The park was established following the construction of the Glendale Dam by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1957.
Glendale Lake was created primarily to serve as a recreational impoundment rather than for flood control.
The park is home to a diverse population of ospreys, which were re-introduced to the area in the early 2000s.
The Prince Gallitzin Chapel House, located near the park, is a reconstruction of the original log cabin used by Prince Gallitzin.
The lake's water levels are often lowered in late autumn to prevent ice damage to the shoreline structures.
The park grounds contain the remains of several abandoned coal mining operations that were active in the early 20th century.
A significant portion of the park consists of second-growth hardwood forests, primarily oak and maple, which recovered after heavy logging in the 1900s.
Prince Gallitzin State Park centers on the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, which features 26 miles of shoreline within the Allegheny Plateau. The park encompasses 6,249 acres of forest, fields, and water, providing a diverse habitat for migrating waterfowl and nesting bald eagles. It is situated in Cambria County at an elevation ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 feet. The park is named after Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, a Russian prince turned Catholic missionary who settled in the area in the late 18th century. Facilities include a full-service marina, boat rental concessions, and a public beach with a sand-bottom swimming area. The park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails, including the forest-dense Musser Trail and various paths along the lake perimeter. Camping options range from modern electric-hookup sites to rustic cabins and organized group tenting areas. Winter recreation includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing when conditions permit.
The elevated overlook near the dam provides a panoramic view of the full expanse of Glendale Lake.
Visit the marina office to check the daily water temperature and current boat rental availability before heading to the water.
Pack binoculars, as the park is a major stopover for migratory birds during the spring and autumn months.
Use the trails on the east side of the lake for more solitude, as the main beach area can become crowded on summer weekends.
Do not attempt to swim in areas outside the designated beach, as underwater hazards and currents exist near the dam spillway.
The beach and boat rental concessions are seasonal, typically opening for the summer season and closing after Labor Day.
Leashed pets are allowed only in designated areas; swimming is restricted to the beach area during operational months.
