His language skills and knowledge of the land left him ideally suited to be among the pioneers in settling what became Clinton County, Ohio.

The combination of lake and forest makes the park a destination for birders, who can observe mallards, American wigeons, mergansers, great blue and green-backed herons, killdeer, eastern bluebirds, catbirds, and many other species of birds.

[3] Other plant life found at the park include bloodroot, wild ginger, and American lotus.

[3] The park offers picnic areas, pavilions, four miles of hiking trails, cottages, campsites, boating, swimming, fishing, and marina.

Common game fish in Cowan Lake are muskellunge, crappie, largemouth bass, and bluegill.