Kiser Lake State Park


Kiser Lake State Park is a state park in Champaign County, Ohio, about northwest of St. Paris and north of Dayton. The park includes the Kiser Lake, for which it was named, and the Kiser Lake Wetlands State Nature Preserve.

History

A dam was first built in this location in 1840 to power a mill, but it was later abandoned and the dam and lake fell into disrepair. Then, in 1932, John W. Kiser donated the land to the State of Ohio to rebuild the lake for recreational purposes. In 1939 construction started on the new dam, and a year later the lake was filled.

Activities

In addition to being a popular fishing location, ODNR maintains one boat ramp, four smaller launch areas, a marina to rent kayaks and canoes, a beach and swimming area, refreshment stand, seven picnic areas, three shelter houses, 76 rental campsites, 4 large rental cabins, 6 different hiking trials, and one horse trial.
Scuba diving and sailing are also popular activities here since no motorized boats are allowed on the lake.