Punderson State Park
- wilfredadesigns
- Sep 8
- 7 min read
Punderson State Park spans over 741 acres. It is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich history. The park offers numerous recreational activities. It is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Punderson State Park captivates both nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
HISTORY OF PUNDERSON STATE PARK
Origins and Early Development
Punderson Lake traces its formation back to the last Ice Age. The Wisconsinan glacier, which covered this region until around 14,000 years ago, left behind the deep, 90‑acre lake. The lake reaches depths of 85–90 feet in places, making it among the deepest glacial lakes in Northeast Ohio.
In 1806, Lemuel Punderson, migrating from New Haven, Connecticut, settled the area and built a grist mill and distillery near “The Big Pond.” He and his wife Sybil moved into a cabin by the pond in 1810. Following Punderson’s death in 1822, due to malaria, the pond was renamed “Punderson Pond” by his family in his honor.
Punderson Estate, Wales Hotel, and Early Tourism
After Sybil Punderson’s death in 1872, the land belonged to the family estate. The pond remained open for public recreation. In 1885, James E. Wales began construction of the Wales Hotel on the south end of the grounds. The hotel opened two years later, offering lodging, dining, dancing, fireworks, boating, and fishing. It remained a popular destination for approximately two decades
From Private Estate to Tudor-Style Mansion
In 1902, W. B. Cleveland a descendant of one of the early surveyors, Moses Cleveland, began purchasing land around the pond. He planned on creating a private hunting and fishing preserve. By 1907, he acquired nearly 505 acres, including control of the pond itself. The property was named Lakefield Farm and Kennels. It housed game animals, buffalo, and goats. There was a dog food factory, a six‑bedroom houseboat, and a maple sugar bush.
In the early 1920s, as Cleveland's health declined, the property passed to Dr. E. Coppedge. He contracted Detroit builder Karl Long to construct a grand, 43‑room English Tudor mansion on the site. Construction began in 1925. After Long defaulted on his mortgage in 1929, the property reverted to the Cleveland/Coppedge estate.
Transition to State Park and Lodge
In the early 1930s, Ocie Cleveland ran a girls’ summer camp at the site. Unable to maintain the property, she sold it to the State of Ohio in 1948. By 1951, the state commenced renovations to complete and adapt the mansion into a public lodge. The Manor officially opened to the public on November 15, 1956. It included eight guest rooms and dining facilities.
A significant expansion followed in 1965, adding 24 rooms and 26 cabins. By February 1, 1966, Punderson State Park Lodge debuted with 32 lodge rooms and 26 cabins. There was also an outdoor pool, tennis and shuffleboard courts, meeting and banquet facilities, a marina, beach, golf course, and hiking trails.
A brief closure in fall 1979 led to a comprehensive structural renovation costing around $655,000. The lodge reopened in March 1983 and has since operated year‑round. Today’s facility includes 31 guest rooms, 26 cabins, multiple dining and lounge areas, indoor‑outdoor pool access, an 18‑hole championship golf course, disc golf course, a marina, and a campground.
The park now encompasses approximately 741 acres and a 150‑acre lake. The land was transferred from Ohio's Division of Wildlife to the Division of Parks and Recreation in 1951.
WILDLIFE & HABITATS
Punderson State Park has a diverse ecosystem. It features lush woodlands, picturesque trails, and a sprawling 150-acre natural lake. It supports a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The forested areas are home to a variety of animals, while the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and black crappie.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
For those seeking adventure, Punderson State Park does not disappoint. Visitors can enjoy:
Hiking
Fishing
Boating
Birding
Bicycling
Swimming
Archery
Golfing
Disc Golfing
Picnicking
Sledding
Snowboarding
Cross-country Skiing
Snowmobiling
Punderson Lake
Punderson Lake is undoubtedly the park's crown jewel. It is approximately 150 acres in size. The glacially formed lake is used for various water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing.
HIKING TRAILS AT PUNDERSON STATE PARK
Punderson State Park offers a nice variety of trails that are fairly easy to navigate. There are short loops like the Beach Trail (0.5 miles) and Whitetail Trail (0.25 miles) and longer routes such as the Erie Trail (2.2 miles).
One of the best parts about the trail system is that it connects key areas of the park. You can start at the campground and walk all the way to the beach and even the manor without needing to get in your car.
We found that some trails were overgrown in places, which makes walking a bit tricky at times. Making our way through the tall weeds and grass stirred up a lot of bugs.
PUNDERSON STATE PARK DISC GOLF COURSE
The disc golf course at Punderson State Park is a really nice course. It even has concrete pads. A handful of baskets are positioned right next to the water, which raises the stakes and makes the course a little more challenging.
If we lived nearby, this would definitely be one of our regular spots to play. The course stands out not just for its layout, but also for the variety of challenges. Hole 3’s long pad and Hole 2’s long basket were the toughest of all. We didn’t even attempt them, knowing without a doubt a disc would end up in the lake.
CAMPING & OVERNIGHT STAYS
The Punderson State Park Campground offers a variety of sites from primitive to full hookup. Some sites are full sun, while others are shady. There are also some really nice sites that overlook the lake.
For those who are not interested in camping, you can stay in Punderson Manor or one of the cabins. The historic Punderson Manor offers elegant accommodations with modern conveniences. The 2 bedroom cabins are fully furnished and include modern conveniences.
PUNDERSON LAKE BOARDWALK
The Punderson Lake Boardwalk spans approximately 700 feet long. It is located along the western coastline of the lake near Punderson Manor. The floating walkway offers serene, unobstructed views of both the tranquil water and the stately manor.
The boardwalk is perfect for families, couples, and solo visitors looking to relax and take in the sites. On the walkway, you can spot a wide variety of wildflowers, birds, and animals.
EXPLORING PUNDERSON MANOR
The Punderson Manor, with its Tudor-style architecture, is a must-visit landmark within the park. Originally built in the 1920s, the Manor is rumored to be haunted, adding to its appeal. Visitors can explore the grand interiors, dine at the on-site restaurant, and learn about the Manor's history.
Punderson Manor would make a wonderful venue for weddings and special events.
The Haunting of Punderson Manor
Punderson Manor isn’t just a scenic escape. It also has a chilling reputation as one of Ohio’s more haunted lodges. Reports of paranormal activity began surfacing in the 1970s. Both staff and visitors have experienced unexplained phenomena throughout the lodge.
Notable ghostly events include:
A park ranger climbing the spiral staircase heard a woman’s laughter echoing through the hallway. Suddenly he felt an intense drop in temperature. Warmth only returned once the laughter stopped.
Witnesses have seen items move on their own. Doors opening and closing, pencils flying across rooms, faucets turning on and off, and even TVs switching without any prompting.
One employee was awakened by the sound of children laughing and running. The problem was, there were no children present.
In 1979, three employees witnessed a lumberjack figure hanging by the neck from the ceiling. He stayed suspended and swayed for nearly three hours before the sun rose, and the figure vanished.
A couple was staying in the supposedly haunted Windsor Suite. The wife was held down on the bed. It was as if several people were pressing on her. She insisted she couldn’t move until he lifted her hands.
Others report include hearing loud noises in vacant adjacent rooms, experiencing blankets being tugged, seeing glowing orbs, and feeling cold spots throughout the building.
Adding to the lore, some believe the spirit haunting the manor is the original settler Lemuel Punderson ("Pundy"). It is said he flicks lights on and off, moves objects, and makes his presence known in harmless ways.
Folklore also includes the tale of Lemuel's unusual death. History states Lemuel Punderson died from complications from malaria. However, legend claims he drifted into the lake in a bathtub and pulled the plug, resulting in his drowning.
THE CHANGING SEASONS
The beauty of Punderson State Park transforms with each season. In spring, the park comes alive with blossoming wildflowers and vibrant greenery. Summers provide a canvas for water-based activities and camping adventures. In the fall, the park's foliage is breathtaking and ideal for photoshoots. During the winter, snow often blankets the park, allowing visitors to partake in winter sports.
OUR THOUGHTS
We really enjoyed our time at Punderson State Park. The Manor was absolutely beautiful and full of character, making it a highlight of our visit. Seeing so much wildlife was a treat and one of the things we loved most about the park.
The trails were very peaceful. However, some areas were overgrown, which made walking more difficult. Around the canoe docks, the lake had quite a bit of algae. There were some visitors who found it off-putting. We didn’t think it took away from the overall peaceful setting.
When it came to dining, the food at the Manor was tasty and reasonably priced. The real standout was the Raspberry Donut Cheesecake. It was absolutely delicious and something we’d definitely go back for. Overall, Punderson offered a relaxing and enjoyable experience, with just a few small things that could make it even better.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PUNDERSON STATE PARK
Please note that trail rules and regulations can change at any time. The following information was in effect for Punderson State Park in Ohio as of August 2025.
There are several bathrooms located throughout the park.
Bicycles are permitted on multi-purpose trails. However, they are permitted on hiking trials in natural areas.
There is quite a bit of activity during migration.
There are only regular road bridges. No specialty bridges.
Concealed carry is permitted.
Dogs are permitted in some areas.
Trail surfaces are blacktop, concrete, wood and natural.
Several parking lots are located throughout the park.
Picnic tables are located in different areas of the park.
There is a playground in the campground and near the cabins.
There are benches at the beach. We did not see any benches on the trails.
A lot of shade.
Shelter house is located near the marina.
Trails are fairly easy to see and navigate.
No trashcans along the trail.
Punderson Lake
There are ADA parking spaces located throughout the park.
