Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek State Park is a state park in Ohio featuring a large reservoir surrounded by forests and shale cliffs along its shoreline. The park contains a wide sandy beach that ranks among the largest inland swimming beaches in North America.

The area held ancient earthen mounds built by the Adena culture thousands of years ago, discovered through archaeology before the valley was flooded for the reservoir. The land later became a passage for people seeking freedom during the abolitionist era.

Archaeological excavations before the valley flooding revealed seven mounds from the Adena culture, dating back more than 2,000 years in this area.

The park offers swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing in the lake, along with camping and a range of trails for different activity levels. Additional options include mountain biking, horseback riding, and winter sports on the grounds.

A historical water route through the valley was used by thousands of people who waded through the creek to avoid capture during times of slavery. The creek itself holds the memory of these journeys that took place generations ago.

Location: Ohio

Inception: 1974

Website: http://dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/711/default.aspx

GPS coordinates: 40.19167,-82.97306

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53