#ThisIsThePlace: Jones Lake State Park surrounded by mystery and history

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — There a few state parks within Bladen County and one of them has some rich history surrounding it.

Jones Lake State Park has been a community destination for picnics under the shade of tall pines and swimming in the the lake’s shallow waters.

It is the 7th oldest state park in North Carolina and it opened back in 1939 as the first state park for African Americans.

There is a lot of mystery around the formation of the bays like Jones Lake about how they were created.

Park Ranger Lane Garner said everyone has their own theory.

“One of the most popular theories is meteor showers,” said Garner. “I have also heard dinosaur footprints and prehistoric fish beds.”

The park is free to visit but you can reserve a camp ground to stay overnight. You can rent a kayak during Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Garner says last year more than 120,000 people visited the park.