Winter Wonderland: Coventry Township, 1967

Portage Lakes may be one of The 330’s hottest summer fun spots, but don’t count it out in the winter. For decades, families have been making PLX their chilly season hangout too, including the one pictured here sipping hot cocoa outside a Coventry Township home while taking a break from ice skating on the West Reservoir. If Portage Lakes State Park is slick with at least 5-inch-thick frozen waters and you take precautions, you too can lace up your ice skates or go ice fishing for channel catfish and bluegill on the West Reservoir. When the ice thaws, face off in a chilly game of disc golf at Turkeyfoot Lake or head to the East Reservoir for gentle cross-country skiing on the Knapp Forestview Trail or brisk hiking on the Knapp Walk Trail while watching for snowbirds like eagles, hawks and owls. Whatever you choose, PLX can be a wonderland for frosty fun. 

(From Feb. 2022)