Ohio's A.W. Marion State Park

Located in Pickaway county the 309 acre A.W. Marion State Park offers a variety of activities for its visitors.  Included in these activities are boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming and with the right conditions even sledding, ice skating and ice fishing.  

• Boating - The 145 acre Hargus Creek Lake has one boat ramp that allows access for canoes, kayaks and boats with electric motors.  There are also boat rentals available at the park.
• Fishing - Fishing in the Hargus Creek Lake is open to individuals who possess an Ohio state fishing permit and offers anglers the chance to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill.  During the winter months anglers can enjoy ice fishing when conditions allow.
• Hiking - The Hargus Lake Trail is a total of five miles long and runs along the lakes shoreline.  The Squawroot Trail offers a one mile hike through the scenic terrain of the area.  The parks two trails are available for use all year long.
• Hunting - During squirrel season designated areas of the A.W. Marion State Park are open for squirrel hunting.
• Swimming - Although there is no swim beach, swimming from you boat is allowed in designated areas on the lake.
• Ice Skating - When conditions permit during the winter months ice skating is allowed on the Hargus Creek Lake.

Whether you want to go boating, fishing, swimming and hiking or you just want to sit back and relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings the A.W. Marion State Park offers something for everyone.

For more information on this park check out the ODNR Division of State Parks Website.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

North Dakota's Beaver Lake State Park

The Beaver Lake State Park in North Dakota is comprised of 283 acres on the west shore of the Beaver Lake.  During the summer months of mid-May through the end of September this lake attracts visitors who enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing and water skiing.  The park remains staffed year round for camping and picnicking.  Hiking is another activity that can be enjoyed in this park.

• Camping - There are 31 campsites as well as three rentable cabins.
• Boating/Water Skiing - Beaver Lake allows access for boating and water skiing
• Fishing - This lake is approximately 964 acres.  While fishing this lake you may catch Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch.
• Hiking - There are numerous hiking trails in the Beaver Lake State Park covering 5.3 miles.

1. The Nature Trail is a .32 mile interpretive loop winding through woodlands, through prairie land as well as bringing its hikers near the lake.
2. The Old Settlers Trail is a .49 mile trail that passes by the campground, cabins and lake shore.
3. The Woodland Trail is a .67 mile that makes its way in and out of woodlands and prairie lands offering the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife.
4. The Moraine Loop Trail is a 2.28 mile trail that passes through the rocky moraine offering excellent views of the Beaver Lake.
5.  The Lake View Loop is a .36 mile loop that is accessed via the Moraine Loop Trail.  Hikers on this trail may encounter birds, beavers, raccoons, squirrels and even deer.
6. The Rolling Prairie Loop is a 1.02 mile trail through the most secluded sections of the Beaver Lake State Park.  This trail features many native grasses as well as prairie wildflowers. 

For more information on the Beaver Lake State Park or to make reservations, check out the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Website.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day