West Branch State Park

West Branch State Park is a state park located east of Ravenna, Ohio, on the west branch of the Mahoning River. The park encompasses 5352acre of land and 2650acre of water mainly in Charlestown, Edinburg, and Paris townships, with additional land in neighboring Palmyra, Ravenna, and Rootstown townships. Boating, fishing and swimming are permitted on the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir. The park includes a campground with 198 campsites.HistoryIn early days Native Americans and some early settlers used the Mahoning River as a source for salt. Captain John Campbell who led militia in the War of 1812 opened the oldest brick land office building around 1810. Before the reservoir was made, the building was moved out of the area.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir in 1965. The reservoir was developed for recreation, water supply, flood control, and fish and wildlife management. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers then leased the land to the state of Ohio to be used as a state park. West Branch State Park was officially opened in 1966.