741-acre Punderson State Park with its 150-acre natural lake, resort manor house, family cottages, golf course and scenic campground, provides many recreational opportunities for visitors. Punderson is also Ohio's premier winter sports park. Sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are all at their best.
History
Both the park and the lake take their names from Lemuel Punderson, a young enterprizing land agent who became Newbury Township's first permanent settler in 1808. Punderson constructed a small dam on the south side of the "big pond," as he called it, and used the outflowing water as the power source for a grist mill. The Punderson family developed a small estate on the edge of the sparkling blue lake, and their home became a popular gathering place for family and friends.
The area surrounding Punderson Lake developed into a quiet resort providing a get-away from the bustling Cleveland setting. Summer cottages and even a small hotel were built on the hills surrounding the lake. In 1929, construction began on the English-tudor manor house, but the facility was not completed until 1948. That year, the ODNR Division of Wildlife purchased the land and lake for hunting and fishing. In 1951, the area was transferred to the Division of Parks and Recreation for development as a state park. The manor house was completely remodeled and opened to the public on November 15, 1956. A structural renovation was completed in 1982.
Camping
The campground is situated on the site of a former Indian village
167 20-amp electric sites
20 full-service sites with 30-/50-amp electric, water & sewer. Water and sewer are not available during winter season (beginning Oct. 31)
3 group sites with 20-amp electric service (accommodates up to 25 people)
Showerhouses, flush toilets, and dump station
Pets are permitted at all sites
Nature center
Camp office loans games to registered campers
Activities
Boating
Electric motors only are permitted on Punderson Lake. One launch ramp provides access to the lake and boat rentals are available at the marina concession.
Disc Golf
Punderson has one of the best disc golf courses in the state. Open year-round, the course features the only island basket in the state park system. The disc golf course consists of 18 holes built by the Friends of Punderson State Park near the Musher's Trail.
Fishing
Punderson Lake, as well as two smaller lakes, are open to fishing. Anglers enjoy catches of bluegill, largemouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, and catfish. A valid Ohio fishing license is required.
Golf
The championship-rated, 18-hole public golf course challenges even the expert golfer. Reservations are always advisable and are required for weekend play. The pro shop stocks all necessary merchandise and has a snack bar. Call the pro shop to reserve a tee time: (440) 564-5465
Picnicking
Seven picnic facilities with tables, grills and drinking water are located in scenic areas of the park.
Swimming
The park features a 600-foot public beach. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.
Trails
There are approximately 11 miles of trails included on the seven hiking trails and one multi-use at the park offers.
Several trails are open to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter:
Beach Trail - 1/2 Mile - Easy
Cayuga 2 Mile - Easy (Multi-use trail)
Whitetail Trail - 0.1 Mile - Easy
Erie Trail - 2.2 Miles - Moderate
Huron Trail - 1.3 Miles - Moderate
Iroquois Trail - 3/4 Mile - Moderate
Mohawk Trail - 1.1 Miles - Moderate
Mushers Trail - 1.2 Miles - Moderate
Winter Recreation
Situated in the heart of Ohio’s “snow belt,” Punderson provides many great winter activities, under the proper conditions.
Lighted sledding hill with tow rope.
Six miles of multi-use trails are available for cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
Three snowmobile trails offer access to the park for those with snowmobiles:
Beach Trail - 1/2 Mile - Easy
Erie Trail - 2.2 Miles - Moderate
Iroquois Trail - 3/4 Mile - Moderate
Two cross-country ski trails are available as weather permits:
Huron Trail - 1.3 Miles - Moderate
Mohawk Trail - 1.1 Miles - Moderate
Dog sleds are permitted on the Mushers Trail which is a moderate 1.2 miles.
Volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes and shuffleboard are found at the lodge.
A tennis court is located at the Chalet.
Playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts are located in various day-use areas.
An archery range and practice area is located near the sledhill. Please bring your own equipment. Broadhead arrows are prohibited.
