Copyright: Patty Elton - Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Lake Milton State Park; new recreational facilities throughout park
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Description - In 1910, the city of Youngstown acquired 3,416 acres in Milton Township to construct a reservoir to be used as a water supply. A 2,800-foot dam was completed in 1913 impounding 1,640 acres on the Mahoning River. Lake Milton included a small amusement park at Craig Beach with a swimming beach, roller coaster, boat trips and a busy midway. The east side of the lake included taverns, a dance hall and a skating rink. During the 1970s, mounting problems with the Lake Milton dam demanded attention. Considering safety factors, the gates were opened in the spring of 1986 and the lake was drained. State assistance was sought and shortly thereafter repairs to the dam began. Within two years, the dam was ready to hold water again. Lake Milton was officially dedicated as a state park in 1988.
Attractions
- Much of Lake Milton State Park's recreation is centered on the 1,685-acre lake. Boating is popular at the lake which is designated for unlimited horsepower. Boaters have access to a section of the Mahoning River at the south end of the lake. Two launch ramps and seasonal dock rentals are available. Lake Milton Scenic Cruises offer cruises around the lake during the summer months. See contact information below. A new 600-foot beach has restrooms, change booths, showers, playground, basketball court and sand volleyball court. Anglers enjoy nice catches of different fish species. The ODNR Division of Wildlife has stocked the lake with walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Also added were smaller numbers of smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, white bass and muskellunge. Picnicking is popular, and the four shelters offer protection from the summer sun and inclement weather. The shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunting is permitted in designated areas. A valid Ohio fishing and /or hunting license is required.
Recreation - Lake Milton State Park offers boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, picnicking, swimming, basketball, volleyball, scenic boat cruises, nature programs, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Climate - This state has four distinct seasons and a brilliant fall foliage display in it southern woods during mid October. Winter lasts from December through February with average temperatures near 25 degrees F. Low temperatures dip to single digits, but do not often drop below zero. Northern regions of the state receive average snowfall amounts of 55 inches, while the central and southern regions of the state receive lesser amounts with averages near 30 inches. This difference is caused by lake-affect moisture patterns. Spring temperatures begin to warm the landscapes of Ohio by mid March and are in full swing by April. Temperatures range from 40 through 70 degrees F through the spring months. This season often brings the most rainfall, before the drying heat of summer. Summer can be extremely hot and humid in the interior of Ohio. Temperatures reach above 90 degrees F frequently through July and August. Cooler fall temperatures don't reach the region until mid to late September. This is a pleasant time to visit as the air is crisp with low humidity levels. Ohio's annual precipitation usually reaches slightly above 50 inches. Location -
Located in northeast Ohio, Lake Milton State Park is accessible Interstate 76 east of Youngstown.
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