Lake Milton, Ohio vacation Rentals

Mahoning County's Lake Milton in the Northeast Region of Ohio holds a century's-worth of history along its picturesque shores. The area was part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, a 120-mile-wide strip of land granted to the colony of Connecticut in 1662. Once the settlement of Youngstown was established on the Mahoning River in the late 1700s, and coal discovered in the area, it wasn't long until a growing nation's need for steel led Youngstown to become Ohio's steel manufacturing center. When the need for a reliable water supply for the mills and the growing population forced the City of Youngstown to plan a reservoir, 3, 416 acres were purchased upstream along the Mahoning River and a dam built to create Lake Milton. First completed in 1917, Lake Milton has endured massive changes in use and development. Now the lovely lake offers water-based recreation, serene lake vistas, and outdoor enjoyment to its many residents and visitors.

Lake Milton covers 1, 685 acres along the impounded Mahoning River about 10 miles west of Youngstown. There are no large cities along its shores, but many families call Lake Milton home. Milton Township governs the small neighborhoods and developments stretched along its 23-mile shoreline. The historic community of Craig Beach is the largest village on Lake Milton, although nearly all of the shoreline is developed and contains year-round homes. These are the homes of lakelubbers who spend much of their leisure time enjoying all Lake Milton has to offer. Lake Milton provides great swimming, boating and fishing; most lakefront homeowners have their own docks and many have a small swimming area.

The State of Ohio owns the lake itself, which is designated a part of Lake Milton State Park. Property owners around the shore pay a small fee to maintain their private docks in front of their property. There are no restrictions on motor size so the lake is a favorite of water-skiers, jet-skiers and power-boaters. Some areas are designated no-wake zones, as is the area near the shoreline. Three public launch sites mean not only property owners can enjoy a day of water-filled fun. Lake Milton is a great lake for pontooning and kayaking, with a well-treed shoreline and loads of natural wildlife co-existing with the residents. It isn't uncommon to see a large variety of waterfowl, particularly during the migratory season, and bald eagles can occasionally be seen perched in the treetops.

Fishing is always a major drawing card at lake Milton. The lake supports walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, smallmouth bass, crappies, white bass, suckers, channel catfish and muskellunge. The Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources stocks walleye and muskellunge regularly; both are a big attraction for game fishermen. In winter, much of the lake freezes enough that ice fishing is a favored pastime. The water level is usually lowered about six feet in winter to avoid ice damage. The lake is ideally located within driving distance of both Youngstown and Akron-Canton, making it a great place to raise children and commute to work. Lake Milton is within two hours of several large cities - Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh - so it's also a favorite for summer cottages and seasonal living. Two golf courses near the lake make sure that golfers in the family are content. The Lake Milton Association organizes activities and fund-raisers to complete special projects around the lake. The Lake Milton Ski Club has completed a water-skiing slalom course near the south end of the lake for their members and are working on building walking trails at the north end.

Lake Milton State Park has day-use facilities at the north end of the lake near Craig Beach and mid-lake near the causeway. The popular park offers a swimming beach, picnic facilities, walking trails, boat launch, playground, wheelchair-accessible fishing dock, basketball and volleyball courts, restrooms and a new Nature and Arts Amphitheater for presentations, concerts and productions. In winter, the trails are open for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Although there is no camping at Lake Milton State Park, a private RV campground is available on the Mahoning River south of the reservoir from which campers can access the lake itself. Fuel and seasonal dock rentals are available at the State Park-owned marina near the causeway.