Portage Lakes State Park — Attraction in New Franklin

I love this park i only know John and Michelle from their hard working clean up crew but I love them they keep the park so nice! People are so rude and leave trash everywhere and there are trash cans and dumpsters everywhere with such easy access...smh we were there during that last storm it came from no where I got hit in the head by a fallen tree my glasses flew off my face and down the beach my husband was hugging me from behind to protect my recent major back surgery he got cuts and bruises it was so scary the trees were falling and it only lasted for like 5 minutes but seemed like forever the debris was devastating...we go to this park pretty much daily...the crew as usual was working hard the next morning they got so many broken trees cleaned up and within a few days the beach was back to beautiful. They rake the beach all the time 💖 they have a ton of free events there is a nice dog park, nice trails, disc golf that looks like a ton of fun there is a playground a butterfly trail and the tudor house...we love fishing here and as I heal I love waking amap there are awesome raptures, deer and cool wildlife...there are pretty flowers pretty butterflies lots of grills and picnic tables a volleyball court on the beach 2. The grass is always well kept and it feels safe it is my favorite place to go to...it is awesome to be in such a beautiful place...if you visit please don't litter or be rude to others have respect for the guys fishing and swim where they provide swimming to the left of the docks! Enjoy yourself and let nature surrounding you...

Just wanted to share a quick experience. I was here the other day having taken a half day paid time off, and just parked to look at the water, play some soft music, and get a couple things done online I had been putting off on my laptop.

As is par for the course for me, I somehow left some accessory on in my Ford Escape. Dead battery... Ouch. Early in the season and it was moderately chilly, but had been warm in the sun. I asked several passersby for a jump, but no one could help me. As the afternoon progressed, figured I would have to have someone drive all the way here (over a half hour from home) to give me a jump.

I called the park's administration office, and they tried to raise a ranger to help me, but the woman on the phone didn't have any luck. I ended up calling a different number and spoke with a regional ranger dispatch officer, and this guy was so pleasant and easy to talk to on the phone. He took down my info and told me there in a ranger on duty, and that he's probably away from his radio. 12 minutes later, my car is running!

I was so thankful for the ranger that day. I wish I had have taken down his name to give him my thanks by name, but he was such a nice guy and with our heads together, we got my car running in no time flat. It was an experience I'm likely to tell anyone who asks me if I've been here and if it's a nice place, etc.

It is well maintained, and there's plenty to do here for everyone! From water to disc golf and walking paths to just being with nature, I highly recommend Portage...

Portage Lake State Park: A Premier Destination for Water EnthusiastsPortage Lake State Park truly stands out as one of the best recreational spots in the region, especially for anyone who loves spending a day out on the water. It perfectly blends exceptional facilities with a beautiful natural setting, making it a must-visit destination for families, anglers, and boaters alike.For those bringing a vessel, the park’s large boat ramp area is absolutely top-notch. It’s well-maintained and provides efficient access to the lake, which is a massive plus on busy summer mornings. Critically, the park offers plenty of parking with ample room for trailers, eliminating the usual frustration of maneuvering a rig in tight spaces. This makes launching and retrieval smooth and stress-free.Beyond the boat facilities, the park caters to the whole family. There is a clean, inviting beach area that provides a safe and pleasant place to swim, sunbathe, and relax on the shore. It’s ideal for setting up camp for the day while others are out on the lake.Speaking of the lake, anglers will be pleased to know that Portage Lake maintains a strong reputation for good fishing. Whether you're casting from the shore or finding a quiet spot out in the deep, the lake is known for providing excellent catches across multiple species.Overall, Portage Lake State Park is a fantastic resource. The combination of its superior boating infrastructure, family-friendly beach, and rich fishing opportunities guarantees a great outdoor...