Dense woodlands, expansive meadows and a shimmering
reservoir blend to create Delaware State Park. Once home to the Delaware Indians, this
recreational area offers camping, swimming, boating, fishing and wildlife viewing for
outdoor enthusiasts
Nature of the Area
Delaware State Park rests in the midst of the fertile agricultural
till plains of Delaware County. In contrast to the surrounding farmlands, the park offers
a variety of natural features. The area lies upon Columbus limestone. Formed over 350
million years ago, this bedrock outcrops in a north-south band through Ohio. The rock has
been quarried for years and utilized in many ways including the construction of the state
capitol building in Columbus.
Before settlement of the area, a rich beech-maple forest covered the
landscape. That original forest has long since been cut, but a healthy second growth
forest is preserved in the park. The woodlands and meadows harbor a diverse array of plant
and animal life. Interested observers can find large-flowered trillium, wild blue phlox,
Queen Anne's lace and New England asters. The fields and woodlots are home to the fox
squirrel, woodchuck, rabbit and white-tailed deer. The adjacent wildlife area is populated
with ring-necked pheasant, while the lake and wetlands are a mecca for waterfowl.
Birdwatching is popular here as many species of songbirds nest in the area. A bluebird
management trail attracts this beautiful cavity-nesting bird.
History of the Area
The town, county and park of this area are all named for the
Delaware tribe. These people were referred to by other Indians as Na-Be-Naugh-a or
"people from the east." They moved westward from their ancestral home in the
Delaware Valley to escape pressure exerted upon them by the fierce Iroquois nation. The
tribe assumed the name of Delaware, derived from the designation of their eastern valley.
The word originates from the name of Lord Delaware, once the governor of Virginia.
In Ohio, the Delaware joined with other tribes including the Wyandot
and Shawnee to block the western expansion of the settlers. A reminder of this long
struggle is reflected in the ruins of Fort Morrow located on private property north of SR
229.
In the early 1800s, a route near present U.S. 23 was well worn by
folks destined for Lake Erie. A brick tavern, constructed in 1810, served as a resting
place for the travelers. The structure was built on a small hill overlooking the valley
now holding the reservoir. In response to the coming war with the British and Indians, a
Captain Taylor directed the building of a palisade around the tavern. The new Fort Morrow
served to protect the establishment as well as to function as a sanctuary for local
settlers in case of Indian attack. Although several scares brought families to its
protective cover, no actual attacks were recorded.
Delaware Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with
the construction of a flood control dam in 1951. The flood control reservoir was dedicated
as a state park later that year.
Camping
The campground offers 214 sites suitable for tents or trailers. The
campground features flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities and a dump station.
Electricity is supplied at 164 of the sites. A group camp is available for organized youth
groups on a reservation basis. Pets are permitted at designated sites. Three Rent-A-Camp
units, consisting of a tent, sheltered picnic table and other equipment, may be reserved
during the season.
Trails
A network of trails aid visitors in their exploration of the park.
The trails connect the lakeshore with each of the four camping areas, transecting meadows,
woodlands and wetlands.
Boating
Boating with unlimited horsepower is permitted. Boat-launching ramps
are conveniently located around the lake. Boat and dock rentals are offered seasonally. A
fully equipped marina offers fuel, fishing and boating supplies.
Fishing and Hunting
Delaware reservoir offers excellent catches of crappie, muskie and
largemouth and smallmouth bass. In addition to lake fishing, the Division of Wildlife
stocks fishing ponds in the wildlife area adjacent to the park. Waterfowl hunting is
popular at Delaware. Duck blinds are issued by a lottery drawing. Hunting for other game
is permitted in the wildlife area. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is
required. Maps indicating hunting areas are available at the park office.
Swimming
The public beach at Delaware is popular with park visitors.
Facilities include bathhouse, showers and a snack bar. Two boat/swim areas are designated
on the lake.
Picnicking
Many picnic tables are located in quiet, scenic spots overlooking
the lake. A shelter house is available for rental. Call the park office for details.
Area Attractions
Delaware Wildlife Area offers 4,670 acres managed by the ODNR
Division of Wildlife for public hunting and fishing. A number of the area's 55 stocked
ponds are open to anglers. Information can be obtained at the park office or the Division
of Wildlife office on State Route 229. Alum Creek State Park southeast of Delaware offers
boating, fishing, swimming and camping.
Two nature preserves are located in Delaware County. Highbanks,
owned and managed by the Metropolitan Park District of Columbus, is a scenic preserve with
geological, botanical and cultural features. Seymour Woods State Nature Preserve contains
deep ravines, heavily wooded ridgetops and open fields. Access to Seymour Woods is by
written permission only from the Chief of the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.
The Columbus Zoo and the Wyandot Lake Amusement Park are located
within a short distance of the park.
