Just east of Columbus, the Buckeye Lake Multipurpose Trail offers a unique way to experience one of Central Ohio’s most historic and scenic lake destinations. Stretching 4.1 miles from Liebs Island in Millersport to North Shore Park in the Village of Buckeye Lake, the paved trail follows the top of the historic Buckeye Lake Dam, where nearly 200 years of history meet some of the lake’s best views.
The paved multipurpose trail was added as part of the Buckeye Lake Dam Rehabilitation project completed in 2018, thanks in part to the efforts of Bike Buckeye Lake, which helped champion the vision for a trail along the lake. Today, the trail provides a safe and scenic way for visitors to experience the lake from atop the historic dam. Whether you’re walking, biking, fishing, or simply taking in the views, it offers a unique perspective of Ohio’s Original Playground.
Along the way, visitors can discover canal-era history, waterfront parks, local restaurants, and the communities and landmarks that have shaped Buckeye Lake for generations.
A Dam with a Story
Before Buckeye Lake became known for boating, fishing, and summer recreation, it served a very different purpose. Built between the late 1820s and early 1830s, Buckeye Lake became an important part of the Ohio & Erie Canal system, helping connect communities across Ohio.
Today, interpretive signs at the trail access points share the story of the dam, the canal era, and how Buckeye Lake evolved from a working reservoir into one of Ohio’s favorite recreation destinations. The multipurpose trail offers visitors a chance to experience this historic structure from a perspective not available before the dam rehabilitation project.
Begin Your Journey at Liebs Island
The western end of the trail begins at Liebs Island in Millersport, a natural starting point for your adventure. The area offers public parking, picnic tables, a boat launch, public restrooms and interpretive signage sharing the history of Buckeye Lake.
Liebs Island is also home to the departure point for the historic Queen of the Lake III excursion boat, offering visitors another way to experience the lake from the water.
A short walk or bike ride brings you to Mud Island, a quieter stop along the route with a fishing pier, picnic tables and large grassy area, and peaceful views of the lake.
Continuing east, you’ll reach Sellers Point, one of the trail’s most historic locations. During the Ohio & Erie Canal era, the towpath crossed the north side of Buckeye Lake here, connecting canal travelers with what is now Liebs Island and Millersport. Today, the American Flag Plaza—donated by the Buckeye Lake Area Civic Association—and the fishing pier make this a scenic place to pause, cast a line, and enjoy the view.
Just off the trail, near the spillway, Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern offers another connection to Buckeye Lake’s past. Located at the historic site of the Minthorn Tavern and Lock, it is now a favorite stop for handcrafted cocktails, elevated appetizers, and seasonal dishes.
Discover More Along the Trail
As you continue east, you’ll pass the Buckeye Lake Mini Spillway. Where the trail meets State Route 79, take a short right detour to find the Escape to Buckeye Lake Welcome Center.
Visitors can stop in for local guides and maps, use the public restrooms, relax in the outdoor gathering space, enjoy a picnic or yard games on the lawn, or lock up their bikes while exploring nearby attractions. With bike racks, visitor information, and a welcoming outdoor space, the Welcome Center makes an ideal mid-trail stop.
A little farther along, you’ll pass the historic Buckeye Lake Yacht Club, founded in 1906 and known as one of the lake’s most iconic landmarks (private club).
Next, stop at Boatyard at Buckeye Lake, located on the site of the original Sayre Brothers Marina. The marina was once the oldest continuously operating Chris-Craft dealership in the United States. Today, The Boatyard is a favorite waterfront destination serving locally sourced menu items, including meats from Rittberger Market, craft drinks, and live entertainment throughout much of the week.
Right next door, Dips Ice Cream serves Johnson’s Real Ice Cream. The shop’s name pays tribute to the beloved “Dips” ride from the former Buckeye Lake Amusement Park, and inside you’ll find a photo collage celebrating Buckeye Lake’s resort-era past.
Want to explore the trail on two wheels? 3XP Tours offers bike rentals right at The Boatyard, making it easy to enjoy the ride without bringing your own bicycle.
End Your Adventure at North Shore Park
The north eastern end of the trail brings you to North Shore Park in the Village of Buckeye Lake, another convenient place to begin or end your adventure. The park features public parking, a boat launch, and interpretive signage, making it an excellent trail access point for visitors exploring the Village of Buckeye Lake.
The park is also the site of the former Buckeye Lake Amusement Park, where generations of families gathered for rides, swimming, and summer fun. Today, the Buckeye Lake Amusement Park Fountain and nearby historical marker help tell the story of the amusement park that once made Buckeye Lake one of Ohio’s premier summer destinations.
Visitors can continue exploring the waterfront at Crystal Beach and Picnic Point, a revitalized gathering space made possible through the Buckeye Lake 2036 initiative. If you’re ready to see more of the lake, self-service kayak rentals through 3XP Tours provide another way to experience Buckeye Lake from the water.
Plan Your Visit
The Buckeye Lake Multipurpose Trail can easily fill an afternoon—or an entire day. Start at Liebs Island and make your way east toward North Shore Park to experience the full route.
Along the way, stop for lunch or dinner at Boatyard at Buckeye Lake, enjoy a scoop from Dips Ice Cream, grab a drink at Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern, or extend your adventure with a kayak rental at Crystal Beach.
Trail Access & Public Parking
The Buckeye Lake Multipurpose Trail can be accessed from five public locations:
- Liebs Island – Public parking, boat launch, Queen of the Lake III departures, archery golf, state park office, picnic tables, and public restrooms
- Mud Island – Small parking area with fishing access, picnic tables, and a porta-potty
- Sellers Point – Public parking with access to the fishing pier and a porta-potty
- Buckeye Lake Spillway / Escape to Buckeye Lake Welcome Center – Public parking, restrooms, visitor information, bike racks, and air conditioning
- North Shore Park – Public parking, boat launch, Crystal Beach, Picnic Point, Buckeye Lake Park Fountain, self-service kayak rentals, public restrooms, picnic tables and outdoor grill
Whether you walk the entire 4.1 miles or explore one section at a time, the Buckeye Lake Multipurpose Trail offers a unique way to experience the history, recreation, and local stories that make Buckeye Lake special. From canal-era history and lakeside parks to waterfront dining and scenic views, every stop offers something different—making it easy to spend an afternoon discovering one of Central Ohio’s most memorable lakeside experiences.
