Independence Dam State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Independence Dam State Park is a 591-acre park located in Defiance County, Ohio.


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Summary

The park is named after the Independence Dam on the Maumee River, which was built in 1918. There are several good reasons to visit the park, including hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

One of the main points of interest at Independence Dam State Park is the Maumee River, which is a popular spot for fishing. The river is known for its walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish. The park also has several hiking trails, including the Buckeye Trail and the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Another interesting feature of the park is the Independence Dam State Park Nature Center, which has exhibits on the local flora and fauna, as well as information on the history of the area. The park also has a campground with 98 sites, including electric and non-electric sites.

The best time of year to visit Independence Dam State Park is in the spring and fall, when the weather is cooler and the fall foliage is at its peak. In the summer, the park can be quite crowded with boaters and anglers. In the winter, the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Overall, Independence Dam State Park is a great destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you're interested in fishing, hiking, or just enjoying a picnic with friends and family, there's something for everyone at this beautiful Ohio state park.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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