Fort Loramie State Park
⛵ Canal-Era Reservoir Turned Family Playground — 1,655-Acre No-Wake Lake, 600-Foot Beach, Disc Golf, and Buckeye Trail — A historic 1840s canal reservoir with 1,655-acre no-wake lake, 600-foot swimming beach, disc golf course, 8+ miles of hiking (Buckeye Trail), and family campground — Shelby County, Ohio
Lake Loramie State Park preserves a 1,655-acre lake originally built in 1845 as a storage reservoir for the Miami & Erie Canal — one of Ohio’s great canal-era engineering projects. Named after Pierre-Louis de Lorimier, a French-Canadian fur trader who established a trading post here in 1769, the park combines deep Ohio history with modern family recreation.
The lake is a no-wake zone (with a small speed area at the west end), making it perfectly peaceful for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. A 600-foot sandy beach provides summer swimming, while 8+ miles of hiking trails (including a section of the famous Buckeye Trail) wind through the surrounding woodlands. An 18-hole disc golf course and new Welcome Center (opened 2025) round out the experience.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | 600-foot sandy beach | Lifeguarded, picnic area, playground |
| Fishing | Crappie, bluegill, bass, catfish | 4 ADA-accessible fishing piers |
| Paddling | Canoe/kayak (no-wake lake) | Rentals for registered campers |
| Camping | Full-hookup, electric, tent | ADA cabins, showers, dump station |
| Hiking | 8+ miles, Buckeye Trail | Multi-use trails through woodlands |
| Disc Golf | 18-hole course | Free to play |
| Winter Sports | Ice fishing, sledding | Snowmobiling permitted |
Canal History
| Period | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1769 | Peter Loramie’s trading post | French-Canadian fur trade |
| 1845 | Reservoir construction | Miami & Erie Canal feeder |
| 1949 | Became state park | Recreation conversion |
| 2025 | New Welcome Center opens | Ice Age to canal-era exhibits |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 72–85°F | Beach, camping, paddling, disc golf |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 48–68°F | Hiking, fishing, foliage on Buckeye Trail |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 45–68°F | Fishing, wildflowers, quiet camping |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 22–38°F | Ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day Use | FREE | Ohio state parks — no entry fee |
| Campsite | $22–$35/night | Electric + full hookup options |
| Cabin | $60–$90/night | ADA-accessible options |
| Day Trip | FREE | Beach + trails + disc golf |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a no-wake lake?
Speed restrictions protect wildlife and paddlers. Most of the 1,655-acre lake is no-wake, making it ideal for peaceful paddling. A small speed zone exists at the west end.
What is the Buckeye Trail?
Ohio’s famous 1,444-mile loop trail that circles the entire state. Lake Loramie contains a section of this iconic long-distance trail.
Is there a new Welcome Center?
Yes — opened in September 2025. Features exhibits covering the area’s history from the Ice Age through the canal era.
⛵ Canal-Era Lake Recreation
1,655-acre no-wake lake, 600-foot beach, Buckeye Trail hiking, disc golf, and Ohio canal history — all free entry.
