Punderson Manor State Park Lodge and Conference Center is arguably one of the biggest tourist attractions in Geauga County. Located inside a state park, Punderson Manor has countless amenities and activities to keep your family occupied. However, not many people realize the rich and unique history that’s attached to both the park and the Manor. In an effort to remedy this lack of information, Punderson History Tours were developed.
The tours run June through October and take place each Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Tour guide Nicholas Fischbach, a thirty-five year veteran of the Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources, shares his wealth of expertise of Ohio’s flora and fauna. As a Geauga County native, he also has a passion for the county’s history, and has been sharing his knowledge on tours each Thursday night at Punderson for the last three years.
On the tours of Punderson Manor, Fischbach shares historical information on both Geauga County in general and Punderson Manor specifically. He delves into the history of the Native American tribes that lived in the area long ago, before settlers moved to the area. He also explains how the Lake was formed and just how Punderson Manor came to be. In fact, the Manor may be one of the most fascinating things about our closest state park. Built in 1898 by William Cleveland, it has over a century of history that can keep you entertained for hours.
As a resident of Geauga County, you may think you’ve heard all of the rumors and stories of the area’s haunted past. According to Fischbach, who shares his personal experiences as a part of the tours, you have no idea. When asked, he responds without hesitation that he believes spirits still frequent the park, and he shares his explanation on the tours.
If you can’t wait until summer for this unique experience, you’re in luck. Fischbach will be hosting a special tour on Thursday, April 30, at 8:30 p.m. The tour is offered at no charge, although a special dinner is available at Punderson Manor prior to the tour at 5:30 p.m. This special tour in April will focus on the manor, while summer tours will also include treks to the lake and throughout areas of the park. Whether you visit on April 30, or sometime later in the season, don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to spend time with your family while learning about the interesting history of Punderson Manor and Geauga County.
