If you’ve never visited Deer Creek State Park, you’ll want to plan a trip as soon as possible.

This state park is one of the best, offering a huge variety of activities and accommodations for visitors. The park has a resort, a marina, a large campground, and so much more. It really is an outdoor lover’s paradise, perfect for families and solo travelers alike.

Deer Creek State Park also happens to have a very interesting and presidential history. The park is home to the historical Harding Cabin. In the early 20th century, a cabin that stood overlooking the valley was owned by the Attorney general under President Harding, Harry M. Daugherty. It was built in 1918 and served as a sort of hunting retreat for Daugherty and his friends, which allegedly included President Harding.

But long before the cabin was built, indigenous people called the ridge above Deer Creek and its valley home. In 2000 BC, the people living in the area belonged to nomadic hunter-gatherer tribes. They would come to the camp throughout the year and due to the burial sites around the camp, we know that the area was inhabited over a long period of time.

The creek became a lake in 1968 when the dam was completed. Six years later, the state park officially opened, and it’s been one of the most visited state parks ever since.

The list of things to do at the park is absolutely massive, but we’ve chosen the most popular activities to highlight here. Get out there and explore, Columbus! It’s a beautiful state we live in.

Boating

Deer Creek reservoir is 1,277 acres and offers unlimited horsepower boating. There are two boat launch ramps and a fully-equipped marina that offers fuel, boat renal, and seasonal dock rentals. While you can’t just hop off your boat for a swim anywhere in the lake, there is a special boat-swim area located in the cove by the lodge!

Sports

With everything from volleyball and pickleball to archery and skiing, there are a variety of ways to enjoy sports at Deer Creek State Park. One of the most popular activities takes advantage of the water. Stand-up paddle boards and kayaks are available to rent at the lodge for all visitors.

Wildlife watching

The park is a fantastic place to do a little wildlife watching. You can see all kinds of species at the park, including local amphibians like the adorable spring peeper, reptiles like painted turtles and rat snakes, and tons of impressively cute mammals. We’re talking…