Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Prepares for Annual Fall Fest: Safety, Upgrades, and Events Highlighted

With summer winding down, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is gearing up for one of its most anticipated autumn traditions: Fall Fest. Park Manager Dave Faler joined WCSM’s Spectrum to discuss event details, recent park capital improvements, and essential safety guidelines for fall visitors.

2026 Fall Fest Details & Hours

Fall Fest provides an opportunity for campers and day visitors to explore the park, sample local cuisine, and browse local crafts.

• Dates & Times:

  • Friday, Sept. 11: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Saturday, Sept. 12: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Sunday, Sept. 13: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Admission & Parking: Free and open to the general public with no registration required for day visitors. Courtesy docks are available for visitors arriving by boat.

• Featured Attractions:

  • Food trucks and local craft vendors

  • Touch-a-Truck event (Saturday morning)

  • Open splash pad (weather permitting) and playgrounds for children

• Camping Availability: Campground sites sell out quickly, often months in advance. Prospective campers are advised to check the park registration hotline for cancellations.

Capital Improvements & Playground Upgrades

The park features several infrastructure and recreation enhancements:

• ADA-Accessible Playground: Located at Shelter House One, featuring a newly poured rubber safety surface funded in part by the Lake Improvement Association (LIA).

• New Campground Office: Construction is underway near the main campground, with an expected completion date of May 2027.

• New Campground Playground: Acquired through camp host fundraising efforts, with installation scheduled in the near future.

• Lake Improvement Association Support: Over the past 15 years, the LIA has funded all but two of the shelter houses across the park, including facilities at West Bank.

Boating Rules & Water Safety Guidelines

As seasonal conditions shift, park officials emphasize key safety and operational regulations for all watercraft operators:

• Boater Education Certificate: Required for anyone born after January 1, 1982, prior to operating a motorized vessel in Ohio waters.

• Life Jackets: Loaner stations are available at East Bank, West Bank, and Little Chickasaw boat ramps for public use.

• Alcohol Restrictions: Zero tolerance. Open container laws apply to all passengers aboard a vessel while on the water.

• 300-Foot No-Wake Zone: Strictly enforced near shorelines to prevent bank erosion and property damage to residential sea walls.

• Navigational Hazards: Submerged stumps and fallen timber remain present in shallow areas, particularly along the southern portion of the lake.

Camping Policies & General Etiquette

• Quiet Hours: Enforced daily from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

• Pet Policy: Dogs must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times throughout the park, excluding designated off-leash dog parks located at East Bank, West Bank, and the main campground.

• Trash & Fire Safety: Extinguish campfires fully with water. Do not burn styrofoam, plastics, or pour cooking oils onto open flames. Vehicle driving is restricted to paved surfaces to prevent turf rutting.

Resources & Official Updates

For schedule updates, announcements, or seasonal information:

• Facebook: Grand Lake St. Marys State Park official page

• Audio Archive: Full broadcast segment available via WCSM Radio