Independence Dam State Park

Independence Dam State Park is in the Maumee Valley and encompasses a total area of 591 acres of land in Defiance County, Ohio about 16 miles west of Bowling Green, a city in the northwest area of Ohio State. The park also lies on the banks of the Maumee River and was once home to the Miami Canal and Erie Canal that today lay there in ruins.

A significant factor that contributed to the historical development of the area where the park lies is the confluence of the Auglaize River and the Maumee River, which are just upstream of the park. The rivers were a source of livelihood and existence for the Native Americans and later for the settlers. Today the rivers still provide plenty of natural resource for recreation and industry.

The terrain at the park mostly consists of the remains of a much larger forest that is now mostly focused in the areas around the banks of the Maumee River. The land also consists of small woodlots and is surrounded by endless fields of farmland. Some of the trees that you can still find in the area include Black Locusts, Maple Trees, Beech, and the Great Sycamore. Animals within the park include songbirds, woodchuck, fox squirrel, skunk, and raccoon.

Besides enjoying the scenic beauty of the park, you can also enjoy several other activities at the park including boating, water-skiing, sledding, bicycling, fishing, and canoeing. Amenities to facilitate these activities include a boat ramp and marina, picnic areas and picnic shelters, hiking trails, and other facilities.

You can bring your dog to the park at no extra cost. If you do so, remember to follow standard Ohio state park rules that relate to dogs. Some of the rules include the following. First, your dog must always be on a leash no longer than six feet long. You must keep your pooch away from park buildings and from other areas that are not designated as pet-friendly areas. Additionally, if you decide to camp at the park, you should be aware that there is a limit of only two pets/dogs per campsite.