Alum Creek Lake

Alum Creek Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reduce the flood hazard along Alum and Big Walnut Creeks, the Scioto River, and along the Ohio River. The city of Columbus shared part of the additional project cost for water supply for the metropolitan area. Other benefits of the lake project are recreation, fish and wildlife management, and downstream water quality. The majority of the park is leased to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to operate as a State Park. The Corps of Engineers manages and operates the Visitor Center and the Below Dam Recreation Area, as well as the dam.The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and Office is located on Lewis Center Road between the beach and the dam. The visitor center is open year round. Facilities and services include exhibits, information, maps, brochures, a movie theater, and restrooms. A variety of guided walks, talks, and other programs are offered free of charge by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Call (740) 548-6151 to schedule a program for your group or organization.

From Columbus take I-71 north to the Polaris exit. Exit to the right on Polaris Parkway, heading east. Turn left on Worthington Road. Then, turn left on Africa Road. You will be able to see the dam at Lewis Center and Africa Roads. Turn left on to Lewis Center Road to get to the Below Dam Recreation Area or the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center.