">
With over 7,000 acres of surface area, this northeastern gem offers boating, fishing, hiking, and more right in the heart of Trumbull County, Northeast Ohio.
Mosquito Lake has always been a favorite spot of mine. It was built in 1944 by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers to control flooding in the area and to keep a supply of clean drinking water. During the occasional dry spell, the water gets low enough to see the foundations of houses and the bases of trees that were covered by the lake.
But most of the time, the more than 7,000-acre lake and surrounding state park are a haven, full of opportunities to connect with nature and have some good old fashioned fun.
Here are some things you could do – and some of my favorite things to do – during a day at Mosquito Lake:
Boat or Fish
There’s no better place to boat in Trumbull County. The lake has no horsepower limitation, though there is a “no wake” zone near the shore and 10 mile per hour speed limit north of the State Route 88 causeway. The max depth is 24 feet and the lake is full of largemouth bass, white crappies, sunfish, bullheads, and carp.
If, like me, you don’t own a boat, you can rent a pontoon or fishing boat from the newly renovated Mosquito Lake Marina and Boat Rental. I personally love to rent a kayak and paddle out to the small island north of the marina, where I often find beach glass and bits of pottery in the shallow water.
Of course, if boats are not your style, you can also fish from shore. The lake has more than 40 miles of shoreline, with many easy access points to get close to the water.
Take a Hike
If you are going to fish from shore, maybe you want to take a scenic route to the water. Mosquito Lake has several beautiful hiking areas. My personal favorite is the Bazetta Horse Trails off Hoagland Blackstub Road. You can ride horses there, but it’s also a great place to walk. The trails are fairly flat and wide, though they can get a little muddy in the wet spring months. By mid-summer, the trails tend to be dry and beautiful fields of wildflowers crop up near the lake’s edge.
If you’re hiking with the kids, be sure to pop over to the other side of the lake for the half-mile storybook trail. The story, told in segments along the wooded trail, changes regularly and makes for an easy, fun, walk through nature.
Other great trails include Turkey Run Trail at the corner of Youngstown Kingsville Road and McCleary Jacoby Road, and the trails at Lakeview Recreation Area on State Route 305.
Go Birding by the Lake
Lakeview Recreation Area also is a favorite spot for bird watchers. Trumbull County is home to hundreds of bird species, including migrant and nesting birds. In recent years, a thriving Bald Eagle population has taken up residence at the lake. You can also often spot Ospreys nesting nearby.
As for the lake’s smaller birds, about a dozen different species of warblers nest at the lake when they pass through the state, and you can also catch all of Ohio’s regulars, like finches, cardinals, and blue jays.
Have a Picnic
The lake is a great place for a picnic and there are plenty of tables near the shore. It’s easy to bring along a packed lunch, or you can grab a bite from any of a number of local favorite restaurants.
There are plenty of delicious eats in nearby Cortland. You can also head a little north to Mecca to get some good grilling or wood-fired pizza at Yellow Dog Saloon and Grill before swinging around the circle to Mecca Cones & Coney’s for a hearty dessert.
Another great option is Monty’s by the Lake just on the other side of the causeway. Locals say Monty’s has some of the best hamburgers in northern Trumbull County.
Spend a Day with the Dogs
The lake is a great place to bring your four-legged friend, too, especially if they like to swim! Maintained by the Friends of Mosquito Lake Dog Park, the five-acre, fully fenced-in Cooperation Station Dog Park has plenty of room for dogs to run and play and has a private dogs-only beach. The park is divided into a small dog and big dog area and has a water station for the pups.
Plus, the trees provide abundant shade on a warm summer day. Many of the folks who frequent the dog park are regulars and know all of the dogs by name, so it’s a great place to meet locals and hear more Trumbull County.
Grab a Camp Site
If Mosquito Lake sounds so good that you want to spend the night, you absolutely can. Mosquito Lake State Park campground has 40 full-service sites, 178 electric sites, and 16 non-electric sites, many with views of the lakeshore. There are even two yurts that overlook the water and are available from mid-April through October!
The campground is open to pets and has two shower buildings, flush toilets, and laundry facilities. Registered campers can also log onto wifi and borrow games and sports equipment from the camp office.
Get With the Program
Whether you’re camping or not, you can take advantage of state park programming. Check the park’s schedule for birding hikes, paddling classes, visits from the bookmobile, and naturalist talks on the lake’s flora and fauna. You might catch an “owl prowl” guided evening hike, or you can take your shot at the beginner archery and BB gun program.
The park also has a nature play area for kids to go a little wild. It has a ropes course, a teepee, a canoe swing, a wooded cabin, and more!
Play a Few Holes
While you’re at the lake you might want to play a few holes – of disc golf, that is. Squirrel Run Disc Golf Course is a largely wooded 18-hole course near the lake’s edge.
The course was built in 2011 and redesigned a few years later to bring it up to 18 holes with concrete tee pads. While playing the course, you’ll get to see the beach, the dog park, and the woods.
Enjoy the Beach
Speaking of the beach, what is a lake without a place to get in the water? Located near a playground and plenty of picnic tables, the sandy 600-foot beach is a great place to sit and enjoy the view, or take a dip in the water.
