Water recreation, hiking, camping and picnicking attract visitors to
Mosquito Lake, one of the largest lakes in Ohio. Mature woodlands and vast marshes provide
safe haven for wildlife and will delight nature enthusiasts.
- Pymatuning Watersports, Ltd.
Discover the unique thrills that only a water slide can offer. Then you'll know why this is the fastest growing form of entertainment today. Water slides are exciting, fun and safe. Millions of people, young and old, enjoy the
dips, turns and tunnels as they slide down the water slides. We also have a Kiddie Slide and pool for the little ones.
Nature of the Area
Before Ohio was settled, the banks of Mosquito Creek were hidden by
a vast forest that covered most of the state. Little remains of the ancient forest that
stood for nearly 10,000 years. In the Mosquito Lake area, regrowth has occurred and the
nice stands of beech-maple woodlands can be enjoyed. In pioneer times, the beech-maple
belt was very extensive and stretched from Mansfield to Pennsylvania. The reason is that
this area has more cloudy days, cooler summer temperatures and more winter snow cover as
compared to the rest of Ohio.
The park's woodlands support colonies of spring beauties, anemones,
Dutchman's breeches, purple cresses and other spring wildflowers. Goldenrod and asters
will bloom in the fall in the park's open areas. Many wildlife species find the park's
varied habitats suitable. Red fox, woodchuck, muskrat, beaver, fox squirrel, raccoon,
rabbit and white-tailed deer are common. Recently, river otters were reintroduced in
nearby favorable locations. Several otter families have been sighted.
Many birds live in or migrate through the area including robins,
warblers, swallows and sparrows. The yellow-bellied sapsucker and hairy woodpecker are
uncommon in other parts of Ohio but abundant in this part of the state. Numerous species
of waterfowl and shorebirds take advantage of the park's many wetlands during spring and
fall migrations. Canada geese, herons, tundra swans, great egrets and a variety of ducks
can be observed. Large predatory birds including several species of hawks and the
magnificent bald and golden eagles have been spotted here.
History of the Area
Mosquito Lake State Park lies in Bazetta and Mecca townships in the
center of Trumbull County. In 1795, the Connecticut Land Company offered for sale a
17,247-acre tract of land named Bazetta Township. This large tract of land was divided
into 100 parcels and offered for sale to the early pioneers. The first settlers arrived in
the township in 1805. The area was wilderness, and their first tasks were to clear the
land, plant crops, build a log house and a stockade for their animals. Deer, turkey,
rabbit and squirrel were plentiful. So were bears and wolves. By 1812, most Indians had
left the area.
Samuel Bacon moved to Bazetta Township in 1816. The Bacon family
operated a sawmill from 1816 to 1850. Samueal Bacon erected some of the first frame
buildings, developing stores in the community. Thus, the area now named Cortland was
locally called Baconsburg.
The village of Cortland became a reality in 1874 when the first
railroad was built with a depot in Cortland. By 1882, the population of the village rose
to 614 people. There were three churches, two newspapers, stores, mills and other
enterprises.
Agriculture was the first and foremost industry in the area. Most
other industries were farm related: feed and flour mill, cheese, dairy and canning
factories, mercantiles and lumberyards.
In 1930's, plans were drawn up to dam the Mosquito Creek under the
Federal Flood Control Act to alleviate floods on the Mahoning, Beaver and Ohio rivers. The
dam would also provide domestic water supply for the city of Warren and pollution
abatement as a result of the industrialized steel production along the Mahoning River.
Completed in April 1944, the dam's capacity held 34 billion gallons of water covering
7,850 acres of land. In 1946. the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers entered into an agreement
with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to manage the recreation on the lake.
Camping
The campground at Mosquito Lake has 234 non-electric sites. The
majority of the sites are situated in a mature forest while others provide lakeshore
access and vistas. There is a boat launching area for the campers with shoreline tie-ups.
Facilities include a shower building with flush toilets, and pit latrines are located
throughout the camp. Children's playground, horseshoe pits and volleyball are also
available.
- Evergreen Lake Park
Over 70 acres of mostly wooded beautiful countryside. Our Ohio Campground has two large ponds for swimming and fishing. Over 250 campsites of all shapes and sizes all with water and electric and many with full hookup. Pull thru sites that can handle the big rigs. Rent
your site by the day, week, month, or stay with us for the season and enjoy our many planned activities.
Boating
Unlimited horsepower boating is permitted on the 7,850-acre lake.
Four launch ramps provide access to the lake. Fuel, boat rentals and seasonal dock rentals
are available.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing is popular throughout the year with plentiful catches of
walleye, bass, northern pike and crappie. Hunting is permitted in designated areas of the
park and the nearby Grand River Wildlife Area. Controlled hunts, by drawing, are conducted
in the Mosquito Wildlife Refuge in North Bloomfield, at the north end of the lake. A valid
Ohio fishing and/or hunting license is required.
Swimming
A 600-foot beach provides recreation for swimmers and sun bathers.
Trails
Several hiking trails allow visitors to explore the woodlands and
scenic shoreline of the park. Ten miles of bridle trails give horsemen access to the
park's interior. Snowmobilers have access to 14 miles of shoreline and 15 miles of wooded
trails.
Picnicking
Several picnic areas are located in the scenic areas of the park.
Tables and grills are provided.
Area Attractions
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains five recreational areas
along the dam site providing an nature trail and fitness course. A wheelchair accessible
fishing dock is located in the Lakeside Picnic Area.
Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, at the north end of the lake, is
managed under a lease agreement by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. Grand River Wildlife
Area is located west of the park along State Route 88.
Punderson, Pymatuning and West Branch state parks are located within
a one-hour drive of Mosquito Lake. These parks contain numerous facilities including
overnight accommodations and day-use amenities.
For more information on area attractions contact the Ohio Division
of Travel and Tourism by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE.
