RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK -- Memorial Day traditionally kicks off the summer season, but for anybody going to Ricketts Glen State Park to camp, they are being reminded that there is no longer a lake.
Visitors to Ricketts Glen State Park this Memorial Day weekend are greeted by an empty Lake Jean. There's no water, just a lot of mud.
What was an attraction for swimming, fishing, and boating is now an attraction for treasure hunters with metal detectors.
"We knew about it and we came anyway because there's enough to do here," said Eileen Zieserl.
The Zieserls from the Lehigh Valley are camping.
The lake may be empty, but the campground will be full, sold out for the weekend.
"It's a little different, but there's still a lot of nice things to do in the area. It's just nice to get away," said John Zieserl.
The water is down so the state can repair the dam's control tower.
Some were concerned that no water in the lake would mean no water for the popular waterfalls downstream. That's not the case.
"I was concerned that it was tied to the lake and there would be no water, but we were pleasantly surprised that it's still running," Zieserl added.
"The lake is not the main reason why I come up here, so it's OK."
Relaxation is still available here for Cindy Rupp of Wapwallopen. She does miss the full lake and its beach, though.
"Because it's nice to jump into after you go hiking."
When the summer heats up, if you're looking to cool off, you're out of luck here at the beach. But there is still a small pond that's left for fishing and kayaking.
There was an effort to save as many fish as possible.
Now there's an effort to make sure no one wanting to explore the bottom of the lake gets stuck in the mud.
"We're teaching common sense here. You're going to walk out a little bit, you're going to get muddy, just use common sense, be safe," advised park manager Ben Stone.
The hope is to have the dam repairs done this year and Lake Jean full again next summer.
