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Cowan Lake 729 Beechwood Road Cowan Lake State Park offers a peaceful setting replete with scenic inlets laden with the American Lotus water lily. Swimming, fishing, sailing and canoeing are popular on the lake. Meandering trails through mature woodlands compliment the natural features of this scenic park. Nature of the Area It has been said that Ohio's history can be found written in the rocks. By studying the bedrock layers in Ohio, we know that ancient seas, marshes or swamps covered all or portions of the state at times over the past 500 million years. Sediment deposited by those ancient waters solidified into rock and eventually uplifted forming dry land. Animals and plants were embedded in the sediment, and today, these fossils reveal the different life forms that existed in Ohio's past.
Cowan Lake lies near the Cincinnati Arch, an uplifting of bedrock that occurred during the Appalachian Mountains' building process. The erosion of this arch in the Cowan region exposes fossil-rich limestone. The limestone near Cowan and other parts of the exposed arch are some of the most famous fossil hunting fields in the world. A fine stand of beech-maple forest can be found around the lake at Cowan. These woodlands contain beautiful wildflowers including bloodroot, wild ginger, spring beauties and trillium. The woods, fields and lake provide habitat for a variety of animals. Ring-neck pheasant, ducks, geese and herons are found here. Songbirds such as eastern bluebirds, catbirds, house wrens and many others inhabit the fields and bushy areas of the park. Mammals include white-tailed deer, raccoon, opossum, woodchuck, skunk and others. American Lotus, a brilliant water lily, is abundant in the lake's shallow areas. It is unusual to find such a large colony of lotus on an inland lake. The plant's leaves grow up to two feet in diameter supporting large yellow flowers. History of the Area The Cowan Lake region was once a stronghold of the Miami and Shawnee Indians. After their defeat at the hands of General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, the Indian threat subsided and settlement began here. In 1797, the first settler in the area, William Smalley, began clearing land for his home along the river which was later dammed to form Cowan Lake. Smalley had been captured by the Indians when he was a small child and was forced to live with them until he was twenty years old. He later fought in General Wayne's army, was recaptured, but luckily escaped with his life. Cowan Creek was named for the area's first surveyor, John Cowan. A dam was completed across Cowan Creek in 1950, and in 1968, Cowan Lake was dedicated as a state park. Cabins There are 27 family cabins situated in a wooded setting along the lake. Each cabin is heated, has two bedrooms, bath, living area with a sofa bed, complete kitchen, dining area and screened porch. Linens, towels, cooking and eating utensils are provided. Camping The campground has 237 campsites with electricity suitable for tents or trailers. Four sites are wheelchair accessible. The campground is equipped with a showerhouse, flush toilets, laundry facilities, dump station, camper's beach and a boat launch ramp. A commissary is equipped with snacks and camping items. Pet camping is offered on designated sites. Boating Boats with a ten horsepower limit are permitted on Cowan Lake. A marina concession offers boat, canoe and motor rental as well as fishing and picnic supplies. Launch ramps, fuel and dock rentals are also available. Sailing is very popular on the lake. Fishing and Hunting Muskie, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill are plentiful. Hunting is permitted in designated areas. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required. Swimming A public beach is located on the south lake shore. A bathhouse, showers and a snack bar are provided. Picnicking Picnic areas with tables and grills are located in many tree-shaded areas overlooking the lake. A shelterhouse and dance pavilion are each reservable. Contact the park office for details. Trails More than four miles of hiking trails begin near the cabin and camping areas and lead to scenic locations in the park. The Lotus Cove self-guided trail provides a boardwalk view of an American Lotus (water lily) colony while the Emerald Woods Trail meanders through a mature beech forest. Winter Meeting Room The camp commissary building can be rented during the off season for meetings, receptions or business retreats. It features a woodburning fireplace, restrooms and scenic view of the lake. Tables and chairs are provided. Contact the park office for details. Area Attractions Stonelick State Park, located 13 miles southwest of Cowan on State Route 727, and Caesar Creek State Park, situated 18 miles northwest of Cowan on State Route 73, both offer swimming, boating, fishing and camping. Caesar Creek Gorge, a state nature preserve is located adjacent to Caesar Creek State Park. Other attractions include Kings Island Amusement Park; and the outdoor drama, Blue Jacket. |
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