Independence Lake — Attraction in Webster Township

It is a slice of wild. Strange and exotic animals you would never expect. They make a place for people to visit, but lots of wildlife call it home. Just in a small area by the shore line I've seen a lot. A hundred frogs wiped out in a few days by a giant hog nose snake that blocked my path to bully me, and a leopard frog that wouldn't leave my kayak we had to rescue. A mi rattler lunging at my hand that looked like dead seaweed. It's body like a small gabboon viper, it didn't coil it lunged 3 body lengths and moved like an inch wurm. Right in the water is fresh water clams that crawl around and burrow in the sandy bottom. Giant sand hill cranes that challenge you. Makes the place Erie. I seen a giant blue snake head about 5 feet long and 25 inches around. It was sunning itself on the shore line in shallow water. Wtf is that? It's something called a bowfin or dog fish.?? Big gator gar, reports of an alligator. Leaches, weird minnows that don't live anywhere else with no scientific identified name that look like little puffer fish. Round tail channel cat, very dangerous to handle. Bacteria closures and swimmers itch can happen. 3 stars but...

Beautiful lake, with a lifeguard on duty through the summer and weekends extending a little longer. Lake closes for swimming when the lifeguard leaves at 8pm.

Indoor bathrooms by the concession stand (typical concession stad food available, including ice cream bars/popsicles.)

A few covered shelters available for use around the lake area. Tons of other picnic tables and grills available. Paddleboats for rent. Small fishing dock. Nice big playground. Dogs are allowed in the lake area but not on the beach or water.

Separately from the lake there is the water park (additional admission fees), with water slides, splash pad area, and their own concessions.

There are also several lovely, dog-friendly hiking trails around the park. Disc golf course that I can't speak...

I've been going here for a really long time, it's a nice area especially if you have a big family and you want to have a birthday party, cookout, or even a family reunion. There's charcoal grills all over the place, Pavilions, a small playground and a water park that you have to pay extra for that is within Independence Lake Park. The lake is really clean and warm most of the time, it's an enclosed area that's a pretty good size so I would say that it's fairly safe for your family. It's not very deep anywhere so if you have some kids that can't really swim, there's plenty of space for them to play around...