Wingfoot Lake State Park

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Portage County, Wingfoot Lake State Park spreads across 614 acres of wooded hills and open water in northeastern Ohio. The park takes its name from the adjacent Wingfoot Lake, originally built as a reservoir by the Goodyear Tire &038; Rubber Company — a unique industrial-turned-recreational origin story that sets it apart from Ohio’s other state parks.

The lake itself is the main draw. Anglers come for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, with a public boat ramp providing easy access for small watercraft (electric motors only, keeping the water calm and quiet). A swim beach opens in summer, offering a refreshing break without the crowds you’d find at nearby Portage Lakes. Hikers and casual walkers can explore several miles of trails winding through hardwood forest and wetland edges, where birdwatching is surprisingly rewarding — great blue herons, kingfishers, and migrating warblers are regular visitors.

Picnic areas with shelters dot the shoreline, making this an ideal spot for family day trips. Winter brings cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.

The park is best visited from late May through early October, when the swim beach is staffed and the trails are dry. Fall color peaks in mid-October and draws photographers to the lake’s reflective shoreline.

Wingfoot Lake flies under the radar compared to flashier Ohio parks, but that relative quiet is exactly the point — and exactly what keeps regulars coming back.

Explore Nearby

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• Fry Family Park — Dark Sky Site in Ohio
• Fairport Harbor Light — Lighthouse in Ohio
• Fairport Harbor East Pierhead Light — Lighthouse in Ohio