Geneva State Park: Late Summer Wildflowers Scene on the Trail

A new crop of blooms parades across the hiking trails in late summer.

Visiting Geneva State Park in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, was a delight as bright sunshine lit up the marshes and estuary that make this spot special.

These wildflowers provide food for North American pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and their larvae.

A Mallow by another Name

Although the common name for this beauty is Swamp Mallow, I like to call it Marsh Mallow! Clearly, it belongs to the hibiscus family, as evidenced by its beautiful frilled pink petals and prominent stamens. Its scientific name is Hibiscus moscheutos. As you would expect, this native perennial prefers damp conditions and thrives in wetlands.

Geneva State Park Marina Snack Bar and Cafe

The state park is a great place for a Sunday morning walk through the woods and marshes, with views of Lake Erie if you continue around the lodge. We like to stop for a beverage at the marina snack bar and souvenir shop. There is a lovely patio for watching boats come and go.

A Long View

You will pass this view of the estuary connecting to the lake as you walk the trail.

Purple loosestrife was once considered an invasive wetlands plant, but introduction of the loosestrife beetle has helped control its spread.

I saw a park worker culling some of the growth.

Whatever the park is doing, it is doing it right! The wetlands are absolutely stunning.

American Cranberry

American cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) is just starting to show its stuff in the park wetlands.

You will probably see Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum) not only in the wetlands habitat, but along the roadside in late summer. It can grow 6 feet tall!

Exploring the Canopy

As you walk, you’ll come upon some platforms built into the tree canopy. The aptly named Lake Erie Canopy Tours maintains this jungle gym for all ages to view the park and lake.

The canopy walk office is just across the parking lot of the Lodge at Geneva State Park.

No matter the time of year, there is plenty to see at this Ohio state park gem that sits right on the shores of Lake Erie.