Conneaut Lake, located in northwestern Pennsylvania, is the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania. Formed by receding glaciers, Conneaut Lake is what remained when left-behind ice blocks melted during the Pleistocene Era. The resulting Conneaut Lake is about 947 acres, with a maximum depth of 60 feet, although the lake averages about 19 feet overall.

Conneaut Lake sees many visitors arriving to visit the famed Conneaut Lake Park. This amusement park first opened in 1892 on the western shore and was originally called Exposition Park. From its early beginning as a picnic grounds, the park began adding attractions over the years. A major fire in 1908 necessitated a complete rebuild and was renamed Conneaut Lake Park in 1920. Fans of bumper cars, water rides, a ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl and roller coasters flock to the park. Most popular is the Blue Streak, a world-famous wooden roller coaster that is considered a required visit for true roller coaster aficionados. There is fun to be had here for young and old alike.

 

Fun at the amusement park is only one of the attractions Conneaut Lake holds. Sparkling lake waters attract visitors all year long. During warm months, the no-horsepower-limit lake attracts jet skiers and power boaters, often towing water skiers. Three boat launches, two public and one private, provide water access. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) maintains the boat ramp at the north end of the lake. The Borough of Conneaut Lake maintains the other public launch at Fireman's Beach (fee required). The private launch is owned by the marina at the south end of the lake. Fireman's Beach includes a swimming beach, shoreline fishing area, playground, picnic facilities, and restrooms. So, soak up some sun, enjoy gentle lake breezes, and satisfy your appetite with a delicious picnic lunch, whether cruising by boat or relaxing on a sandy beach.

In autumn, the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of the treed countryside form the backdrop for the annual Pumpkinfest. The festival features such kid-pleasing attractions as a haunted train ride, inflatable rides, pumpkin-themed contests and a pumpkin-themed pirate ship cruise. Winter turns the vista white and creates a wonderland ideal for ice skating, snowman-building, sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The museum operated by the Conneaut Lake Area Historical Society explores the lake's history, starting with the Ice Age receding glaciers and the Wooly Mammoths that roamed the area. The Iroquois Indians hunted fish and wildlife at the lake and left behind spears, tools, and other artifacts. The lake was instrumental in providing water to the historic Erie-Pittsburgh Extension Canal before the railroad began transporting visitors to the lake in the 1860s. The museum also traces the founding of Exposition Park, later renamed Conneaut Lake Park. The museum is a great place to 'walk down memory lane.'

Conneaut is a productive fishing lake with catches of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, northern pike, muskellunge, brown and yellow bullhead trout, crappie and bluegill. No matter what your interests, Conneaut Lake is the perfect spot to spend a day or so unwinding and recharging your energy.