Day EscapesLand Escapes
Home of the Thornville Backwoods Fest, the Barn at the Backwoods is an event venue located in Perry County and is located just 10 minutes south of Buckeye Lake.
Offering professional staff with a casual atmosphere, and a fully licensed food and alcohol facility with over 10,000 square feet of floor space, The Barn at the Backwoods has everything for your special day. With catering options, an in-house DJ, minister services, and cake and bakery services, this rustic venue is the perfect setting to say, “I do!”
Learn more about booking your special event at the Barn at the Backwoods.
The Barn on the Hill is a versatile venue to make your wedding celebration an event to remember! Operating from April to November, the barn is perfect for wedding parties of up to 150 guests and is located just 40 minutes east of Columbus, Ohio. Host your wedding day in a beautiful, natural setting with scenic views on this 35-acre property.
Learn more about booking your special day at the Barn on the Hill.
Gallery features colorful and vibrant work by local artists, with exhibits changing monthly. Join us for a class, craft night, or exhibit opening.
Visit the Buckeye Lake Museum for the largest collection of Buckeye Lake Park memorabilia and learn more about the lake’s beautiful history.
The museum is currently closed.
The Charles Holliday Bridge was the last one standing in Walnut Township. Built in the late 1890s by J.W. Buchanan, it originally crossed over Walnut Creek on Lake Road. The 96-foot multiple Kingpost span was reconstructed in 1982 at its current location on the Millersport Lions Club Sweet Corn Festival Grounds. To explore all 15 of Fairfield County’s covered bridges, click this link to access the Fairfield County Covered Bridge Trail Guide.
Welcome to Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch, located less than 10 minutes south of Buckeye Lake! Enjoy a night in the 22-foot spacious tipi with a comfortable queen platform bed for your convenience. As a certified Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Way Station, take in the natural beauty of the 50+ year-old farm! On the land, you’ll find bison, honeybees, chickens, and peafowl, plus a plethora of bird species, butterflies, and wildflowers.
The ranch is close to several restaurants, wineries, breweries, and recreational areas! Spend a day kayaking, canoeing, biking, and golfing around the lake, and then relax at this natural oasis by the firepit.
Learn more at CherokeeValleyBisonRanch.com and book this unique stay.
Clay’s Cafe is a restaurant in Hebron, Ohio that offers a variety of classic American foods like pizza, subs, burgers, salads, and more. The restaurant also offers an extensive menu of ice cream flavors and treats. Designed like a classic diner, you won’t want to miss out on this local favorite in Hebron.
Epicerie et les Fleurs is a European-style bistro and market located in Somerset, Ohio, which is just 30 minutes or less from Buckeye Lake. The daily menu focuses on paninis, baguettes, salads, and soups. The restaurant also routinely offers dinner and lunch specials. Epicerie et les Fleurs offers wines, beers, charcuterie, and cheese.
Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Sitting at the crossroads of State Routes 13 and 22, enjoy coffee, cocktails, and cuisine at one of Somerset’s newest eateries, General Assembly! This local dining spot also offers coffee roasted from a local lake cafe, Coffee Shack Coffee Roasters.
This shop is located 30 minutes or less from Buckeye Lake in Somerset, Ohio.
Serving Perry’s Ice Cream, enjoy this locally-owned ice cream shop in the Village of Somerset, offering a myriad of ice cream flavors and a food menu with daily specials!
Looking for the perfect gift? Stop by Gypsy Hawaii Boutique where you will find ocean-inspired jewelry from Hawaii, crystals, stones, seashell decorations, one-of-a-kind paintings, artisan tie dyes, handmade soaps, and much more!
The boutique is located in Somerset, Ohio, which is 30 minutes or less from Buckeye Lake.
Monday: Closed.
Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Harbor Hills Country Club where golf isn’t just a game, it’s an enjoyable adventure. Nestled within one of many Buckeye Lake’s serene residential communities, Harbor Hills Country Club is open to the public and offers golfers a scenic view of the lake, pristine course conditions, fast greens and a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
Hebron, OH 43025
Hebron State Fish Hatchery is located in southern Licking County, just north of Buckeye Lake. This 230-acre facility was acquired from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982. This hatchery has 63 ponds, 13 indoor rearing troughs, 25 acres of wetlands and 50 wooded acres with 2.5 miles of nature trails. Water is supplied by Buckeye Lake (5,000 gallons per minute capacity) through a 1.5-mile section of the old Ohio-Erie Canal. Two wells (370 gallons per minute capacity) also provide water to the hatchery. Saugeye, walleye and channel catfish represent the majority of fish production, but blue catfish and bluegill are also raised at the hatchery.
Archery enthusiasts and outdoorsmen will also enjoy the onsite archery range that features 18 targets.
Enjoy Buckeye Lake hassle-free with Lake Life Shuttle Service! Operated by local favorites Chris & Dave, this friendly and reliable shuttle runs seven days a week, getting you safely to boats, restaurants, bars, and more.
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Two vehicles available, carrying up to 8 passengers per trip
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Hours: Sun–Thu until midnight; Fri–Sat until 2:30 am
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Accepts both cash and credit
Perfect for nights out, events like Winterfest, or anytime you want to skip the driving. Just call Chris or Dave at 740‑755‑6142 to book — it’s safe, friendly, and super convenient!
The Millersport Community Theatre produces and presents live theatre entertainment for the people of Millersport and surrounding communities. The theatre presents entertaining and engaging performances throughout the year. They strive to provide an educational, creative, and recreational activity for its members and to all members of the community. Productions are presented at Millersport Elementary Auditorium.
Newark, Ohio 43055
The Arcade boasted a range of businesses, a beautiful fountain, the Arcade Theater, and was rumored to have a speakeasy and poker parties in its early years. Over time, it housed various retail businesses, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of locals. The Arcade’s basement held cold storage and a freight elevator, contributing significantly to the city’s infrastructure. It was quite the hub of activity!
Newark Development Partners is determined to restore the Arcade to its former glory, adding economic vitality and foot traffic to Downtown Newark. The revitalization plan includes a possible permanent home for the winter farmers’ market and the restoration of historic features, such as the flagpole, parapet wall, arched window designs, and front window displays. Various tax credits and a state capital improvement grant will support this ambitious project.
The Ohio Canal Greenway Trail is a popular spot for dog walking, birdwatching, biking, and jogging. It is located on the old Penn Central Railroad right of way south of the Village of Hebron. This paved trail features a genuine wooden truss covered bridge built in 1992.
This trail takes you along the former canal tow path, starting at Canal Park in Hebron to Rt. 79. The address of 101 Canal Road, Hebron, OH 43025 is close to this location. The 3-mile multi-purpose trail can be accessed from the lot near the corner of Rt. 79 and Canal road or at the entrance of Canal Park.
Do you need a ride, designated driver, airport shuttle, or shuttle service for a private event? The Ohio Party Bus/Lake Area Transport Services offers a wide variety of transportation services in the Buckeye Lake area and surrounding communities. They offer easy payment options and fast, friendly service.
Get ready to elevate your lakeside experience at Papa Boo’s Private Cabana! Located on the scenic shores of Buckeye Lake, OH, this private cabana offers the ultimate relaxation and comfort for your summer outing.
Papa Boo’s Private Cabana Offers Guests:
- Access to a private balcony for viewing the lake as well as soaking in the sights and sounds of live entertainment from a unique view
- Plenty of entertaining space for your personal party at Boo’s
- Access to a private bathroom as well as a shower
- Relax in the A/C on those hot summer days/nights
- TV in the Cabana to root for your favorite teams on
- Private dock rental for the day
- Maximum number of cabana occupants is 12
Available during the summer season!
Visit papaboos.com for additional info and to submit your cabana reservation request!
Have questions about booking? Email Emilee
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
Situated in Rising Park – one of the crown jewels of the Lancaster Parks System – and rising high above the city, you will find Mt. Pleasant. Formerly home to a variety of Native American activities, the site is now widely recognized as one of the best overlooks in the region. This Blackhand sandstone relief rises almost 300 feet above the city of Lancaster. It is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
Serving Baltimore, Ohio since 1959, visit this locally-owned ice cream and sandwich shop with a friendly atmosphere and ample seating. Find a full menu including burgers, paninis, salads, and sides, and then top it off with a sweet treat including soft serve cones, smoothies, flurries, and more!
Good food, good friends, good times! Offering breakfast and lunch, Shannon’s Pit Stop is a locally-owned, family restaurant with delicious homecooked food you won’t want to miss!
Millersport
Smith Girl Arts Gallery is home to the artwork of watercolorist, Gayla Smith. The Gallery is adorned with Gayla’s original paintings and museum quality prints. Note cards, stickers and a variety of stocking stuffers will also be available. Come experience the energy, color & warmth of the holiday season at Smith Girl Arts Gallery! In-person shopping by appointment only
Create and celebrate art at the Somerset Artists’ Co-Op! Located south of Buckeye Lake, enjoy stained glass, drawing, painting, pottery and more. Shop products from local artists or sign up for a class today and enjoy some time away learning a new art form!
This shop is located in Somerset, Ohio, which is 30 minutes or less from Buckeye Lake.
Family-owned and operated, Strong & Co. brings a unique menu to the south side of the lake! Enjoy the modern, urban-esque feel of the restaurant in the middle of the historic village of Somerset. Grab a seat on their outdoor patio during the warmer months or enjoy a full bar with local Ohio brews inside!
Somerset, Ohio 43783
Need a ride? Call The Barr Hopper– Buckeye Lake’s premier shuttle service! The shuttle runs on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The Barr Hopper can be called at 740-605-2114 and is cash-only. It is $5.00 per stop and $30.00 for the day. Extra charges will be applied for places not on the list. Participating stop locations and more information can be found on The Barr Hopper’s Facebook page. Reservations are not needed.
There is also an option to rent a shuttle. Call The Barr Hopper to ask about availability and pricing.
