HARBOR POINT STATE PARK
HARBOR POINT STATE PARKCelina, Ohio 45822
(lat:40.5416 lon:-84.5363)
Is part of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park.
Harbor Point State Park, also known as Findley State Park, is located in Wellington, Ohio. Here is a brief history of the park:
1. Early Inhabitants: The area where Harbor Point State Park is located was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ottawa and Wyandot tribes.
2. Settlement: In the early 19th century, settlers arrived in the region and began clearing the land for agriculture. The area around the park was primarily used for farming and logging.
3. Formation of a State Park: In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program as part of his New Deal initiatives. The CCC aimed to provide employment for young men and improve the infrastructure of public lands. As part of this program, Findley State Park (formerly known as Harbor Point State Park) was established between 1935 and 1937.
4. CCC Development: The CCC workers were responsible for the construction of many of the park's facilities, including bridges, roads, and hiking trails. They also built the picturesque lake within the park, one of its main attractions.
5. Renaming: In 1979, the name of the park was officially changed from Harbor Point State Park to Findley State Park in honor of John Findley, a pioneer farmer who contributed significantly to the early settlement of the region.
6. Modern Development: Over the years, the park has undergone various improvements and expansions, with the addition of campgrounds, a swimming beach, picnic areas, rental cabins, and recreational facilities. It has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
Harbor Point State Park (Findley State Park) continues to attract visitors with its scenic beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, providing a glimpse into the rich history and natural landscapes of Ohio.
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
Harbor Point State Park in Ohio offers various swimming options for visitors to enjoy. The park features a designated swimming beach where visitors can take a refreshing dip in the lake. The beach area is equipped with amenities like picnic tables, restrooms, and changing facilities for convenience. Lifeguards are also present to ensure the safety of swimmers. Additionally, the park has a children's splash pad where young ones can have fun playing and cooling off in the water. Whether you prefer a relaxing swim in the lake or a playful water experience, Harbor Point State Park has swimming options for everyone to enjoy.
Harbor Point State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The park is located on the shores of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes known for its diverse fish species.
One can expect to catch Walleye, Yellow Perch, Smallmouth Bass and Steelhead Trout which are abundant in this area. These species make Harbor Point an ideal location not only for shore fishing but also boat-based angling as there's a public boat launch available within the park premises.
In addition to these popular catches, other potential fishes include Catfishes and Panfish such as Bluegill or Crappie that inhabit nearshore waters around piers or breakwalls.
Ice Fishing is another activity enjoyed by many during winter months when conditions allow it with safety measures taken into consideration due to changing ice thickness across different parts of lake surface.
Fishing regulations set forth by Ohio Department Of Natural Resources (ODNR) apply at all times including bag limits per day & minimum size requirements among others so ensure you're familiarized before casting your line out here at Harbor Point State Park!