way to cool off during the warmer months of the year.

Slow boating is also allowed in the surrounding waters. You can take advantage of the boat ramp or two docks and cruise across the lake, as long as you maintain a “no wake” speed. If you don’t have your own watercraft, rentals are also available.

Anglers can enjoy some fishing at Harrison Lake State Park. As long as you have a proper fishing license, you can reel in bass, catfish, pike, crappie, or carp. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, take advantage of the basketball and volleyball courts. There are also horseshoe pits and a number of picnic tables and grills, creating more opportunities for some family fun.

Wildlife sightings are also common at Harrison Lake State Park. You may be able to spot turtles, foxes, frogs, and more. Birdwatchers also flock to the area to view the great blue herons that live in the area, as well as the common egret and a variety of songbirds.

If you bring your dog to Harrison Lake State Park, make sure to keep them on a leash until you reach the off-leash areas. You also need to keep an eye on your pet at all times, even in the designated off-leash zones, to ensure they stay under your control and don’t bother other visitors or wildlife. Additionally, remove any pet waste and properly dispose of it. This helps keep the park clean and enjoyable for everyone.