Contact Information
P.O. Box 429
Geneva, OH 44041
440-466-8400
Geneva State Park exhibits graphic evidence of the dynamic effects Lake Erie has on the changing landscape. The lake has been a dominant force shaping Ohio's natural and cultural development for thousands of years.Its beginning can be traced to the glacial era of Ohio's geologic history when the state was covered by ice over a mile thick. During the Pleistocene (Ice Age), continental glaciers advanced and receded from Ohio at least four times. The scouring action of this ice sheet created the Lake Erie Basin which slowly filled as the ice melted northward to Canada. Initially, the newly formed lake drained to the southwest into the Mississippi River. When the glacier retreated from near present-day Buffalo, New York, a new outlet was exposed via the Niagara River. A flood of water escaped, draining the shallow western basin and much of the central basin. Twelve-thousand years ago, this outlet was 100 feet lower than it is today due to the great weight of the mile-thick ice depressing the land surface. The rebounding of this bedrock is reflected in the present lake level.
Geneva offers the visitor a natural beach, several areas of freshwater marsh and beautiful mature woodlots. The middle and western beach areas contain plants that are rare in Ohio but characteristic of the Atlantic coast. Sea rocket, seaside spurge, beach pea and silverweed can be found on the Geneva beaches. Marshes located at the mouth of Cowles Creek, No Name Creek and Wheeler Creek contain swamp smartweed, leafy sedge and submerged aquatic vegetation.
Acquisition of land to create Geneva State Park began in 1964 continuing through 1972. Today, visitors find the quiet, peaceful park a respite from busy schedules.
The picnic areas at Geneva are especially inviting. Chestnut Grove is a relatively old woodlot comprised primarily of white oak. The Crabapple Picnic Area features two shelters perfect for family reunions or other large gatherings. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The full facility campground includes electricity, showers and flush toilets. Sites vary from hardwood shade to sunny meadows. The park also offers three Rent-A-Camp units during the summer season months. Reservations required. In addition, those with pets are welcome to stay at designated pet campsites.
Lake Erie provides unlimited opportunities for boaters. A six-lane boat ramp provides easy access to Lake Erie's central basin. Geneva State Park Marina, completed in 1989, is a focal point of the park's facilities. The marina features 383 docks and also rents bicycles and wave runners. The concession area supplies gasoline, boating essentials, and bait, also has restrooms and a canteen. Catches of walleye, Coho salmon and yellow perch are common in Lake Erie.
A 300-foot guarded swimming beach adorns the shoreline. The entire length of the park overlooks Lake Erie for approximately two miles with access to the lake provided at various points along the lakefront. The east breakwall of the marina is capped with a sidewalk.
Trailblazers enjoy three miles of multi-use trails. Frequent users include hikers, cross-country skiers and hunters. Hunting in designated areas is permitted. Anglers and hunters are required to have a valid Ohio hunting and / or fishing license.
In addition, a privately owned, public golf course lies within the park boundaries. Photographers delight in the twelve covered bridges found in the county.
Geneva State Park offers the outdoor enthusiast camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, nature study, picnicking, full-service marina, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. Golfing is found within the park boundaries and twelve covered bridges rest within Ashtabula County, minutes from the park.
This state has four distinct seasons and a brilliant fall foliage display in it southern woods during mid October. Winter lasts from December through February with average temperatures near 25 degrees F. Low temperatures dip to single digits, but do not often drop below zero. Northern regions of the state receive average snowfall amounts of 55 inches, while the central and southern regions of the state receive lesser amounts with averages near 30 inches. This difference is caused by lake-affect moisture patterns.
Spring temperatures begin to warm the landscapes of Ohio by mid March and are in full swing by April. Temperatures range from 40 through 70 degrees F through the spring months. This season often brings the most rainfall, before the drying heat of summer. Summer can be extremely hot and humid in the interior of Ohio. Temperatures reach above 90 degrees F frequently through July and August. Cooler fall temperatures don't reach the region until mid to late September. This is a pleasant time to visit as the air is crisp with low humidity levels. Ohio's annual precipitation usually reaches slightly above 50 inches.
