Discover Dutch Country Roads' Great Places to Picnic
Memorial Lake State Park

RR 1 Box 7045
Grantville, PA 17028-9682
717-865-6470

Memorial Lake State Park is surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in East Hanover Township. The park consists of 230 acres in scenic Lebanon County near the southern base of Blue Mountain.

The U. S. military created Memorial Lake in 1945 to honor the Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers that served in World War I and World War II. As a feature of Fort Indiantown Gap Military Post, the lake provided recreation for soldiers and their families.

In 1965, Memorial Lake was transferred to the Department of Forest and Waters (now the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) and became Memorial Lake State Park. It provides recreational opportunities for civilians and military personnel.

The park is 30 minutes east of Harrisburg and is easily reached from I-81. From the north, take Exit 85. From the south, take Exit 85B. Turn north onto Fisher Avenue and follow signs to the park.

Boating: electric motors only
The 85-acre Memorial Lake has two boat launching ramps, a courtesy dock and 56 overnight mooring spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sail boating and sail boarding are very popular on Memorial Lake.

A boat rental has canoes, paddleboats, rowboats, kayaks and sailboards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Fishing: The 85-acre Memorial Lake has largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, yellow perch, white and black crappie, various species of panfish, bullhead, channel catfish, carp and sucker. Trout are also found in the lake although they are not stocked. The lake is readily accessible for shoreline or boat fishing.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Hiking: A short woodland trail winds along the northern shoreline. The open nature of the park allows the visitor to take casual walks through most of the park. Scenic views of the lake provide a tranquil setting, especially during the spring and autumn days. Birders have the opportunity to observe over 100 different species of birds in the park.

Picnicking: Four separate access roads provide easy entry to the day-use areas. Picnic tables are provided in shady groves, along the shoreline and at areas that provide scenic views of the lake. Charcoal grills are conveniently located throughout the park. Two picnic pavilions are available for reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis. They are conveniently located with easy access to the lake, restrooms and water fountains. Each pavilion accommodates 70 people. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS for reservations.

Playfields are available near the picnic areas for softball, volleyball and other sports. Two play areas are also available. A one-mile exercise course is in the eastern portion of the park. The 20-station course begins and ends near the main parking lot along the northern shore of the lake.