Known as Buckeye Lake’s biggest festival of the year, Winterfest is a fun, frosty event held every January around the 35 miles of shoreline!  Growing in popularity, Winterfest is a unique way to support local lake businesses, beat cabin fever, and make exciting memories with friends each year.  Dive into these 17 things you might not know about Buckeye Lake Winterfest. 

Winterfest is held on the very last Saturday of every January.  
Winterfest first started in 2015, making 2025 the 10th anniversary! 
The event was established by the Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce (BLRCC) to help local businesses during the lake’s off-season. 
Winterfest is based off of the ever-popular holiday celebration of Ground Hog Day, held every February in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. 
Winterfest’s mascot, much like Punxsutawney Phil, is known as Benny the Bass. 
Other potential names for the mascot included Carl the Carp and Charlie the Catfish.
Festivities for Winterfest start at 6:30 a.m., where crowds gather to view Benny the Bass in a heated tank at the North Shore Park of Buckeye Lake. 
Minnows are added to Benny’s tank at 7 a.m. when a timer is then set for three minutes. If Benny eats one within that time frame, it means that an early spring is on its way!
Following the beloved bass’ prediction is a fireworks show for the large crowd to enjoy, officially signaling the start of Winterfest weekend!
After the pre-dawn fireworks, Benny the Bass is moved to the Buckeye Lake Brewery where you can see him swimming all day. 
Many businesses around the Buckeye Lake Region offer food and drink specials, events, live music, and more from sunrise to sunset. You can find them on the Winterfest 2025 page!
Each year, the BLRCC sells Winterfest tumblers sporting the Benny the Bass logo and provides a handy map to find all the participating chamber businesses in the region.
If you’re lucky, you may even run into the Benny the Bass mascot as he travels around the lake during the all-day event!
During Winterfest, you can download the Escape to Buckeye Lake app to see all the participating Winterfest businesses and their events, live music, and food & drink specials. 
If you need a ride, many shuttle services (including the Ohio Party Bus) will be available in the area to safely transport you and your party during the event. 
Stick around into Sunday to join the United Way of Fairfield & Licking Counties’ 11th annual Polar Plunge held at the Buckeye Lake Winery! Whether you plan to take the plunge or stand along the shore to support local charity, you can enjoy all-day live music, games, and prizes during this fun (and chilly) Buckeye Lake event, held on the last Sunday of January every year.
If you’re traveling to celebrate Winterfest or want to make it a long-weekend, there are many short-term rentals available around the lake for you and your group to book! 

Plan your 2025 trip to Buckeye Lake. Although Winterfest is an exciting, popular tradition loved by many, it’s not the only annual event to experience at Buckeye Lake! Visit in May for the annual Pirate Fest, view fireworks over the lake during the Buckeye Lake Area Star Spangled Tradition (BLASST) in July, get ready for a fun festival that you’re sure to find ear-resistable at the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival in August, and much more. View short-term rentals and book today.

Combine the lake life with the most wonderful time of the year to find fun festivities this holiday season. Check out these holiday happenings around Buckeye Lake – where it doesn’t matter if you’ve been nauti or nice!
Annual Heart of Christmas Craft Show | November 29-30
Make your way to the Annual Heart of Christmas Craft Show at the Mike Clum Auction Gallery in Rushville, OH!  Since 1992, those far and wide have been traveling to the countryside to experience Christmas shopping in this unique, 1800s log and stone barn. Peruse thousands of items to help you find that perfect gift for someone special! Free admission.
Close Out Sale & Christmas Shenanigans with the Grinch | November 30
Visit Lakebound Outfitters for awesome end-of-year close-out deals, enjoy pizza by the slice, and shenanigans with the Grinch!
Holiday Sip & Shop at Harbor Hills Country Club | December 1
Grab a cocktail and shop some amazing, local vendors at the Harbor Hills Country Club! View home decor, clothing, jewelry, baked goods, candles and much more. Invite a friend to come on out and shop!
It’s A Wonderful Life in Thornville | December 1
Visit the Village of Thornville for the annual holiday celebration, It’s a Wonderful Life in Thornville. Grab some hot cocoa and cookies and enjoy crafts and story time for the kids, live Christmas music, the Christmas parade, and the annual tree lighting and live nativity!
Winter Wonders Walk at Dawes Arboretum | December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
Paid admission
Visit the Dawes Arboretum for the spectacular display of their grounds at the Winter Wonders Walk.  Surrounded by illuminated trees, experience the beauty of nature in winter. Enjoy music, coffee and food trucks, and a special appearance from Santa Claus each night!
Santa Train with the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad | December 7-8, 14-15, 20-21
Paid admission
Join the Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad in Mount Perry, Ohio for a festive 40-minute train ride with Santa! Indulge in treats and gifts from Santa, and choose from open-air or indoor seating. Remember to dress warm and bring a new toy or food donation for a $3.00 discount.
Breakfast with Santa in Thornville | December 7
Enjoy breakfast with the man himself! Including pancakes, eggs, juice, and more at the Thornville United Methodist Church from 8:30a.m. – 11a.m.
Christmas in the Village of Buckeye Lake | December 7
Start off festivities with St. Nick’s Mistletoe Market at the Harbor Community Center where you can meet Santa, shop food and craft vendors, and enjoy a kid’s cookie decorating corner! At 5:30p.m., watch the annual parade and finish the evening with live music performances, a nativity scene, and tree lighting at 6p.m.
Village of Millersport Holiday Festivities | December 8
This event kicks off with a holiday parade beginning at the Millersport Elementary School (Lancaster Street) and ending at Mathias Miller Park. Following the parade, enjoy the tree lighting, a visit with Santa, Christmas carols, along with entertainment from the Millersport Community Theatre and seasonal refreshments at Mathias Miller Park!
With the holidays around the corner, you may be looking for somewhere to stay as you travel or maybe just a quick getaway from the busy season.  Either way, check out how to plan your holidays at Buckeye Lake on our blog.

Looking for different ways to get out and stretch your legs as the temperatures begin to lower this autumn? There are various hiking and walking trails located in central Ohio near the Buckeye Lake region that are perfect for easy exercise, wildlife photography, and fall foliage viewing! Check out these 8 scenic autumn hikes in central Ohio.
Buckeye Lake State Park Walking & Biking Trail – Buckeye Lake & Millersport, Ohio
Whether you’d like a relaxing lakeshore amble or a brisk walk, the 4.1-mile multi-purpose, paved path at Buckeye Lake offers beautiful shoreline views. Stretching from the north end of the lake to the west, you may enter the path at either the North Shore boat ramp located in the village of Buckeye Lake or at Liebs Island in Millersport.

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve – Newark, Ohio
(Approximately 30 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Old locks of the Ohio and Erie Canal are surrounded by the 956 wooded acres in Newark that are home to the awe-inspiring Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve. Bring your gear for hiking, biking, or bird-watching on the 4.26-mile trail.

The Dawes Arboretum – Newark, Ohio
(Approximately 15 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
*Paid admission
First established in 1929, The Dawes Arboretum offers 2,000 acres of plant collections, gardens, and natural areas. The site includes approximately 12 miles of hiking trails and roadways for a four-mile driving tour.  Located north of Buckeye Lake, you can enjoy a visitors center and gift shop as well!

Finck’s Nature Preserve – Somerset, Ohio
(Approximately 15 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
With four different hiking trails, Finck’s Nature Preserve is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. Located within just a two-minute drive from the charming downtown village of Somerset, Ohio, enjoy this hidden gem with hiking and birding opportunities too!
Perry State Forest – New Lexington, Ohio
(Approximately 30 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Perry State Forest features 4,706 acres in Perry County with 24 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of bridle trails, and 16 miles of Ohio’s most popular APV trails. Enjoy beautiful autumn views and wildlife at this popular state forest.

Rising Park & Mount Pleasant – Lancaster, Ohio
(Approximately 30 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Rising Park is an expansive recreation destination featuring a playground, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and some magnificent hilltop views. Enjoy a serene day of hiking, picnicking, sightseeing, and fishing at Lancaster’s Rising Park — one of the county’s most beloved local spots. Situated in Rising Park, Mount Pleasant is one of the crown jewels of the Lancaster Parks System. This hill rises almost 300 feet above the city of Lancaster offering views of the Columbus skyline on a clear day.

Smeck Park – Baltimore, Ohio
(Approximately 20 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Smeck Park is a 48-acre park offering trails, a playground, and a beautiful picnic shelter patterned after the Rock Mill Covered Bridge. Enjoy birding and nature watching, photography, hiking or walking, dog walking, and picnicking. Admire the late 1800s windmill that was moved and restored in 2016.
Taft Reserve North & South – Newark, Ohio
(Approximately 20 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Taft Reserve North – Enjoy over nine miles of multi-use trails through deep forests and meadows, historic Indian mounds, open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Connects to Taft Reserve South.
Taft Reserve South – This 425-acre nature reserve, with mostly meadows and woodlands, offers over three miles of multi-use trails through rolling meadows, open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Connects to Taft Reserve North.
Book your stay.
With multiple short-term rentals all around the lake, you’ll find the best stay for your autumn getaway!  Find lakefront cottages and photo-worthy homes with beautiful waterfront views to make your trip as memorable as possible. Plus, discover local eateries and check out events happening around the lake including live music, entertainment, and more!

Summer may be starting to slow down but the fun at Buckeye Lake isn’t! From touring grand lake homes to indulging in tasty sweet corn-flavored ice cream (yes, you read that right), find annual events in the Buckeye Lake region you and your friends and family can enjoy every summer. Check out these 4 fun things to do in central Ohio this August!
4 Fun Things to Do in Central Ohio this August

The 8th Annual Buckeye Lake Pub Paddle (August 10)
Join this annual bar crawl via watercraft that supports local schools and businesses! Not only can you rent a kayak from LakeBound Outfitters or Buckeye Lake Boat Rental to join in on the fun, but you can donate clothing (sized K-5th) at registration.

The 39th Buckeye Lake Tour of Homes (August 11)
Relax on this pontoon boat ride visiting the beautiful homes and islands in the Buckeye Lake region! Starting at the scenic Buckeye Lake Winery, each tour spans approximately two hours, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the architectural beauty and rich histories of the homes. Secure your spot by August 6th and don’t miss the unique and eye-catching houses that line the shoreline.

The 8th Annual Tour de Buckeye Lake (August 17)
Bike for a benefit!  Join the Tour de Buckeye Lake for their annual ride and help fundraise for trail development, safety, and bikes for underprivileged children – now with 3 different route options, a beer garden, live music entertainment, and more food options than ever!

The 77th Annual Millersport Sweet Corn Festival (August 28-30)
Get ready for this fun festival that you’re sure to find ear-resistable! Bring your family and friends to discover over 20 rides and games, tractor pulls, and a parade. Compete in the fun contests held throughout the week and enjoy a myriad of corn-based and flavored food options, including ice cream!

Bonus: The 29th Annual Backwoods Festival (September 20-22)
Kick off the fall season with one of the largest festivals around the lake, Thornville Backwoods Fest! With over 300 vendors, more than 30 different kinds of food, and 3 days of bluegrass music in Thornville, this event near Buckeye Lake is fun for everyone.
Find events happening daily including live music, food specials, and more on the event calendar. Plus, download our mobile app, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook & Instagram.
 

There’s no better way to begin planning your trip to Buckeye Lake than with a free publication of the Buckeye Lake Region Tour Book!  This year, we are excited to announce that Escape to Buckeye Lake has partnered with the Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce for the 2024-2025 edition of their annual chamber guide, bringing you fun facts, places to eat, outdoor activities, and more for your unforgettable lake stay.   
With this edition you can find: 
History
Dive into the vast history of Ohio’s very first state park – celebrating 75 years in 2024 – with a complete breakdown of when it was first founded, the history of the canals that supported water across the state, its time as a booming amusement park in the 50s, to the beautiful state park as we know it today.  Plus, read and learn about the surrounding communities and villages that makeup the Buckeye Lake Region. 
Outdoor Recreation
Buckeye Lake offers a myriad of options for outdoor recreation! Find free parks and nature areas around the shoreline and enjoy biking, hiking, swimming, and fishing.  Or, book your adventure with the list of local businesses at the lake that offer unique experiences like Pea Ohana Watersports, 3XP Tours, Captain Buck’s Pontoon Tours, LakeBound Outfitters and more. 
Upcoming Events
From the popular Winterfest weekend in January to the Backwoods Fest in fall, you’ll find a list of upcoming events you won’t want to miss this year.  Bring friends and family and pick from the diverse list of festivities both on the water and the shore. 
Where to Eat, Shop, Explore, and More
New this year, find all the different places to eat, shop, explore, and more with easy-to-read color-coded numbers and village maps!
Take a peek at the guide online or pick up a copy at local businesses around the lake!
Don’t wait, book your stay today! With multiple short-term rentals all around the lake, you’ll find the best stay for your getaway.  Find lakefront cottages and photo-worthy homes with beautiful waterfront views to make your trip as memorable as possible.

Located just 30 minutes east of the state’s capital, Columbus, Ohio, and less than 3 hours from major cities including Toledo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati, the Buckeye Lake region is the perfect place to tie the knot in intimate, cozy settings for your destination wedding.  Check out these 6 wedding venues to say, “I do,” around the lake!
Barn at the Backwoods | 8572 High Point Road, Thornville
Home of the popular Thornville Backwoods Fest, the Barn at the Backwoods is an event venue situated just 10 minutes south of Buckeye Lake with a myriad of outdoor and indoor settings for your ceremony.
Offering professional staff with a cozy atmosphere, a fully licensed food and alcohol facility, and over 10,000 square feet of floor space, The Barn at the Backwoods has everything for your important day. With catering options, an in-house DJ, minister services, and cake and bakery services, this rustic venue is the perfect venue to walk down the aisle!

Learn more about planning your wedding day at the Barn at the Backwoods.
Barn on the Hill | 11397 Somerset Road, Thornville
The Barn on the Hill is a versatile venue to make your wedding celebration an event to remember, located just 15 minutes east of the lake! Operating from April to November, this venue is the perfect location for wedding parties of up to 150 guests. Host your wedding day in a beautiful, natural setting on this 35-acre property with views of green valleys, a charming pond, and more.

Learn more about booking your day at the Barn on the Hill.
Buckeye Lake Winery | 13750 Rosewood Drive, Thornville
Situated on the southern banks of Buckeye Lake, say, “I do!” with a lakeside view! The Buckeye Lake Winery has everything you need to make your wedding day special, including banquet facilities that can accommodate groups of 12 to 250 people, with full beverage and catering services available. Enjoy a beautiful ceremony space with a wedding pavilion, wine garden, and more!

Book a beautiful waterside wedding at the lake and check out the Buckeye Lake Winery’s helpful wedding brochure.
Celebrations Banquet Hall | 2240 Refugee Street, Millersport
Celebrations Banquet Hall is based right in the heart of Millersport! Plan your perfect day in this rustic barn, large enough to accommodate all of your closest loved ones. Enjoy the indoor banquet hall, both an indoor and outdoor ceremony/celebration space, and a hidden bridal suite. Plus, you can book an Airbnb offered by the venue for you and your newly wedded spouse.

View pricing, packages, and more at MillersportCelebrations.com
Once Upon a Time Event & Equine Center | 11965 Zartman Road, Thornville
Located in Thornville, Ohio, this locally owned venue is perfect for all your event needs.  Plan weddings, receptions, birthdays, and more at this unique and rural equine farm with beautiful views of the pond and surrounding woods, only a few minutes south of Buckeye Lake.
Vinberige Vineyards | 5400 OH-204, Thornville
Located in the rolling Appalachian hills of Perry County, Vinberige Vineyards offers beautiful views and wine!  Celebrate your special day with the picturesque vineyard and rustic event barn.

Where to Stay for the Big Day
The Buckeye Lake region offers a myriad of lodging options including unique, lakeside short-term rentals to traditional hotels just minutes away. Find the perfect place for you and your party on our Where to Stay page and start planning your special day at Buckeye Lake!