AKRON, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced Wingfoot Lake State Park will join the Ohio Air & Space Trail, becoming one of more than 30 sites honoring Ohio's history in air and space exploration. 

What You Need To Know

  • Wingfoot Lake State Park was the site of the manufacturing of Goodyear's first blimps

  • ODNR purchased 690 acres of the Wingfoot Lake property in 2009

  • Wingfoot Lake State Park and other locations on the trail will honor several famous flyers, including Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Orville and Wilbur Wright, and Ohio’s Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who served during World War II, according to ODNR

Wingfoot Lake State Park was the site of the manufacturing of Goodyear's first blimps.

“Ohio is the heart of aviation and our long and distinctive heritage in aerospace will be a highlight of Ohio’s celebration for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” said Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release. “Linking Wingfoot Lake State Park as part of the Ohio Air & Space Trail will give outdoor enthusiasts a place to learn more about Ohio’s aviation history while enjoying the park’s natural beauty.”

The Ohio Air & Space Trail, created by America 250-Ohio, honors the state's contributions to air and space travel, and it's made up of 34 places that can be explored by visitors. Each location is an ode to Ohio's aviation and space exploration. 

As for the history of Wingfoot Lake State Park, it goes back to 1916 when Goodyear purchased 720 acres of land in Portage County to being building its own blimp. The lake at the site, Wingfoot Lake, helped provide the water supply for the manufacturing. The lake was also used for reconnaissance missions during World War I and helped build nine blimps at the site for the U.S. Navy, according to ODNR.

"Ohio's pivotal role in aviation and space exploration is a testament to our state's enduring spirit of innovation and discovery," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz in a press release. "We are thrilled to see Wingfoot Lake State Park recognized as part of the Ohio Air and Space Trail, showcasing the remarkable achievements and contributions of Ohioans to the field of aerospace."

Once the war was over, the blimp fleet was using in telecasts of college football games, and other advertising and promotional campaigns. In 2006, the site closed. Three years later, ODNR purchased 690 acres of the Wingfoot Lake property, and around 121 adjacent acres were transferred to the Division of Parks and Watercraft, which was added to the state park system.

Wingfoot Lake State Park and other locations on the trail will honor several famous flyers, including Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Orville and Wilbur Wright, and Ohio’s Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who served during World War II, according to ODNR. Other locations include the International Women’s Air & Space Museum, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum, the Great Lakes Science Center/NASA Glenn Visitor Center, WACO Air Museum and the John & Annie Glenn Museum.

For more information on the Ohio Air & Space Trail, click here.