Otterbein Lake

A small lake in Westerville offers a recreational and educational destination.

As cyclists and walkers travel the leisure path just west of Alum Creek Park, they will encounter Otterbein Lake. Until 2003, Otterbein Lake had been hidden from view in its secluded location and was known to only a few fishermen. In the late 1960’s, Nationwide Development Company dug the lake to provide fill dirt to build up the southeastern corner of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue, the Collegeview area and the first part of the Annehurst housing development. In 1994, the City was able to purchase the 16-acre parcel that included Otterbein Lake from Otterbein College, making it part of the Alum Creek Park. In recent years, community volunteers have transformed the 8-acre lake into a scenic, environmental, educational and recreational destination. It offers opportunities for bird watching, fishing, and plant identification.