Summary
The park covers an area of 630 acres and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including deer, turkeys, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and nature watching in this scenic park.
One of the main attractions of Ottawa County State Park is the lake, which is perfect for fishing and boating. The lake is stocked with several types of fish, including bass, catfish, and trout, making it a popular destination for anglers. The park also has several picnic areas, playgrounds, and campsites, making it a great place for families and groups of friends to spend the day or the weekend.
There are several interesting facts about Ottawa County State Park that make it a unique destination. For example, the park is home to a limestone cave that was once used as a hideout by outlaws. Visitors can explore the cave and learn about its history on a guided tour.
The best time of year to visit Ottawa County State Park depends on your interests. If you love outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and camping, the summer months are the best time to visit. However, if you prefer cooler weather and fall foliage, the autumn months are a great time to visit. Additionally, the park offers several winter activities, such as ice fishing and snowmobiling, making it a year-round destination.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References