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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Punderson State Park
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Punderson State Park © Sam Howzit / CC BY 2.0
Punderson State Park © Sam Howzit / CC BY 2.0
Punderson State Park © Sam Howzit / CC BY 2.0
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PUNDERSON STATE PARK
PUNDERSON STATE PARK
11755 Kinsman Rd
Newbury Township, Ohio   44065
(lat:41.4613 lon:-81.2193) map location

Phone: (440) 564-2279
Punderson State Park with its natural lake, resort manor house, family cottages, golf course and scenic campground, provides myriad recreational opportunities for visitors. Punderson is also Ohio's premier winter sports park. Sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are all at their best.
Nature of the Area
Punderson State Park is located in the glaciated plateau region of Ohio. During the Ice Age, this area was buried under glacial ice. The last glacier to enter Ohio's boundaries, the Wisconsinan, receded about 12,000 years ago. Punderson Lake, one of Ohio's few natural lakes, owes its origin to this massive ice sheet. It is a kettle lake which was formed when a large block of ice broke off the glacier creating a depression which filled with meltwater. Punderson is the largest and deepest kettle lake in Ohio.

The aquatic environment of the lake combined with the surrounding woodlands give Punderson a diverse array of natural wonders. The lake is home to a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl including great blue herons, Canada geese and wood ducks. Ohio's largest rodent, the beaver, can also be spotted around the lake. Great horned owls, white-tailed deer, opossum and raccoons can be found within the park boundaries.

In the park, the vegetation is as diverse as the animal population. Wild geranium, buttercup, blue-eyed grass and pennywort are just a few of the wildflowers that inhabit the area.
History of the Area
Both the park and the lake take their names from Lemuel Punderson, a young enterprising land agent who became Newbury Township's first permanent settler in 1808. Punderson constructed a small dam on the south side of the "big pond," as he called it, and used the outflowing water as the power source for a grist mill. The Punderson family developed a small estate on the edge of the sparkling blue lake, and their home became a popular gathering place for family and friends.

The area surrounding Punderson Lake developed into a quiet resort providing a get-away from the bustling Cleveland setting. Summer cottages and even a small hotel were built on the hills surrounding the lake. In 1929, construction began on the English-tudor manor house, but the facility was not completed until 1948. That year, the ODNR Division of Wildlife purchased the land and lake for hunting and fishing. In 1951, the area was transferred to the Division of Parks and Recreation for development as a state park. The manor house was completely remodeled and opened to the public on November 15, 1956. A structural renovation was completed in 1982.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres741
 Water, acres150
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles10
 Picnickingyes
 Swimming Beach, feet600
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits-1
 Seasonal Dock Rental12
 Launch Ramps, #1
CampingElectric Sites, #196
 Full Hookup Sites, #5
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Group Camp, capacity25
WinterSleddingyes
 Cross-Country Skiingyes
 Snowmobilingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
AccommodationsLodge Rooms, #31
 Family Cottages, #26
 Game Roomyes
 Indoor Swimming Poolyes
 Outdoor Swimming Poolyes
 Golf Courseyes
 Restaurantyes
Golf Course
A championship-rated, 18-hole public golf course challenges even the expert golfer. Reservations are always advisable and required for weekend play. The pro shop stocks all necessary merchandise and has a snack bar.
Cottages
Twenty-six cottages sleep six persons each. They have two bedrooms, bath with a shower, living room, complete kitchen, dining area and screened porch.
Camping
Situated on the site of a former Indian village, the 201-site campground offers shower houses, flush toilets, electricity and pet camping. Two full hookup sites also include water and sewer service. Three fully equipped Rent-A-RV units are available for daily and weekly rental in season.
Lodge
Overnight accommodations are available in the manor house. Thirty-one guest rooms provide a warm, intimate atmosphere. The manor house features a dining room, meeting rooms and outdoor and indoor swimming pools.
Swimming
Punderson State Park in Ohio offers various swimming options for visitors to enjoy. The park features a beautiful 150-acre natural lake, which provides an ideal spot for swimming. The designated swimming area is equipped with a sandy beach, allowing visitors to relax and soak up the sun. Lifeguards are also on duty for added safety. Additionally, the lake is open for boating and fishing, providing additional recreational activities for visitors to engage in. Overall, Punderson State Park is a fantastic destination for those seeking a refreshing swim in a picturesque setting.
Boating
Beautiful Punderson Lake invites boaters to explore the many scenic coves. Electric motors only are permitted. Boat rentals are available at the marina concession.
Fishing
Anglers enjoy catches of bluegill, largemouth bass, rainbow and golden trout and catfish. Punderson Lake as well as two smaller lakes are open to fishing. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.



Picnicking
Picnic facilities with tables, grills and drinking water are located in scenic areas of the park.
Trails
Fourteen miles of trails take the hiker to some of the more interesting and scenic areas of the park.
Bicycling
For biking enthusiasts, the park offers a 1.2-mile multi-use trail suitable for all skill levels.

However, be aware that this path is shared with pedestrians and pets on leashes.

It's important to note that off-road cycling isn't permitted due to potential damage to natural resources.

The terrain can vary from flat sections ideal for beginners or families with children, through more challenging areas.

Remember always wear safety gear such as helmets when riding in public spaces like these trails.

Check local weather conditions before setting out; wet surfaces may increase risk of accidents.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding opportunities, with over 150 species recorded. It is home to diverse habitats including mature forests, meadows and wetlands that attract different types of birds throughout the year. Birdwatchers can spot waterfowl on the lake during migration seasons or songbirds in wooded areas. The area also supports raptors like hawks and owls as well as woodpeckers due to its extensive woodland coverage.
Area Attractions
The rural charm of Geauga County is highlighted at the Geauga County Historical Museum in Burton. Near the museum is Century Village, a reconstruction of an 1800s village typical of those scattered throughout the Western Reserve region of northeastern Ohio.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges and Tinker's Creek state parks are nearby. Both offer fine day-use facilities, including picnic areas and hiking trails for the visitor.

A different sort of adventure awaits those who visit Six Flags World of Adventure located southwest of Punderson State Park in the village of Aurora on State Route 43.

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Area Fishing Related Businesses
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Area Cabins and Lodges
Punderson Manor Resort
11175 Kinsman Rd
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(440) 564-5465
Xanterra Parks & Resorts
12220 S Wintergreen Dr
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Last Resort Animal Haven & Pet
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Alpine Valley Ski Area & Party
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Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, Ohio 44065-9684

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