Maurice K. Goddard State Park consists of 2,856 acres in northeastern Mercer County. The upper portion of this lake is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission as part of State Game Lands No. 270.
Opportunities
Boating: Non-powered boats and boats up to 10 horsepower are permitted on the State Park portion of the lake.Fishing: Largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern pike, and tiger muskellunge are the typical warm water game fish in the lake. Bluegills, crappies, catfish, perch, and sunfish are also abundant. A bait and fishing tackle concession is available at the marina.
Picnicking: Picnicking facilities in the marina area are limited. Boat launch areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 have improved roads. Comfort stations and drinking water are available, with sizable picnicking facilities located in and around the area. Picnic shelters are available at the following areas launch 1, 2, 3, and marina.
A total of 220 tables are available throughout the park.
Hiking: There are 21.5 miles of trails along the lake and throughout the wooded open fields.
Winter Sports: During the winter, ice fishing accounts for many of the larger fish that have been caught in Lake Wilhelm. Ice boating is permitted provided the boat displays a current State Park launch permit. Ice skating is also available at launch area 3. There are 2 acres for sledding at the dam.
Cross-Country Skiing: There are 6 miles of trails marked for cross-country skiing which can be enjoyed by both beginner and expert skiers.
Snowmobiling: Boat launch areas 3 and 4 are access points for the trail. There are 4 miles of trail within the park, and most of the roads surrounding the park are designated for joint snowmobile and vehicle use.
Hunting: Over 1,155 acres of land plus most of Lake Wilhelm are open to public hunting, trapping and the training of dogs. Common game species include deer and waterfowl.
History
The park honors Dr. Maurice K. Goddard. In 1955, Maurice K. Goddard became the Secretary of the Department of Forests and Waters and for Pennsylvania an era of outstanding leadership, conservation and state park expansion began. Dr. Goddard, who had been Director of The School of Forestry at The Pennsylvania State University, is nationally renowned and has served more governors as a cabinet officer than any other person in the history of the Commonwealth.
In 1971, Dr. Goddard became Secretary of the newly created Department of Environmental Resources. Under the leadership of Dr. Goddard, the goal of establishing a State Park within 25 miles of every Pennsylvania resident was accomplished.
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