LOGAN COUNTY, Ohio — Indian Lake State Park is reopening on Friday, March 29, just a few weeks after the county sustained damage from a tornado and powerful storms, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

What You Need To Know

  • Indian Lake State Park is reopening on Friday, March 29, just a few weeks after the county sustained damage from a tornado and powerful storms
  • Many students at Indian Lake schools returned to classes just last week as recovery efforts continue after the EF-3 tornado hit Logan County on March 14, killing three people and injuring dozens
  • While the park will open on March 29, Fox Island will remain closed as cleanup in that area continues
  • Existing reservations—including those for the April eclipse—will be honored by the campground starting March 29

Many students at Indian Lake schools returned to classes just last week as recovery efforts continue after the EF-3 tornado hit Logan County on March 14, killing three people and injuring dozens.

“Ohioans are resilient, and we have been diligent in assuring the health and safety of residents in the weeks following the tornadoes and severe storms in Western Ohio,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. “Indian Lake State Park is a wonderful destination for Ohioans and visitors to enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation, and its reopening is a step towards rebuilding our communities.”

While the park will open on March 29, Fox Island will remain closed as cleanup in that area continues. The release notes there are downed trees as well as a destroyed shelter house there.

ODNR Director Mary Mertz said their hearts ache for anyone affected by the storm.

“Throughout this ordeal, our top priority has been ensuring the safety and well-being of our visitors and the surrounding communities,” she said. “Witnessing the incredible resilience and determination of this community to restore the park has been truly inspiring.”

The park will also be making modifications to the no wake zone areas due to the possibility of debris in the lake. They will be placing additional buoys between Paradise Island east and Orchard Island and then from Orchard Island east to Moundwood.

Existing reservations—including those for the April eclipse—will be honored by the campground starting March 29, according to the release.

“This has been an incredibly trying period for the Indian Lake community,” said Hiedie Whitman, Indian Lake State Park manager, in the release. “However, we have witnessed an outpouring of support from the community, local businesses and countless volunteers. While we are excited about the prospect of reopening the park, our thoughts are with this community, and we ask our visitors to respect our neighbors and friends during this terribly difficult time.”

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