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Friday, January 3, 2014

The Dam Bridge and Overlook at Memorial Lake State Park

Dam Bridge and Overlook at Memorial Lake State Park - Pennsylvania
Memorial Lake State Park is located in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. If you are visiting the Harrisburg or Hershey area it will take you 25 to 30 minutes to drive to the state park. Officially, the park is located in Fort Indiantown Gap which is a military post for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Originally the state park was set up as a memorial to soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II. It was for military members and their families to use for recreational use. Over the years it has become a popular state park for service members, their families and for civilians. 
Dam Bridge and Overlook at Memorial Lake State Park - Pennsylvania
It is quite a large park consisting of 230 acres including an 85 acre lake. There are two boating ramps and you can bring your own boat (electrical motors only) or rent a canoe, kayak or paddle boat once there. You must abide by all boating commission rules, licenses and guidelines when boating on Memorial Lake.

One of my favorite areas at Memorial Lake State Park is the dam bridge and the overlook. You can walk to that and up onto it via one of the various trails that go around the lake. Once standing on the dam bridge you can get a nice view of the park. We love standing up there looking at the fish down below or the birds flying by.
Memorial Lake State Park - Pennsylvania
While at the park you can plan a picnic lunch and enjoy it at on one of the picnic tables or in one of the covered picnic pavilions. There are public restrooms, a playground for the kids and all of the hiking trails are stone covered which makes them easy to walk on. There are various trails you can choose depending on your walking ability.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Memorial Lake State Park is during the spring season or during the fall when the leaves start changing but its still warm enough to be outdoors. The park is open year round and they have various activities that they hold throughout the year. Parking is plentiful and admission into the park is free.

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