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Metro Park
Photo: Nimisila Reservoir, American bald eagle
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Park Areas
Lot C1
Address 5034 Christman Rd.
Green, OH 44319
Hours Daily: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
After-hours fishing permitted at your own risk. Must have valid Ohio fishing license.
LotC3
Address 5510 Christman Rd.
Green, OH 44319
Hours Daily: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
After-hours fishing permitted at your own risk. Must have valid Ohio fishing license.
Lot C4
Address 5550 Christman Rd.
Green, OH 44319
Hours Daily: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
The boat ramp in the campground is only accessible to campers with valid reservations, May 1 through October 31. Make camping reservations
After-hours fishing for campers is permitted at your own risk. Must have valid Ohio fishing license.
LotC6
Address 6194 Christman Rd.
Green, OH 44319
Hours Daily: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
After-hours fishing permitted at your own risk. Must have valid Ohio fishing license.
LotSM2
Address 5531 S. Main St.
Green, OH 44319
Hours Daily: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
After-hours fishing permitted at your own risk. Must have valid Ohio fishing license.
Classes: A = Multipurpose | B = Accessible* | C = Basic | D = Primitive** | E = Bridle
Ratings: 1 = Easy | 2 = Moderate | 3 = Difficult
* Flat, easy trail or section with asphalt or crushed limestone surface.
See our Spree For All page for more information about accessible trails.
** Rugged and challenging with uneven surfaces and steep, narrow routes
Park Map
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History & Wildlife
If you're a serious angler, Nimisila Reservoir is for you. It's known for its channel catfish and largemouth bass. Other fish in the lake include northern pike, walleye, bluegill, black and white crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead and redear sunfish. With only electric boat motors permitted, the pace is slower and quieter, making for a good fishing experience even when the stringer remains empty.
Nimisila Reservoir is one of the 13 bodies of water that make up the Portage Lakes. At 825 acres, it's the largest body of water in the park district. Nimisila Reservoir was the last of the Portage Lakes to be created. The reservoir originally provided the ever-expanding water needs of Akron's industrial complex. Built in 1936 by the federal Works Progress Administration, the reservoir was created when an earthen dam 44 feet high and 2,350 feet long was built on Nimisila Creek. The reservoir has 16 miles of shoreline and four boat launches, with the deepest spot at around about 30 feet.
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Historically, the area was an important trading post for settlers and Indians. It was a recognized landmark during the War of 1812, serving as a rendezvous point for American troops. The old Indian portage path was part of the ancient boundary between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. In more recent history, a WWII corsair airplane crash landed in the reservoir on a training mission from Goodyear. Legend has it that it is underwater and remains stuck in the mud somewhere within the reservoir.
An important migratory stop-over habitat, Nimisila is the staging area for several thousand purple martins during the month of August. The birds roost on the grassy islands during the night, feast on the insect population and then continue their migration south for the winter. The reservoir is also home to several species of waterfowl, eagles and osprey. Many other species can be seen at various times during the year.
Photo Gallery
Purple martin nest gourds
Eagle nesting at Nimisila
Evening at Nimisila Reservoir
Osprey
Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park
Observing purple martins
Kayak on Nimisila
Nimisila Reservoir
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
Amenities
- Pet-friendly
- Restroom
Activities
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
Amenities
- Pet-friendly
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
- Camping
Amenities
- Pet-friendly
- Picnic Tables
- Restroom
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
Amenities
- Pet-friendly
- Restroom
Activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Ice Fishing
Amenities
- Pet-friendly
