Whipple Dam State Park

Copyright: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks Whipple Dam State Park

Description - In 1987, the 32-acre park day use area was designated the Whipple Dam National Historic District. This entry on the National Register of Historic Places recognizes, protects, and preserves the work site of one of the Depression-Era's most important relief programs, the Civilian Conservation Corps. Several recreation opportunities exist at Whipple Dam State Park. Non-powered and registered electric-powered boats are permitted on the 22-acre Whipple Lake. The lake and Laurel Run, a tributary, are stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in the spring and winter months. A portion of Whipple Dam State Park is open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. During the warm summer months, a sandy beach is open offering daily use from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with picnic tables, picnic shelters, boat launching facilities and a fishing pier nearby. There are approximately 200 tables that are used throughout each season, even during the winter. Cross-country skiers and ice skaters enjoy the park in winter.

Attractions - The Proprietary Government of Pennsylvania originally purchased this 256-acre state park area from the Iroquois Confederation on July 6, 1754. The land eventually became part of the Monroe Iron Works, located a few miles to the north. Charcoal was produced in the area for use in the iron furnace, and there is some evidence of iron ore mining. In 1868, Osgood M. Whipple purchased a large block of land and constructed a dam and sawmill downstream of the current park dam. The purpose of the dam was to supply a source of water for the operation of an "up and down" sawmill. Whipple left the lumber business in 1897, but the dam remained for many years and was known locally as "Whipple's Dam."

In 1927, the Department of Forests and Waters was considering a recreation site in the area and surveyed the old log-crib dam. It was decided to construct a new dam upstream at a better location. The new dam was completed in the spring of 1928 and provided a shallow pool. Recreational activities began almost immediately and by the early 1930's, Whipple Dam was listed as a State Forest Public Camp. Between 1933 and 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps had a work camp at Owl's Gap, east of the park. The corps members built pavilions, roads, beach and restrooms during this period. In 1935, the CCC dismantled the old dam and constructed the existing dam and bridge. In 1987, the 32-acre park day-use area was designated the Whipple Dam National Historic District. This entry on the National Register of Historic Places recognizes, protects, and preserves the work site of one of the Depression-Era's most important relief programs, the CCC.

Recreation - Several recreation opportunities exist at Whipple Dam State Park. Non-powered and registered electric-powered boats are permitted on the 22-acre Whipple Lake. The lake and Laurel Run, a tributary, are stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in the spring and winter months. A portion of Whipple Dam State Park is open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. During the warm summer months, a sandy beach is open offering daily use from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with picnic tables, picnic shelters, boat launching facilities and a fishing pier nearby. There are approximately 200 tables that are used throughout each season, even during the winter. Cross-country skiers seem to enjoy the cold fresh air for outdoor dining. Also, you are likely to find ice skaters enjoying a small warming fire in the picnic area.

Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Whipple Dam State Park area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging around 22 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -4 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range around 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 22 Celsius).

Location - Whipple Dam State Park is located in the center of the state in the northeastern corner of Huntingdon County, 12 miles south of State College. The park is easily reached by turning east off PA Route 26 at the Whipple Dam State Park sign.

LAT: 40.6870097
LONG: -77.8636111