The Small Town Lake South Of Cleveland That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip
By Nikki Rhoades|Published June 26, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Ready for a summer staycation? This concept is taking over weekends everywhere, and it could infuse new life into your long summer days off. How it works is simple: you travel the area in and around your home just like a tourist, but at the end of the day, you get to sleep in your own bed! To test out this concept, we’re going to take a virtual visit to a spot about 45 minutes away from Cleveland, out near Akron. This idyllic 411-acre state park has designated swimming areas, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adventure at Portage Lakes State Park. Take a look:
Portage Lakes is a charming little cluster of some 10,000 people out in the Akron area.
This Akron suburb is just a few thousand people short of being comparable in size to Cleveland suburbs like Brecksville. The community takes its name from a cluster of reservoirs and kettle lakes (which were formed from melting glacial water) that make the area especially unique.
If you're thinking of making this area a stop on your staycation bucket list, you have to budget a day to spend in Portage Lakes State Park.
At 411 acres in size, this slice of paradise has no shortage of fascinating spots to explore. Interestingly, the state park sits on one of the highest points in the state, so waters north of here drain into Lake Erie, while southern waters drain down into the Ohio River.
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Since 1949, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has managed this stunning state park.
The lakes and wetlands of the park are like a beacon to waterfowl, who can be seen here in almost every season. The park is home to a unique array of flora and fauna alike, with some unusual species like tamarack trees thriving here.
This area, due to its rich natural resources, was once a lifeline for indigenous peoples and early settlers.
Just as people flock to Portage Lakes State Park today to hike, it seems it has always beckoned to humans in the area. The old "Portage Path" through this area served as the ancient boundary between the Six Nations, and the land would go one to act as a rendezvous point during the War of 1812.
Today, it's still a well-visited landmark... and it's one locals love to dive into.
Turkeyfoot Lake has a 900-foot stretch of sandy shore that swimmers can't get enough of, and it's the best way to spend a summer day. Surrounded by verdant forests, it's shaded, intimate, and so much fun.
In addition to Turkeyfoot Lake, Rex Lake and Cottage Grove Lake offer swimming areas to boaters.
With eight total lakes and some 2,034 acres of water coverage, boaters love this state park. If you don't have a boat of your own, you can rent one at the various private marinas around the lakes.
While the lakes naturally offer the biggest draw here, features like an archery range, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a dog park offer even more fun.
Fishing and picnicking are also coveted pastimes here. With beachfront volleyball courts and horseshoe rings, you could easily spend the whole day at this outdoor paradise.
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Remember to leave no trace during your visit and to get any trash into public receptacles... the local residents appreciate it!
White-tailed deer, muskrats, heron, beavers, and other area residents will appreciate you keeping their home clean. The landscape is beautiful, and it's rich in natural resources... including a wide variety of critters.
Whether you're coming to hike and picnic or go boating, bring the swimsuits and some sunscreen just in case.
This inland beach is almost irresistible! Kids and adults alike love making a splash just off the sandy shore. But don't be fooled by the ample shade... sunscreen is still a must!
Whatever you decide to do, you'll love spending a day at Portage Lakes State Park.
You'll find this inland water wonderland at 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319.
There’s so much to love about Portage Lakes State Park! Have you ever visited this 411-acre slice of paradise in Northeast Ohio? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
