What makes Chippewa Park sights so special is the silent story hidden between the old oaks and the quiet strollers of the nearby Little Miami River. I remember the first walk through the former industrial area, which started in the 20th century. Developed from a small timber industry to a tranquil resort – a change that one would hardly believe if one only sees the rusted relics on the edge. The municipality of Logan, which forms the heart of Stokes Township, has repeatedly created new life for the place, and this is felt when you arrive by train from Columbus and are suddenly surrounded by fields and old barns. No wonder the locals like to unpack their bikes and cycle along the flat paths, while I prefer to sit in the car and enjoy the country roads that have more curves than a bad crime. Honestly, the hype about the “big” cities is overrated – here you will find real conversations with people who still know how to give a handshake, and this is for me the real highlight among the Chippewa Park sights.
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The first stop is the glittering water of Chippewa Lake, which spreads like an unnoticed jewel between the fields of Stokes Township – a place where I spent my childhood with squeaking rubber boots while the sun reflected in the waves. Easy to reachbecause parking on the southern shore is almost still a little free as long as you don't come with the whole neighborhood on weekends.
Only a short walk away is the decaying relic of the Chippewa Lake Park, a former amusement park, which today serves as an open air museum for nostalgics. I don't quite understand the hype about abandoned places, but the rusty roller coasters and the rusty carousel have something magical – almost as if you were to browse through a forgotten chapter of the 70s. If you like a little scary, you should cross the old wooden bridge before it finally collapses.
A few miles east, almost like a secret trip, lies Hueston Woods State Park. There is not only a crystal clear lake, but also a network of trails that lead through dense beech forests. I spent half a day there to recover from the city and was surprised how well the signage works – a rare consolation in the wilderness. Parking is well organised at the main entrance, but at the summer holidays it can be filled quickly.
If you have enough trees, the path continues to the Miami-and-Erie Canal-Towpath, a piece of historical waterway that today serves as a cycling and walking route. I tried the route from Troy to Dayton and was impressed by how well the old locks were restored. The path is flat, ideal for a relaxed bike tour, and the small information signs tell of the glorious era of the canal – a bit of history that you can actually see without entering a museum.
A small trip to West Liberty is also worth it. This tiny little town has a well-preserved 19. ‐century cityscape that reminds me of a film set every time. The old brick houses and the small main street with their only café serving the best apple cake in the region are a perfect place to let the soul dangle. Parking is available on the outskirts of the village, and the whole feels like a step back into time – without missing modern amenities.
At the end of my small tour, the Logan County Fairgrounds must not be missing, which becomes a colorful spectacle every year in August. I've seen the cattle stall there for the first time – an experience you don't have every day. The fairgrounds are just outside of Logan, but the approach is uncomplicated, and parking is not a problem thanks to the generous areas. If you are lucky, you can even discover a few local craft stands that offer handmade souvenirs.
Whether you prefer the quiet stroller of the Chippewa Lake, the melancholic romance of the abandoned Chippewa Lake Park or the lively atmosphere of the Logan County Fairgrounds – the surroundings of Chippewa Park offer a colourful mix of nature, history and local culture. These Chippewa Park Sights show that a short trip from Logan has more to offer than one would suspect at first glance.
Already at first glance at the glittering water of the Chippewa Lake it becomes clear why I become a bit humble every time I come back here – this is my personal favorite place in Chippewa Park, Stokes Township, and I promise you that you will not only get a bit of water here but a whole piece of Ohio charm.
The lake itself is not only the heart, but also a bit the ego of the place. I've seen countless sunrises there while I paddle over the quiet bay with my old kayak; the only thing that blurred the experience was an overseen-family stand that almost made me laugh. Easy to reachbecause parking on the main entrance is almost always free – except on the rare Saturday afternoons, when the local anglers put their boats on and turn the field into a battlefield from car numbers.
A short walk takes you to Chippewa Lake Marina, where I found my favorite places for a cool beer after a long day on the water. The marina is a bit like a mini port for hobby captains, and the staff there knows every angler by name – a bit exaggerated, but that makes the charm. If you're lucky, you can even borrow an old, slightly rusty rowing boat that has more history than a museum.
And then there are still Chippewa Lake Nature Traila narrow path that winds around the lake and leads you through a thicket of trees that are older than my grandparents. I have once discovered a turtle that seems to be dying in the shadow of a maple all summer – a sight that reminded me that nature is still a bit undisturbed. The trail is well signposted, but don't forget to take your hiking boots; the pebbles can even bring the most sturdy pedestrian to stumbling.
For the history lovers (and I don't just mean that because I am a little a nostalgic myself) there is the Stokes Township Historical Society Museum. The museum is a small but fine building located in a former school house. There you will find exhibits ranging from old land machines to yellowed photos of the former Chippewa Lake Amusement Park – yes, the old amusement park area that has been orphaned since the late 70s, but is still a magnet for Urban Explorer. I don't understand the hype about abandoned roller coasters, but the rusty carousel there has something magical that reminds me of my childhood every time.
Another highlight I don't want to hide is the Chippewa Lake Golf Course. The place is located right by the lake and not only offers a decent portion of green, but also a breathtaking view while you try to beat the ball over the water. I have experienced my best (and worst) crashes there – the weather is here as ludicrous as a teenager, so always bring an umbrella, even if the prediction promises sunshine.
If you are looking for a place where you can exchange with locals, the Chippewa Lake Community Center is just the right one. There are regular small events – from bingo to local crafts markets. I once met an old man there, who told me that he made his first steps in the park as a child; the conversation ended with giving me a self-made jam glass – no joke, this is everyday.
All this together Chippewa Park Sights to a kaleidoscope of nature, history and a bit of a rugged charm. I could still sleep for hours, but honestly, the real pleasure is to see even with my own eyes, how the water glistens, the birds circle and the people here – despite all the small macks – enjoy life to the full.
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