The park's Lake Wilhelm was created by damming Sandy Creek to provide flood control for the Sandy Creek watershed.
Maurice K. Goddard served as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Environmental Resources and was instrumental in the state's park system expansion for over 25 years.
The park serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds using the Atlantic Flyway.
The Lake Wilhelm Trail is flat and accessible, making it popular for wheelchair users and strollers.
Parts of the park feature restored meadows designed specifically to attract pollinators and grassland bird species.
Maurice K. Goddard State Park encompasses 2,856 acres of land surrounding the 1,680-acre Lake Wilhelm in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. The park serves as a hub for year-round recreation, including boating, fishing, and ice-related activities. Lake Wilhelm is a major draw for anglers, featuring populations of largemouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge. The park features an extensive network of trails, including the paved multi-use Lake Wilhelm Trail that spans the northern shoreline. During the winter, the lake supports ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. The park landscape consists primarily of second-growth forest, meadows, and wetlands that provide habitats for migrating waterfowl. Birdwatchers frequently spot bald eagles, ospreys, and various species of ducks near the water's edge. Modern boat launches and picnic areas are distributed along the lake's perimeter to facilitate access to the water. The park is named after Maurice K. Goddard, the former director of the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters who championed a goal of having a state park within 25 miles of every Pennsylvanian.
The western end of the dam during sunset offers a clear, unobstructed view across the entire length of the lake.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better spot fish and navigate the glare on Lake Wilhelm.
Check the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website for current lake ice thickness reports before attempting winter activities.
Water levels in Lake Wilhelm may fluctuate for maintenance; check park alerts before planning a kayak trip.
Attempting to swim in Lake Wilhelm, as designated swimming beaches are not provided.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; keep pets on a leash at all times; observe 'no wake' zones on the lake.
