Caesar Creek Lake

4020 N. Clarksville Road
Waynesville, OH 45068-9408
(513) 897-1050

Visitor Center Hours:

Memorial Day through Labor Day: Sun - Sat, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Labor Day to Memorial Day: Sun - Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Local Weather

Daily Lake Information Line: (513) 897-5450 (updated daily by 0800)

Lake Levels 

Lake Temperatures

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 Location
Welcome to the Caesar Creek Lake website. The lake is located in Warren, Clinton and Greene counties in southwestern Ohio. The dam is three miles above the mouth of Caesar Creek, a tributary of the Little Miami River.

The 2,830-acre lake provides flood reduction and a whole lot more. The Caesar Creek Region offers many opportunities to enjoy wildlife or recreate in the great outdoors.

Caesar Creek exists as a cooperative management effort among the Corps of Engineers and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Wildlife, and Natural Areas and Preserves. In addition, one private non-profit organization, the Pioneer Village Association, plays an important role at the park.

 

Authorization

Congress authorized Caesar Creek Lake under the Flood Control Act of 1938. The Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed, built, and operates Caesar Creek Lake.

During the fall and winter months, the lake level is lowered to prepare for the storage of heavy spring rainfall. If heavy rains occur, surface water runoff is stored in the lake until the swollen streams and rivers below the dam have receded. Once they can handle the discharge of the stored water without damage to lives or property, the extra water is released.
 History
The topography of the Little Miami River Basin, including Caesar Creek, is characterized by rocky gorges and narrow valleys separated by extensive sections of bottomlands. The nature of soil types and vegetation relate to events that occurred thousands or even millions of years ago. Alterations of the drainage system and the formation of many of the scenic features of the valley can be traced to the Kansan, Illinoian and Wisconsin periods of glaciation.

The earliest migrations into the valley date back perhaps 11,000 years. More recent occupations occurred approximately 1,000 B.C. with the advent of the Adena and then Hopewell Cultures referred to as the Mound-building Indians – followed by the Fort Ancient peoples.

Remnants of many of the ancient works are still evident and are popular tourist attractions. The Fort Ancient Earth Works are near Caesar Creek Lake. In the latter 1700’s, at the time settlers entered the area the Shawnee was the primary Native American tribe, having previously disposed the Miamis. The lake is named after a member of the Shawnee, Caesar. Caesar was a black slave who, when coming down the Ohio River, was captured or escaped and later adopted by the Shawnee. He was one of the earliest settlers in the valley. Oldtown, north of Xenia, was the site of the main Shawnee Village.
 Backpack Program

Take the kids outside and spend some quality time exploring nature! Don’t have the outdoor equipment to do it? No problem…borrow some from the Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center free of charge!

For more information contact the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center at (513) 897-1050.

Insect Exploration Pack

Insect Backpack includes: Journeys through Journaling; port-a-bug, 3X magnifier; Golden Guide:InsectsEverything BugPeterson Field Guide Color-In Book: Butterflies; dual purpose observation container; and butterfly net.

Bird Exploration Pack

Bird Backpack includes: Journeys through Journaling; student binoculars; Golden Guide: BirdsTake-Along Guide to Birds, Nests, EggsEverything Bird; and Peterson Field Guide Color-In Book: Birds.

Pond Exploration Pack

Pond Backpack includes: Journaling at the Water’s Edge; two-way magnifying viewer, 3X magnifier, Golden Guide: Pond Life, field bag, 2 dip nets, Pondwatchers, and One Small Square Pond. 

Rocks and Fossils Exploration Pack

Fossils Backpack includes: Journeys through Journaling, 3X magnifier, Golden Guide: Rocks and MineralsGeology Rocks, chambered clear storage sort box, and mineral test kit.

Life Jackets

Infant, youth, and adult-sized life jackets can be checked out.

 Calendar of Events

2022

Caesar Creek Lake Calendar of Events

 

For updates throughout the year, visit our Websites: USACE:

www.lrl.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/Lakes/Cae

sarCreekLake.aspx

FOCC:

www.friendsofcaesarcreeklake.org State Park: www.OhioStateParks.org

or http://caesarcreekstatepark.com Pioneer Village:

http://caesarscreekpioneervillage.org/

Friends of Caesar Creek

www.facebook.com/focaesarcreek

Caesar Creek Lake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

www.facebook.com/USACECaesarCreek Caesar Creek State Park www.facebook.com/CaesarCreekStatePark

 

 

 

 

CFC Number 27825

 

The Following Movies Are Shown Upon Request…

  • USACE Caesar Creek Lake
  • SciShow Caesar Creek Lake Fossils
    • The Day of the Killer Tornado
      • Kids Discover Bats
        • Lewis and Clark
      • Lost in the Woods

January

Caesar Creek State Park

First Day Hike

Saturday, January 1st, 1:00‐3:00 pm at the Nature Center

Meet at the Nature Center. Start the New Year off on the right foot. Join us at the Nature Center for a 3‐mile guided hike to the Swinging Bridge and Horseshoe Falls. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Trails can be muddy.

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Mid‐Winter Bald Eagle Count

Saturday, January 8th, 8:30 am ‐ 12:30 pm

Meet at the Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center to participate in a survey of our national symbol! Bring warm clothes, binoculars, and an enthusiasm for bird watching! To register for this event please contact the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

February                                                        

Caesar Creek State Park

Winter Blues Hike

Saturday, February 19th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (continuous start times)

Join us for a 3‐mile self‐guided hike on a marked trail. It will start at the Wellman Meadows Boat Ramp Area. Look for signs of spring! The Blue birds will be returning soon! This hike takes you to Horseshoe Falls, the Swinging Bridge and Flat Fork Gorge. Warm up at the Nature Center with fire baked pizza, bean soup, cornbread, and snacks provided by the NCACC! All donations go the Nature Center Association to support the park. Check our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ for details* and updates. Dress for the weather. Trails can be muddy.

 

Caesar Creek State Park

Blue Bird Box Workshop

Saturday, February 19th, 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Meet at the nature center ‐ Fun for the entire family! Join as the Park Naturalist explains why bluebirds are important. Discover ways to attract them to your yard. Learn how to monitor bluebird boxes. Build your own Bluebird Box (optional). The NCACC will have all the tools and the birdhouse box kit ready to build. Volunteers will be on‐site to guide you through as the kits are put together. Pre‐registration and

 

material fees are required through the NCACC. See our Facebook page for details*. ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ or email: caesarnaturecenter@gmail.com

 

March

 

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Think Spring‐Salamander Hike

ONE of the following dates: Friday, February 18th, February 25th, or March 4th at 7:00 pm Nature's timing is unpredictable and to make sure we have the best chance to observe them migrating to their breeding ponds, the actual hike date will be determined on the Wednesday before the hike.

Together we will search for salamanders as they awaken from hibernation and move toward their breeding ponds. There is no cost for this event and no experience is necessary. This is an adventure for the entire family. Please dress for the weather ‐ boots and a flashlight are essential. Remember, salamanders prefer to move in the rain, so be prepared for muddy fun! Call the Visitor Center at 513‐ 897‐1050 for registration details!

 

Pioneer Village

Maple Syrup Event and Pancake Brunch

Saturday and Sunday, March 12th, and 13th, 9:00 am ‐ 2:00 pm

Join us for free guided walking tours of Pioneer Village and the Sugar Bush! Learn how maple syrup is made. Hungry? Stay for Brunch with the Pioneer Village Association! The maple sap was collected from trees on location and prepared on‐site at the Sugar Shack. Brunch will include pancakes, sausage, amazing maple syrup, and a beverage. Maple syrup, jams, and jellies are available for sale while supplies last. Check out the Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village website for details and cost for brunch https://www.ccpv.us/ Cost: $8 for Adults, $4 kids 4 to 10

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Trilling Toads and Tiny Tree frogs Saturday, March 19th, 7:30 pm ‐ 9:00 pm

Take an evening hike to search for these wondrous amphibians. We will view frogs and toads up close in their marshy habitat. An adventure for the whole family. Please dress for the weather ‐ boots and a flashlight are essential. This is a Friends of Caesar Creek Program, $2.00 per person. For more information or to register, call the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

 

April

 

Pioneer Village

Habitat for History

Saturday, April 2nd, 8:00 am ‐ 5:00 pm

A chance to help us get the Village ready for the coming year after the long winter. This is time that you can volunteer with the Village.

 

Caesar Creek State Park and Pioneer Village

Easter Egg Hunt/ Hike Saturday, April 9th, 1:00 pm

Join us at Pioneer Village for a unique Easter Egg Hunt experience! The hunt begins at Pioneer Village at 2:00 PM. Check our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ for details* and updates. Cost: Free

 

Caesar Creek State Park

Earth Day in the Park

Saturday, April 23rd, 10:00 am ‐ 1:00 pm, various locations

Help a Naturalist with service projects in celebration of Earth Day. Projects vary depending on groups. See our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ for details, or email for more information: caesarnaturecenter@gmail.com

 

Pioneer Village

Vintage Baseball

Saturday and Sunday, April 30th, and May 1st 9:00 am ‐ 6:00 pm

Teams for the Vintage Baseball Association will meet at the Village for a weekend of games. Games are played according to original rules and the kids will be amazed to see them play without the use of gloves!

 

May

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Spring Birding Clinic

Saturday, May 7th, 7:00 am – Noon

Meet at the Visitor Center for a day of spring birding! Join the Friends of Caesar Creek and master bird bander, Bob Thobaben, for a guided bird walk to discover the many species of migratory birds in the park. Pre‐registration is required and limited to the first 15 people. Bob will lead you to areas within the park where you will see between 50‐60 species of birds including hawks, warblers, and waterfowl. This is a Friends of Caesar Creek program and is $10/person. Please pre‐register for this event by calling the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

 

Caesar Creek State Park

Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike Saturday, May 7th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Meet at the Nature Center. Join us for a 3‐mile guided wildflower hike on our way to Horseshoe Falls and the Swinging Bridge. Learn about park history as we walk through Pioneer Village. Discover wildlife and wildflowers along the way. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Trails can be muddy.

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

World Migratory Bird Day

Saturday, May 14th, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Help us celebrate one of nature’s great wonders, the annual spring bird migration! Local bird bander Rebecca Palmer will be on site from 8:30‐11:30 am banding birds. We will have games, fun, and movies for the whole family to enjoy at the Visitor Center. Please pre‐register for this event by calling the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

 

Caesar Creek State Park Memorial Day Weekend Campout Friday‐Monday, May 27th‐30th

Join us at the Caesar Creek Campground for the official start of our free canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, archery, and other Naturalist programs. Remember to make your reservations early. See separate flyer for details on our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’, or email: caesarnaturecenter@gmail.com

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

The Great Fossil Hunt

Monday, May 30th, 1:00 pm‐ 3:00 pm (Memorial Day)

The ancient Ordovician Sea has disappeared, but evidence of marine life is abundant in the Caesar Creek Region. Meet at the Visitor Center for a program about these fascinating creatures, including the trilobite. Afterward, go to the Emergency Spillway to identify and study a diversity of fossils. Please pre‐ register for this event by calling the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

 

June

Caesar Creek State Park Youth Fishing Derby Saturday, June 25th, 8:00 am

Registration at 8:00 am, fishing begins at 9:00 am. Event located at the Youth Fishing Pond near the Marina. Instructors are on hand to help you learn the ins and outs of this lifelong hobby. The Youth Pond is stocked

with huge fish for this FREE, special event! Fish, bait, lunch, and prizes are provided by the Harveysburg Police Department.

 

Pioneer Village Pioneer Days June 25th & 26th

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

The Village will be alive with period presentations. We will have our volunteers demonstrating different tasks around the Village representing how life would have been during the Pioneer Period. Join us to see how life really was during the Pioneer Days. Cost: $6 for Adults. Free for kids 15 and under.

 

 

July

Caesar Creek State Park

4th of July Campout (Make your reservations early!!!) Friday‐Monday, July 1st – 4th

Celebrate Independence Day in the park. Reserve your campsite today before we’re sold out! Join us in the campground for free canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, archery, and more. See separate flyer for details.

Information available on our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ or email with questions: caesarnaturecenter@gmail.com

 

Pioneer Village Village Music Event July 9th

Hours: 9 am to 8 pm

We are going to have musicians all around the Village on the porches of the buildings. These will be musicians of all types and music styles. Some will be unplugged, and some will be plugged. This will be a great way to hear some of the amazing local musicians. Music will be happening all day and watch Facebook for list of musicians. Cost: $6 for Adults. Free for kids 15 and under.

 

US Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Butterfly Census

Saturday, July 9th, 10:00 am – Noon

Do you like butterflies? Would you like to learn more about these winged creatures or share your knowledge? Please join the Caesar Creek Park Rangers for our annual count in conjunction with the North American Butterfly Association. NABA was formed to promote awareness of butterfly conservation and the benefits of butterfly gardening, observation, and education. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513‐897‐1050.

 

August

Caesar Creek State Park Meteor Shower Camp Out Saturday, August 13th

Watch the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower on the beach. Enjoy stargazing, games, a bonfire, and more! Camp this one night on the beach for free. Food and drinks available. All funds raised support the Nature Center through the Nature Center Association. See our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ for details, or email with questions: caesarnaturecenter@gmail.com

 

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Nature Night!

Friday, August 12th, 9:00 pm ‐ Midnight

Join Park Rangers for a fun night of bat working and mothing. Please pre‐register for this event by calling the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

 

September

 

Caesar Creek State Park

Labor Day Weekend Camp Out Friday – Monday, September 2nd – 5th

A fun‐filled weekend of activities. Reserve your campsite today before we are sold out. Join us for free canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, archery, and more. See separate flyer for details on our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’.

 

 

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Take a Warrior Fishing Event

Saturday, September 10th, 7:00 am ‐ 2:00 pm

Veterans and their families can join local sportsman through the sport of fishing. Veterans who register for this event will have all fishing gear supplied for them. A BBQ luncheon will also be provided for Veterans and their families. If you would like to volunteer or donate to this event, contact a Park Ranger for more information! Bring your kids to the Visitor Center and borrow a fishing pole, bait your hook, and fish at our Kid’s Fishing Pond! To register call: 513‐897‐1050

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Monarch Butterfly Day (Pre‐registration is required, call 513‐897‐1050) Saturday, September 17th, 11:00 am ‐ 2:00 pm

Take part in an international study that tracks the migration of the

Monarch butterfly as it journeys toward Mexico. Help to capture, tag, and release the butterflies to help scientists understand how these fragile insects make the remarkable journey over 2,000 miles. Wear long pants and bring butterfly nets if you have them. Please pre‐register for this event by calling the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

 

Pioneer Village

Home School Event

September 24th & 25th Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

The Village will have a lot of hands‐on learning being presented for all of those people who home school their kids. This isn’t just for home schoolers but for anyone who’s child really wants to learn more about the Pioneer Lifestyle. There will be plenty of demonstrations around the Village along with more hands‐ on activities than usual. Cost: $6 for Adults. Free for kids 15 and under.

 

October

 

Pioneer Village

Leaf Shuffle 5k

October 9th Hours: 9 am to noon (race starts at 9 am)

The Village and the Nature Center are joining to organize a 5k trail run starting and ending in the Pioneer Village. Cost: $25 advance registration $30 day of registration.

 

Caesar Creek State Park Guided Perimeter Trail Hike Sunday, October 16th, 10:00 am

Join us for a guided hike on the 13 mile Perimeter Trail through some of our most scenic areas in the fall. Bring your lunch, water, and hiking shoes. Remember to dress for the weather. We’ll return to our vehicles before 4pm.

 

 

Pioneer Village

Harvest Festival

October 15th & 16th Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Celebrate the Harvest season as the Village prepares for the winter ahead. We will have many activities representing how Pioneer life would have been as they prepare for winter.

Cost: $6 for Adults. Free for kids 15 and under.

 

Caesar Creek State Park

Halloween Camp Out TBD

Trick or Treat campsite decorating, costume contest, haunted trail, hay wagon rides, and more. See separate flyer for details. Reserve your campsite today before they’re sold out!

 

Pioneer Village

Village Trick or Treat

October 29th Hours: 3 pm to 6 pm

Come trick or treat at the Pioneer Village. All of our cabins will have someone at the cabin so your little trick or treater can go door to door at the Village. Cost: Free

 

Pioneer Village

Halloween Public Paranormal Investigation October 29th Hours: 8 pm to 2 am

Join us for our annual Paranormal Investigation at the Pioneer Village. Tickets can only be purchased in advance and you can find the link on our Facebook Page.

Cost: $40 per person (Limited Space – Advance Purchase Only)

 

November

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Owl Moon Program

Saturday, November 5th, 7:30 pm ‐ 9:00 pm

We will begin with the story, Owl Moon, which tells of a father and daughter on a winter hike in search of a Great‐Horned Owl. After the story we will go in search of Caesar Creek owl species. In November, owls re‐establish territories and prepare for nesting. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight if you have one. Registration is required for Owl Moon and is a Friends of Caesar Creek Program, $2 per person. To register, call the Visitor Center at 513‐897‐1050.

 

 

Caesar Creek State Park

Cast Iron Cookout

Saturday, November 12th, 11:00 am ‐ 2:00 pm

Learn how to cook a meal in a Dutch Oven over an open fire. Join us for a potluck lunch, including fire baked pizza. All equipment, cast iron pot, ingredients and materials are provided and made possible through the Nature Center Association of Caesar Creek. Pre‐registration required. See our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ for details*, or send an email to: caesarnaturecenter@gmail.com

 

December

Pioneer Village

Candlelight Walk

December 3rd Hours: 4 pm to 9 pm

Celebrate Christmas time at the Village as we have the Village lit up by candle and lamp light. This is one of the few opportunities to see the Village at night. Cost: $6 for Adults. Free for kids 15 and under.

 

 

Caesar Creek State Park

Holiday Traditions

Saturday December 10th, Two Sessions Available ‐ 10AM‐ 12pm or 1PM ‐3PM at the Nature Center Pre‐register for this workshop to create unique holiday decorations with local, natural materials to take home and share with your loved ones. Space is limited, so reserve your seat early at the Nature Center. See our Facebook page ‘Caesar Creek State Park’ for details, or send an email to: caesarnaturecenter@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

Audubon Christmas Bird Count Thursday, December 15th

Calling all birders! We need your help with our 16th Annual Caesar Creek Lake / Spring Valley Marsh Christmas Bird Count. For early risers we will look and listen for owls at 5:00 am. We will regroup at the Visitor Center at 8:30 am, break into teams and search for waterfowl and songbirds. We will meet at the Visitor Center at 12:00 pm for a hot lunch sponsored by the Friends of Caesar Creek. Experts and beginners are encouraged to attend. Come out for all or part of the day. For more information or to register call the Visitor Center, 513‐897‐1050

 

 

 Directions

Directions to the Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center

 

From Dayton, Ohio: (drive time – approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour)

1.   Take I-75 south to State Route 73 (exit 38)

2.   Turn left onto State Route 73 – follow State Route 73 approximately 1 mile past U.S. 42 (in Waynesville)

3.   Turn right onto Clarksville Road – follow to Visitor Center on left.

From Lebanon, Ohio: (drive time – approximately 30 minutes)

1.   Take U.S. 42 north to State Route 73

2.   Turn right onto State Route 73

3.   Turn right onto Clarksville Road (approximately 1 mile) – follow to Visitor Center on left.

From Columbus, Ohio: (drive time – approximately 1½ hours)

1.   Take I-71 south to State Route 73 (exit 45)

2.   Turn right on State Route 73 – follow for approximately 7½ miles to Clarksville Road

3.   Turn left onto Clarksville Road – follow to Visitor Center on left.

From Cincinnati, Ohio: (drive time – approximately 1 hour)

1.   Take I-71 north to Wilmington Pike (exit 36)

2.   Turn right (going east) onto Wilmington Road

3.   Take a left onto Olive Branch Road – just after the overpass

4.   Turn right onto Jeffery Road – follow to stop sign – approximately 3¼ miles (Jeffery Road becomes Lincoln Road)

5.   Turn right then take an immediate left onto Clarksville Road – follow to Visitor Center on right.

 Fossil Study Area

Fossil Collecting at Caesar Creek Lake

Why fossil studying is so great at Caesar Creek Lake:

In the process of building the dam at Caesar Creek Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created an emergency spillway to act as an overflow for the lake. The spillway crest is lower than the top of the dam, preventing water from overtopping the dam. Instead, the water will flow around the dam into the creek downstream of the dam should the lake ever reach its flood storage capacity.

When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers blasted earth and rock to form the emergency spillway, bedrock bearing fossils of ancient sea creatures were exposed. The exposed layer of limestone/shale bedrock is approximately 438 million years old. At that time, what is now Ohio lay under a warm, shallow sea. Over time, sediments covered the creatures. Pressure from layer upon layer of sediment eventually turned the animal remains into rock.

Today, these remains are lying on the surface. The vast majority of the fossils are brachiopods, which look like sea shells, and bryozoa, which look like coral. You may also find tiny discs that look like a stack of life savers called crinoids or snail shells called gastropods. The most difficult fossils to find are horn coral, cephalopods, and Ohio’s state fossil: the trilobite.


Fossil study:

Fossils may be observed in the spillway at any time, but the collection of fossils is prohibited without permission from the Corps of Engineers.  If you would like to collect fossils, you must first acquire a free fossil collecting permit from:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center

4020 N. Clarksville Road

Waynesville, OH 45068

Phone: (513)897-1050

Please observe the following rules:

  • Fossils may not be collected for commercial use.
  • No tools are allowed in the spillway. No breaking of rocks or hitting of one rock against another.
  • You may keep fossils (or rocks containing fossils) that fit in the palm of your hand. Larger specimens should be left for others to enjoy. You may photograph, draw, or take rubbings of larger specimens.
  • Fossils may only be collected in the emergency spillway. Collecting in any area other than the spillway is not permitted.

For your safety and convenience:

  • You may park in either of the two parking areas in the emergency spillway. Parking on the shoulder of the road is prohibited.
  • Climbing the walls is very dangerous. The walls are very unstable, and we ask that you remain on the spillway floor. DO NOT CLIMB THE WALLS OR THE DEBRIS BELOW THE WALLS and STAY IN FRONT OF THE “NO CLIMBING” SIGNS!
  • Bring drinking water with you. The spillway has no shade.
  • 24-hour restrooms are located at the Visitor Center. There are no restrooms at the spillway.
 Programs

Educational Programs at Caesar Creek Lake

Since opening in 1982, Caesar Creek Lake’s Class A Regional Visitor Center has served thousands of local school children. Over 225,000 school children have participated in a program at the Visitor Center since 1996. Most of our program participants come from Warren, Clinton, Greene, and Montgomery counties, but some groups come from as far away as Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Columbus.

Field trips to Caesar Creek Lake are an educational, fun, and memorable experience for all ages. One young student commented at the end of his field trip, “This is the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life!”  Teacher love our programs too. Our average teacher evaluation score has been 9.25 out of 10 since 1996.

A typical field trip is a whole day with a variety of activities for group leaders to choose. A major draw at Caesar Creek Lake is the world-renown fossil beds. Unearthed during the construction of the dam, the emergency spillway harbors abundant Ordovician-age fossils. Despite its reputation as a world-class fossil collecting area, the emergency spillway is accessible for beginners, and every student can easily find their own fossils. Our fossil beds are unique in that we allow public collecting after a free fossil collecting permit is obtained at the Visitor Center. Children love to travel back in time and explore fossilized remains from the Ordovician Sea. Corals, trilobites, shells, and various marine creatures litter the floor of the emergency spillway and tell the story of a time when a warm, shallow ocean dominated the landscape of Southwest Ohio.

Children and adults love to learn about the natural history of the Caesar Creek Lake area while at the Visitor Center. Nature hikes focusing on local wildlife, habitat types, and Corps of Engineers restoration efforts are popular choices. Students also love participating in a pond study, creek walk, and collecting wildflower seed. Another popular program is our water safety program. With a 2,830-acre lake at the park, water safety cannot be emphasized enough. Thousands of children have received a water safety message and have met our mascot “Bobber the Water Safety Dog”.

To set up a field trip review our Teacher's Packet and call the Visitor Center at 515-897-1050.

 Shelter Rental and Picnicking

Shelter Rental and Picnicking

Blue skies, warm breeze blowing, and the smell of freshly cut grass – what a great time to have a picnic! If you are looking to get out to Caesar Creek Lake for a small outing or you are planning a family reunion, company picnic, or social get-together, look no further!


How many shelters are available?

Five group picnic shelters may be reserved in the Corps operations area. Current rates are $75 for weekends and federal holidays and $35 for weekdays.

Redbud Shelter

Holly Shelter

Beech Shelter

Dogwood Shelter

Sycamore Shelter

If a shelter has not been reserved for a particular day, it may be used on a first-come, first-served basis.


How do I reserve a shelter?

To reserve a shelter visit: www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. 

If you would like to reserve a shelter and/or overlook for your wedding or race event, contact the Visitor Center at (513)897-1050 to request a special event permit.


What about individual picnic sites?

In addition to the group picnic shelters, there are many individual picnic sites located at the Visitor Center, Flat Fork Ridge, and Gorge Recreation Areas.

 Volunteers and Friends

Volunteering and Friends of Caesar Creek Lake

Why Volunteer?              

We volunteer for many reasons. Some like the flexibility volunteering allows, while others want to make a difference or gain new skills/experiences.

Volunteering with the US Army Corps of Engineers is a great opportunity to:

  • Meet people and form new friendships
  • Explore and live in new places
  • Work in beautiful outdoor settings
  • Provide community service
  • Increase your career options
  • Earn college credits with internships
  • Have fun!

 


What Can You Do?

 

Recreation:

  • Maintain trails
  • Conduct and develop education programs
  • Assist visitors at the Visitor Center
  • Develop and build displays
  • Maintain facilities

Natural Resource Management:

  • Remove invasive species
  • Plant native vegetation
  • Monitor bluebird trails
  • Remove trash and debris 

Administration:

  • Write or edit materials for publication
  • Photography
  • Computer/database entry

 How to Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering at Caesar Creek Lake, contact the Visitor Center at (513)897-1050. Volunteers will need to fill out a Volunteer Services Agreement Form.


 Friends of Caesar Creek Lake

Friends of Caesar Creek Lake (FOCC) is a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to preserving our natural resources through educational and historical programs and activities. FOCC also offers excellent volunteer opportunities. Through the generous support of donors and volunteer efforts, FOCC has accomplished much, including:

  • Educational programs, such as Junior Rangers, a Christmas Bird Count, and butterfly count
  • Junior Ranger booklet creation and printing
  • Interpretive topographical trail map
  • Park support in the creation of a playground, fitness trail, new welcome video, and fish of Caesar Creek Lake display
  • Fund raising through festivals, combined federal campaign, and book cart sales 

For more information, please visit their website at: http://friendsofcaesarcreeklake.org/ or find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FOCaesarCreek

General Corps Information

 
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