Lake Loramie State Park is a public recreation area located on the northeast side of Fort Loramie, Ohio. It occupies 407 acres on 1,655-acre Lake Loramie and is operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Address:
4401 Ft Loramie Swanders Road, Minster, OH 45865
(937) 295-2011
Open 24 hours
History of Lake Loramie and Peter Loramie:
Lake Loramie was named after French-Canadian trader Pierre-Louis de Lorimier (anglicized to Peter Loramie). He established a trading post at the mouth of Loramie Creek in 1769. Lake Loramie was constructed in 1844–45 as a storage reservoir supplying water to the Miami-Erie Canal system.
The name "Loramie" is commemorated in several places in Ohio, including Lake Loramie and the nearby town of Loramie. These names honor Peter Loramie’s contributions to the region.
Peter Loramie was born on July 15, 1778, in Pennsylvania. Loramie moved to Ohio, where he became involved in the development of the region. He was an early settler and played a role in the local community, contributing to its growth.
Loramie is most notably connected to the Miami and Erie Canal, a significant infrastructure project in Ohio. The canal was designed to link the Ohio River with Lake Erie, facilitating trade and transportation across the state. Loramie was instrumental in its construction and development, helping to manage and oversee parts of the project.
Peter Loramie passed away on August 27, 1852.
Miami and Erie Canal:
The Miami and Erie Canal was constructed between 1825 and 1850. During its peak, the canal was a vital transportation route for goods and people. Lake Loramie, being a key component of the canal system, played a significant role in supporting this infrastructure.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the canal system began to decline due to competition from railroads and changes in transportation technology. The Miami and Erie Canal was eventually abandoned as a major transportation route.
Visitors to the park can still see remnants of the Miami and Erie Canal, which adds a historical dimension to the recreational experience.
In 1949, Lake Loramie was turned over the Division of Parks and Recreation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In the mid-20th century, as the canal's significance waned, the area around Lake Loramie began to be repurposed for recreational use. Lake Loramie State Park was officially established.
Map:
Trails:
Lake Loramie State Park offers a variety of trails that cater to different outdoor activities:
- Loramie Lake Trail - 3.6 miles - easy
- Canal Trail - 1.5 miles - easy
- Blackberry Island - 1 miles - easy
- Lakeview Trail - 2 miles - easy
- Little Turtle Trace - 1 mile - easy
- Miami-Erie Trail - 1 mile - easy (Part of Buckeye Trail)
- Upper Loramie Trail - 2 miles - easy
- Portion of the Buckeye Trail - 2 miles - moderate (part of Miami-Erie Trail inside the park)
There are also several shorter trails and paths in the park designed for multi-use activities, including hiking, biking, and jogging. These trails weave through the park’s natural areas, offering a variety of experiences.
Other Information:
Lake Loramie is popular for fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, history, and camping.
The park has a campground with facilities for tent camping and RVs. There are modern restrooms and showers available.
There is a visitor center where you can get maps and information about the park.
Annie Oakley:
Annie Oakley, an American sharpshooter and performer, was born on August 13, 1860. She was born in a log cabin in Darke County, Ohio, near the town of Willowdell. Her birthplace is now marked by a historical site.
Address and Directions:
Annie Oakley Historical Site:
- Address: 3000 U.S. Route 127, Greenville, OH 45331
Directions from Greenville, OH:
- Start in Greenville, OH: Greenville is a central point in Darke County.
- Head South on US-127: Travel south on U.S. Route 127 from Greenville.
- Continue to Willowdell: The historical marker is located near Willowdell, which is a small community along U.S. Route 127.
Parking and Access:
- There is a small parking area near the historical marker. The site is accessible by car, and you can view the marker from the roadside.
Directions from Annie Oakley Historical Marker to Lake Loramie State Park
The distance between the Annie Oakley Historical Marker and Lake Loramie State Park is approximately 13 to 15 miles, depending on the specific starting point and route taken. Here's a guide for driving between the two locations:
- Start at the Annie Oakley Historical Marker: Located near the intersection of U.S. Route 127 and State Route 705, about 5 miles southwest of Greenville, Ohio.
- Head South on U.S. Route 127:
- Travel south on U.S. Route 127 from the historical marker.
- Turn East onto State Route 362:
- Follow U.S. Route 127 to the intersection with State Route 362. Turn east (left) onto State Route 362.
- Continue on State Route 362:
- Follow State Route 362 for approximately 8 miles to reach Lake Loramie State Park.
Annie Oakley Information:
Annie was born Phoebe Ann Mosey to Jacob and Susan Mosey. Annie developed her sharpshooting skills by hunting to help support her family. At 15 she won a shooting contest against Frank E. Butler. He later because her husband and partner in performances.
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show: Annie Oakley was a sharpshooter in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. She showcased her marksmanship and became a symbol of American frontier spirit.
Annie Oakley was a role model for women and for her contributions to the entertainment industry. Over her career, she set numerous shooting records and earned acclaim. Also, Annie was an advocate for women’s rights, demonstrating that women could excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Annie Oakley passed away on November 3, 1926, at the age of 66. She was buried in the Brock Cemetery near her hometown in Darke County, Ohio.
New Bremen, Minster & the Miami and Erie Canal:
New Bremen, founded in 1833 by Swiss immigrants, benefited significantly from its proximity to the canal. The village is located in Auglaize County, not far from the canal route. The canal’s completion brought increased trade and transportation options to New Bremen, contributing to its growth. The canal made it easier for local farmers and businesses to transport their goods to larger markets, boosting the local economy.
Conclusion:
You can easily visit Lake Loramie State Park, New Bremen, Minster, and Annie Oakley's birthplace in a single trip. We did! We also did some short hikes in the park and along the canal. It is a beautiful area and definitely a place I would go back to.
If you have any questions or would like to provide additional information, please let us know.
