In-Town Tourist: The “Other” Hoover Dam (Westerville, Ohio)
In-Town Tourist: The "Other" Hoover Dam (Westerville, Ohio) [1:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
In-Town Tourist: The "Other" Hoover Dam (Westerville, Ohio) [1:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadThe Hoover Dam that brackets the Arizona/Nevada border may sell more postcards, but Ohio’s Hoover Dam is close enough to be a regular visit for us. Matt and I rode bikes across the imposing cement structure just last week, and on Friday we took Lily to swim at a secluded beach along its shore.
Like Alum Creek Dam to our north, Hoover brims with outdoor options for the active. Rollerbladers, cyclists and runners weave between those strolling or walking dogs along the paved pathway atop the dam. Sports fields, picnic and play spaces and a frisbee golf course are among the well-used amenities at the recreation area.
Less utilized is the canoe launch area below the dam and a delightful nature trail that leads to Lily’s swimming spot. The nature trail entrance is located to the northeast of the walkway at the edge of a parking lot turn-around. Blackberries abound in late summer (as does poison ivy, so pluck with care!) in a sunny stretch of brush near the trail head. After a short stroll west through woods, the path swings north again. We rarely continue the trail from here, however, opting instead to slip through one of the side paths that lead to the water.
A flat shoreline and an abundance of big sticks make this a great swimming spot for dogs. Most often we have the beach to ourselves but occasionally, to Lily’s delight, she finds a playmate such as Otis (pictured with Lily). There are always a few logs to climb over (or fall over if you’re me and having a less than graceful day), plenty of flat skip-worthy stones and some lovely views.
More “In-Town Tourist”: Hoover Reservoir
I didn’t know there were two Hoover Dams
Heather,
I grew up by this dam (right down the street in fact) in the mid to late 70′s and what wonderful memories came back to me after reading this blog and seeing the pictures. I haven’t been back there since 1985. I spent many afternoons fishing in Walnut Creek with my friends. Thanks for a wonderful blog!!!!
Luke
I’ve not been to our Hoover Dam in years and years. Good for Lilly that she gets a chance to swim there. Our most-local metro park has a swimming area for dog — none for people though.
Graham: Ohio’s Hoover Dam isn’t named for President Hoover as the more famous one is -but for two brothers who worked for the Columbus water company. Less controversy, less water, but still quite lovely…
Luke: I’ve canoed down Walnut Creek just below the dam -probably right past your old fishing spots! I bet we have a Westerville friend or two in common. It’s still a wonderful spot to wander on a warm afternoon.
Delmer: We always get wet when Lily swims. We try to anticipate “the shake”, but she can be a bit unpredictable in her timing. There are some great dog parks in the area -we like this spot because it lacks the crowds. More sticks for Lily!
I didn’t know it also
great post!
Blackberries and Bald Eagles! Wow! I’ll contend with the ticks and ivy – I just love this time of the year. Thanks for sharing the experience.
Thanks Demetrios!
Intrepid: We live on a nice little patch of the Midwest here in Ohio, and we’re getting as much outdoor time as possible right now! I’m headed to your state next week -doing my little bit to help fund the state government (yikes! I heard there was talk of selling San Quentin?).
It’s the first time I know this place!
I can always know more from your posts.
BTW: I love these pictures, I hope I can play with my Dachshund Leo to the place like this.
Heather your pictures always look so fresh. This is another place I’ll have to add on my must see list. Blackberries as well..yum!
There’s nothing like the pure joy of watching dogs play. Great photos.
I saw the Hoover Dam when I visited Las Vegas earlier this year but also didn’t know there was a second one.
Another dam/place to know. Thanks for sharing this info & great pictures.
iWalk: Leo would have a great time here!
Cate: I’ve been spotting “blackberries to be” everywhere I go this week! We get them at the edge of our backyard woods too, but the wildlife always gets to them before we can! There’s something elementally good about picking and eating blackberries right on the spot.
Suzanne: This Hoover Dam is on a much(!!) smaller scale. THE Hoover Dam is massive. We DO get a kick out of the matching name though. ~And the dam in Westerville Ohio is the one I think of when I hear “Hoover Dam”.
Esther: It’s a fun local spot. We always feel like we’ve been “away” when we spend time on that bit of beach.
I have never come there, i wish welcome to there once more.