Take a Hike at Little Buffalo State Park
Little Buffalo State Park has most of my favorite things to do. It has a Covered Bridge, creeks, historical buildings: Tavern and Sawmill, and so much more.
Dam, Lake, and Butterfly Garden
I drove into the back of the park and it did not look like much so I was not all that excited. I was actually looking for a Clay’s Covered Bridge at the time and end up here which was a wonderful find.
But take a second look at that hill….
Those step will take you to the other side what looks to be a simple hill is actually a dam.
They have parking at the top of the Dam so no worries about having to actually walk up..lol
In the summer, lot of fishing on non motorized boat. In the winter, ice skating and ice fishing is available on the famous Lake Holman with Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Panfish, Trout, and Muskellunge.
But back to the lower parking lot!!! This Butterfly Garden is up the hill just a bit.
But I found less butterflies on this day then bees. But still very very cool.
I am not must of a gardener, so things like this are just beautiful to be in for a little bit.
But back down at the lower parking lot, they have this nice little play set with a large stage in front for concerts and behind is a bridge that will take you to a learning center.
Little Buffalo Creek is a wonderful place to splash around in with young children or even those of us that are young at heart with wonderful picnic area right along side it. You can enjoy the full day just relaxing under the shade with a picnic and/or barbecue.
Gristmill, Covered Bridge, and Tavern
Up the stairs from the learning center is a bit of history.
Shoaff’s Mill! Shoaff’s Mill is a wonderful place to see a gristmill in action.
The grist mill was built in the 1830’s and parts have been restored to ensure it is in working order for guest. The inside is open weekends for a few hours (1 to 3pm) or by appointment but Covid19 may have an effect on the availability to see inside but even outside is so cool.
This is such a great piece of working history with a garden of mill stones to boost.
Just down from the Mill Garden is the Clay’s or Wahneta Covered Bridge which was moved to the park in 1971 from about a mile away when Holman Lake was constructed.
It was built in 1890 and is of the 219 Covered Bridges in Pennsylvania. The bridge design is a Burr Arch truss. Check out different Covered Bridge tours in the area and the state.
A little hike down the road and across this bridge, brings you to the Blue Ball Tavern Museum or you can park at the Ranger Station and walk across the street.
The museum is run by the Historical Society of Perry County. It is open on Sundays, therefore I was not able to see it but it is a piece of history as the area was very much a part of the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It was a place that help pass message to through the area, feed and lodge soldiers, and so much more.
Brief History
In 1793, Pete Koch Sr. purchased the property in within the park. He started a saw mill operations but died less then two years later. George Thomas would rent it and later marry, Pete Koch widow. Peter’s son, John Koch would buy out his family and continue the saw mill operation.
In 1811, John opened the Tavern as it was an at the intersection of several road to and from Juniata Iron Works, an iron furnace, and was a bit of a highway. But many believe that it was because he was holding political meetings as well just before the War of 1812.
The tavern would be used for a stopping place for dispatches during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It would also send a signal to the next tavern to expect the rider for a change of horse and possibility a light meal shortly.
The tavern would also serve as the meeting place for Perry County to brake away from Cumberland County in 1820 and as a place to hold political meetings for those in the area. It would serve those workers who were building and working on the Pennsylvania Canal while it was open.
The tavern would close in 1841 but still take in overnight lodgers because John was becoming very involved with the church and temperance movement. This is a place that “if walls could talk”, you would want to be at.
John and his two wives, his first died and he remarried, are buried at the Sulphur Spring Church just north of the tavern. John had sold the land to the Church for a $1 as he found religion.
Other item to do at the Park
This park also offers cross country skiing in the winter and has a wonderful large pool with a water slide which is over two stories high, a snack bar, and more.
Boat rentals, 8 miles of trails which are mostly very easy, waste of the iron furnace that was located upstream in green colored stones and pieces of slag.
Holman Lake has many different wood ducks, herons, and beavers. In addition, the lake has many migrating Canada geese, mallards, loons, ducks, and other birds which stop by. The park itself has lots of other forest inhabitate for other birds and animals as well.
Camping and Cabins
The park also has 40 sites some with electric and water hookups, Camping Cottages (rustic or in other words, no running water!), and Modern Cabins that have washers, dryers, and even a dishwasher!!!! Reserve your spot.
Camping sites start at $17 per night, camping cottages at $36.75 for 5 people, and modern cabins at $80.09 for 12 people. Weekly rates are available. A great place to get away with family over the winter holidays! Or check with the park about wifi or if your hotspot would work. This would be a great place to go for a week and/or set up an office/school area just to get away from the house.