The landscape surrounding Punderson State Park features evidence of the last glacier to scrape across Ohio. A natural kettle lake, Punderson Lake is the largest and deepest of its kind in Ohio. The lake provides a perfect destination for paddling, fishing, and relaxing along its lovely shoreline. Other outdoor pursuits include camping, hiking, and golfing (both traditional and disc golf).
Another one-of-a-kind feature is the stately English Tudor manor home, which took nearly 20 years to build. The enchanting lodge features charming guest rooms, modern conference space, and lakeside dining. Families will enjoy spending their vacation in one of the updated rustic two-bedroom cabins available year-round.
Situated in Ohio's snow belt, the park offers sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, plus a lighted sled hill with tow rope (when /conditions permit).
Overnight Options
Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center offers a warm, intimate atmosphere. There are 31 Guest Rooms in the manor as well as 26 Cabins available for reservation.
Punderson State Park Campground is closed until approximately May 12, 2023 due to construction. The campground has Full Hookup, Electric and Non-electric campsites. There are also three Group Camp areas. Reservations are required.
Activities
Archery
An archery range is located near the base of the sledhill, entrance is located across from the marina. Broadhead arrows are prohibited. Please bring your own equipment.
Boating
Hand-powered vessels and boats with electric motors are permitted on Punderson Lake. One launch ramp provides access to the lake. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented at the camp store.
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.
No fee is charged to play. Equipment is available seasonally from the Camp Store, (440) 564-1195.
Download the Disc Golf Course Map
Fishing
Punderson Lake and two smaller lakes — Pine Lake by the disc golf course and Stump Lake by the campground — are open to fishing. Anglers enjoy catches of bluegill, largemouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, and catfish.
- Ohio fishing regulations apply.
- A valid Ohio fishing license is required (16 and older).
Golf
The championship-rated, 18-hole public Punderson Manor 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 are located in scenic areas of the park.
Reservable Shelterhouse
One shelter is available on the park grounds for reservations across from the marina. When not reserved, the shelter is available first come, first serve. Reserve online or by calling (866) 644-6727.
Swimming
The park features a 600-foot public beach. Swimming is permitted in designated areas only. Please exercise caution while swimming at the beach. Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches.
- BeachGuard — Water quality advisories, Memorial Day to Labor Day, from Ohio Dept. of Health
Trails
There are approximately 11 miles of trails included on the seven hiking trails and one multi-use at the park. Several trails are open to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. Visitors are encouraged to call the park's Trail hotline at (440) 564-7825 to learn updated information on trail conditions.
- Boardwalk Trail — 0.5 Mile — Easy
- Beach Trail — 0.5 Mile — Easy
- Cayuga — 2 Mile — Easy (Multi-use trail)
- Erie Trail — 2.2 Miles — Moderate
- Huron Trail — 1.3 Miles — Moderate
- Iroquois Trail — 0.7 Mile — Moderate
- Mohawk Trail — 1.1 Miles — Moderate
- Mushers Trail — 1.2 Miles — Moderate
- Whitetail Trail — 0.1 Mile — Easy
Winter Recreation
Situated in the heart of Ohio’s “snow belt,” Punderson provides many great winter activities, under the proper conditions. Visitors are encouraged to call the park's Trail hotline at (440) 564-7825 to learn updated information on trail conditions.
A lighted sledding hill offers a tow rope to get you and your tube back to the top of the hill (when crowds and conditions permit). Punderson tow rope is for rented tubes only. The first three lanes are for rented tubes, and the far right lanes are for public use. Tube rentals and concessions are provided at the Punderson Sports Chalet.
Three snowmobile trails are available when conditions permit:
- Beach Trail — 0.5 Mile — Easy
- Erie Trail — 2.2 Miles — Moderate
- Iroquois Trail — 0.7 Mile — Moderate
Two cross-country ski trails are available as weather permits:
- Huron Trail — 1.3 Miles — Moderate
- Mohawk Trail — 1.1 Miles — Moderate
- Cayuga — 2 Mile — Easy (Multi-use trail)
Dog sleds are permitted
- Mushers Trail — 1.2 Miles — Moderate
- Cayuga — 2 Mile — Easy (Multi-use trail)
Cross-country skiing and dog sleds are also permitted on the multi-use trail when conditions permt.
More to Do
- Volleyball and basketball courts and shuffleboard are found at the lodge.
- Playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts are located in various day-use areas.
- A tennis court is located at the Chalet.
- Bicycles can be rented from the Camp Store
History & Natural Features
History
Both the park and the lake take their names from Lemuel Punderson, a young enterprising 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 city of Cleveland. Summer cottages and even a small hotel were built on the hills surrounding the lake. In 1929, construction began on the English Tudor-styled 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.
Natural Features
Punderson State Park is located in the glaciated plateau region of Ohio. During the Ice Age, this area was buried under glacial ice. The last glacier to enter Ohio's boundaries, the Wisconsinan, receded about 14,000 years ago. Punderson Lake, one of Ohio's few natural lakes, owes its origin to this massive ice sheet. It is a kettle lake, which was formed when a large block of ice broke off the glacier creating a depression that filled with meltwater. Punderson is the largest and deepest kettle lake in Ohio.
The aquatic environment of the lake combined with the surrounding woodlands provide Punderson a diverse array of natural wonders. The lake is home to a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl including great blue herons, Canada geese, and wood ducks. Punderson has a persistent population of Bald Eagles which can be observed year round. Ohio's largest rodent, the beaver, can also be spotted around the lake. Great horned owls, white-tailed deer, opossum, and raccoons can be found within the park boundaries.
In the park, the vegetation is as diverse as the animal population. Wild geranium, buttercup, blue-eyed grass, and pennywort are just a few of the wildflowers that inhabit the area.
Contact & Hours
Park Hours: 6am to 11pm daily. Visitors are permitted to actively engage in legitimate recreational activities outside these hours. If you have questions, call the park office.
Park Office: (440) 564-2279; 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday
Assistant Manager: Nicholas Reale
Manager: Jon Quisenberry
