Springfield Lake is located in the center of Springfield township. The lake is a glacially formed kettle lake created during the last iceage. Springfield Lake is one of the few natural lakes found in Ohio.
Category: Recreation
Lakeside Park – Canoes
Flags are waving as visitors to Akron’s Lakeside Park enjoy a day of rest on the waters of Summit Lake. Lakeside was built by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. in 1887. It was an attraction and picnic ground destination accessible by the railway. Lakeside would later be absorbed into Summit Beach Park.
Lakeside Park – Dance Pavilion
A steamboat prepares to depart Lakeside, on the east side of Summit Lake. The park was opened by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. as a picnic grounds in 1887. The growth of Summit Beach Park eventually absorbed Lakeside Park.
Akron Skyline from Summit Lake
The history of Summit Lake predates the glaciers that carved their way across this region in the last Ice Age. This massive urban lake sits almost 400 feet above Lake Erie.
Summit Beach Park
It’s a busy day at Akron’s Summit Beach Park. Visitors take in the many amusements and attractions at the famed park on the shores of Summit Lake. – Summit Beach Park averaged 25,000 visitors a day at its peak.
Summit Beach Park – Boats on the Canal
Among the many attractions at Summit Beach Park were the “Around the Lake” (and a little of the canal) boat rides.
Simon Perkins Monument at Grace Park
“Colonel” Simon Perkins (1805–1887) was a businessman, farmer, state senator, and entrepreneur. He spent most of his life in Akron. The title “Colonel” was honorary; no records exist that show he served in the military. Col. Perkins’ father, General Simon Perkins (1771-1844) was an early settler, businessman, and surveyor of the Connecticut Western Reserve, which would later…
Gorge – High Bridge Glenn’s and Falls
The High Bridge Glens and Caves Park, located along the Cuyahoga River in Cuyahoga Falls, was a popular tourist destination in the late 1800s. The park attracted as many as 8,000 visitors per day. The entire area is currently submerged behind the NOT&L “Edison” Dam.
Summit Beach Park – Cars
A crowded parking lot at Akron’s popular amusement park, Summit Beach Park on the shores of Summit Lake.
Silver Lake Park – Toboggan
“The Toboggan at Silver Lake (six miles north of Akron) is one of the most attractive features of this popular resort. During the summer season, thousands of visitors are whirled through the air on these cars at a breathtaking rate of speed. In addition to the Toboggan, the Silver Lake Company provides swimming, boating, and…
Grace Park – Entrance
A gift from Colonel Simon Perkins to the people of Akron, Grace Park (named for his wife) was one of two parks provided by Perkins. The other was Union Park.
Camp Ledgewood – Girl Scouts
Camp Ledgewood was established in 1931 with 350 acres near Akron, Ohio in Peninsula. The camp boundaries are within the modern day Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Silver Lake Park – Steamboat
In 1874, the lake and the land surrounding it was a popular amusement park in the Akron area. Beginning in 1876 by Ralph H. Lodge began acquiring the lake and its surrounding land. It was originally a picnicking and swimming area, but quickly grew into the Silver Lake Amusement Park. The Park featured animal exhibits,…
Silver Lake Park – Dance Hall
From the 1870s through 1917, Silver Lake Park was one of Ohio’s most popular amusement parks. The park had a dance hall, steamboat rides, menagerie, aquarium, roller coasters, miniature RR, Chautauqua Auditorium, aviation field, and an arcade.
Crooks Landing on Long Lake
The landing was located on the south shore of Long Lake – the Portage Lakes.
Lakeside Park – Pavilion
Woman standing on the shore of Summit Lake at Lakeside Park. The Pavilion and merry-go-round are visible in the background. Lakeside Park was opened in 1877 by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. The park, located on the eastern shore of Summit Lake, was a popular picnic destination. As Summit Beach Park’s popularity grew, it absorbed Lakeside Park.
Grace Park
Location across from Akron’s Union Station, Grace Park became a hotspot for political campaigns and “whistle stop” speeches. Rutherford B. Hayes, William H. Taft, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt all gave speeches to large crowds at Grace Park.
League Park II
League Park II was located near Summit Lake along Lakeshore Blvd. between W. Long St. and W. Crosier St. in Akron, Ohio.
League Park
The original League Park was located at the corner of Carroll St. and Beaver St. in Akron, Ohio.
Lakeside – Crescent Line Boat Landing
The Crescent Line Boat Landing was part of Lakeside Park (established in 1877). Lakeside was the first picnic ground at Summit Lake. Eventually, the operation would be absorbed by Summit Beach Park.
Silver Lake Park – Pavilion
Silver Lake Park was created originally as a picnicking and swimming area but quickly grew into an amusement park featuring animal exhibits, a roller coaster, sports facilities, a dance hall, and a hotel. In its prime, the Park received over 10,000 visitors per day.
Lakeside Park
Positioned on the east shore of Summit Lake, Lakeside Park was opened in 1877 by the Akron Street Railway & Herdic Co. as a picnic grounds. The growth of Summit Beach Park eventually absorbed Lakeside Park.