The Buckeye State is full of buried treasures and hidden gems, and while our neighbor to the north might be known as the Great Lakes State, Ohio has some pretty gorgeous lakes, too. One of our favorites is as beautiful as it is bewitching; an alluring, shockingly blue lake with seemingly infinite depths. This so-called “bottomless lake” in Ohio is a mysterious marvel you simply must see for yourself. Welcome to Lake Anna in Barberton, Ohio.

Barberton is a city in Summit County, Ohio, that's home to a bustling community of around 26,000. It's not too big, not too small; what Goldilocks would call just right.
DigitalDeivant/Wikipedia
The Northern Ohio town's centerpiece is the lovely Lake Anna Park, a beautiful 11-acre oasis that surrounds the eponymous lake.
Barberton Parks and Recreation/Facebook
Community festivals, events, and gatherings all happen at this park, with the lake the town's pride and joy.
City of Barberton/Facebook
So imagine our surprise to learn that this lake has quite the nefarious reputation; an infamous past that's seeped into present-day lore.
Jennifer C/TripAdvisor
Two main myths surround Lake Anna, and they're somewhat related. Lake Anna was named by Ohio Columbus Barber after his only daughter, Anna Laura Barber. As rumor has it, Anna swam in the lake in the 1940s -- and drowned in a tragic accident.
Barberton Historical Society/Facebook

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The second myth is that this lake in Ohio is bottomless; an expanse whose depths cannot be reached. Whisperings of Lake Anna being bottomless began when town officials first tried to determine the depth of the lake by dropping an anchor tied to a rope into its center. As the anchor descended, the rope was naturally pulled down by gravity.
Barberton Historical Society/Facebook
However, by the time the anchor reached the bottom of Lake Anna, the rope had gotten caught in the undertow of one of the underground streams that feed Lake Anna. As a result, the rope caught in the current of the stream continued to feed into the water, as if the anchor was still sinking. It eventually slipped from the boat into the water, making it appear that this Ohio lake was, in fact, bottomless.
Barberton Historical Society/Facebook
Here's what we do know, however: Lake Anna is a glacial kettle lake with an estimated age of approximately 15,000 years.
Barberton Historical Society/Facebook
Lake Anna hails from the Pleistocene Epoch of the Wisconsin Ice Age; and, despite the "bottomless lake" lore, this Ohio lake is actually just 35 feet deep at the center.
Barberton Parks and Recreation/Facebook
Today, Lake Anna remains as beautiful as ever, and, in our opinion, its mysterious past makes it all the more beguiling and bewitching.
Barberton Parks and Recreation/Facebook

Get a bird’s-eye view of Lake Anna and surrounding Barberton:

Have you been to Lake Anna in Barberton, Ohio, the captivating “bottomless lake” before? While the Barberton Historical Society has worked hard to lay these rumors to rest, we think it’s a fun part of the town’s folklore that makes Barberton, Ohio, that much more interesting and unique!

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of Ohio

William Suphan | June 22, 2023

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Ohio?

The most incredible natural attractions in Ohio include:

  • Oak Openings Metro Park in Swanton. This is a place where oak forests, savannas, sand dunes, swamps, and prairies coexist.
  • Glacial Grooves State Memorial at Kelleys Island. These are the largest accessible glacial grooves on the planet.
  • Brandywine Falls in Sagamore Hills Township. These falls are some of the most stunning in the state and are in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
  • Natural Bridge in Rockbridge. This is a natural stone bridge that is over 100 feet long and was formed millions of years ago.

Learn more about the most incredible natural attractions in Ohio.  

What are some hidden natural attractions in Ohio?

Hidden natural attractions in Ohio include:

  • Highlands Nature Sanctuary in Bainbridge. This area was sacred to the Shawnee and Iroquois Nations and is stunningly gorgeous.
  • Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve near Rockbridge. This gorge has 200-foot-tall cliffs and an absolutely beautiful hiking trail.
  • Sugarcreek Metro Park in Bellbrook. This old-growth forest has some trees that are over 500 years old.
  • Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City. This park has wide swaths of wildflowers, lush forests, and picturesque bluffs.

Find out more about these and other hidden natural attractions in Ohio. 

What are the best bucket list natural attractions in Ohio?

The best bucket list natural attractions in Ohio include:

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are more than 125 miles of hiking trails here and some of the most beautiful nature in Ohio.
  • Mohican Memorial State Forest. There are stunning waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks at this 4,525-acre nature preserve.
  • Shawnee State Forest. This is the largest state forest in the state and is a gorgeous spot for camping, horseback riding, and much more.
  • Old Man’s Cave. Nestled within the beautiful Hocking Hills State Park, this is an easy hike with a stellar payoff.

Discover more about the best bucket list natural attractions in Ohio.  

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Lake Anna, Barberton, OH 44203, USA