Holiday Happenings Around Buckeye Lake

Escape to Buckeye Lake | Nov 25, 2024

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.

8 Scenic Autumn Hikes in Central Ohio

Escape to Buckeye Lake | Sep 16, 2024

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!

4 Fun Things to Do in Central Ohio this August

Escape to Buckeye Lake | Jul 29, 2024

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!

Winter in Ohio is a great time to pack your bags and escape for a memorable trip with your favorite person. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a weekend-long excursion, there are tons of romantic getaway ideas in central Ohio to discover!
Explore
The Buckeye Lake region provides outdoor recreation of all kinds!  During the winter months under proper conditions, park visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and bird-watching.  If you’re looking to stretch your legs, take a relaxing stroll around the 4.1-mile walking/biking path, connecting Buckeye Lake Village to Liebs Island in Millersport.  While in Millersport, explore Brooks Park, a 2.5-acre wetland habitat where you can spot different animals, including the many different species of birds that surround the lake.
Located just 10 minutes south of the lake is the Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch.  Book a private tour of this unique 50-year-old farm and even stay in one of the spacious 22-foot tipis.  Certified as a Wildlife Habitat, take in the beautiful hiking trails through the rolling hills of the ranch and enjoy a campfire dinner over the provided fire pit with a grill.
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 10-15 minutes north of Buckeye Lake, you can enjoy a visitors center and gift shop as well!

Eat
Kick off your escape with a warm breakfast and a cup of your favorite java from Coffee Shack North Shore, Millersport Coffee, or Buckeye Lake Coffee Company.
Indulge in a scrumptious bite at Horvath’s Harbor including chicken marsala, 12oz ribeye, and chocolate lava cake, or seafood pasta, steak, and an ice cream and beer float (you read that right) from the Blue Heron Kitchen & Pub. Partake in the sweetest donut date at Dockside Donuts or a frozen custard treat from Hank & Stella’s.
Come evening, enjoy the relaxing, southern banks of the lake with a delicious and extensive menu at Buckeye Lake Winery by the fireplace.  Afterward, end the night at the Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern for high-end crafted cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.

Escape
Of course, don’t forget the flowers!  Stop by Millersport Flowers and pair your bouquet with a Valentine’s Day-themed gift basket from Jackie’s Creations, both locally-owned shops. Looking for more decor?  Find apparel and home decorations at Yellow Sundress Resale Boutique, Buckeye Lake Place, or Melissa & Patti’s Unique Finds.

With multiple unique short-term rentals all around the Buckeye Lake region, you’ll find the best stay for your V-Day getaway!  Discover lakefront cottages and chic homes with beautiful waterfront views to make your trip as memorable as possible. Plus, find Instagram-worthy spots around the lake to share your journey with family, friends, and followers.

Map out your trip with the Escape to Buckeye Lake app!  Our app allows you to add different shops, restaurants, and more in one easy-to-read list, keeping you on track for the perfectly planned Valentine’s Day right from your phone.
Follow Escape to Buckeye Lake on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on restaurants, activities, and more happening around Buckeye Lake.

It’s officially a new year and there are tons of fun events and festivities in store around the Buckeye Lake region!  Starting off with a bang is Winterfest, one of the biggest events at the lake, held by the Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce.  Check out this list of things to know to make your Winterfest experience the best one possible!

1. Book Your ‘Bnb ASAP
Winterfest activities start early and end late, plus, it’s a two-day event including the Polar Plunge!  Don’t miss out on all the fun and make sure you’ve got your lodging stay in order.  Take advantage of the myriad of unique short-term rentals at the lake before they’re booked out!  

2. Study the Specials
Of course, local businesses help create all the fun!  Check out what restaurant specials, live music, and more are going on during Winterfest weekend to find the best deals and festivities around the lake. 
3. Meet Benny the Bass
Join Benny the Bass at 6:30AM at the North Shore ramp to see if he “takes the bait” and predicts an early spring or refuses, which means 6 more weeks of winter. Benny will move to the Buckeye Lake Brewery after the pre-dawn fireworks show so you can see him all day! 

4. Buy Your Wristband
Don’t fret over who’s driving – plan your trip ahead of time and make sure to grab your Winterfest transportation wristbands with the Ohio Party Bus!
5. Brave the Polar Plunge
What better way to wash away the last year than by making a splash into freezing cold waters?  Support local charities and dive into Buckeye Lake with the 10th annual Polar Plunge

6. Have Fun!
Winterfest not only benefits local businesses around the lake during the off-season, but helps bring the community together in a unique way!  Don’t miss out on all the food, friends, and fun this year.

Bonus Tip: Check back for updates on our Winterfest Specials page as well as follow the map of participating businesses on our app.  Follow us on Facebook & Instagram and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for information on events, restaurants, and more happening at Buckeye Lake for Winterfest and all year long!  
 

As the year comes to a close, it’s a great time to take a moment to look back on the new businesses, restaurants, and other projects that have opened around the Buckeye Lake region!  With the recent developments in the area, we’re excited for what’s to come in the new year to make your next vacation destination all the better.
New Bites at Buckeye Lake
If one thing is certain, there’s always a place to snag a bite around the lake! Check out the latest eateries that opened their doors in 2023:
The Blue Heron Kitchen & Pub – Officially opening its doors in February, the Blue Heron Kitchen & Pub offers indoor dining, bar seating, and an outdoor patio.  With delicious menu options like mushroom puttanesca, drunken clams, lobster bisque, beer floats, and more, you won’t leave unsatisfied.  Don’t miss out on this upscale American eatery in the village of Buckeye Lake!

The Dirty Oar – Enjoy cold drinks, tasty food truck bites, and live music lakeside at one of Buckeye Lake’s newest pubs!
La Cabra Kitchen at the Boatyard at Buckeye Lake – Located within the Boatyard at Buckeye Lake, the La Cabra Craft Kitchen offers appetizers, burgers, nachos, salads, tacos, and more!  Take a break by the lake and enjoy great food and drink with waterfront views at this staple lakeside establishment.

Whit’s Frozen Custard – Since reopening their doors in August, Whit’s Buckeye Lake offers fresh, frozen custard made on-site!  Come lake season, stop by this locally-owned business for flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth while stopping by the North Shore ramp and taking a stroll around the lake.
New Businesses at Buckeye Lake
Explore local shops, services, and fun things to do with these new businesses at the lake.
Earthly Pottery Co. – Offering handmade pottery, candles, and home goods for sale, grab your friends or make it a date night and book a class to make unique pottery with Earthly Pottery Co.!

LakeBound Boardwalk – Combining a myriad of noteworthy lakeside shops, explore LakeBound Boardwalk at 12408 Lancaster Street, Millersport.  Shop lake rentals at LakeBound Outfitters, bring the kids and grab a slice from LakeBound Pizza, indulge in a sweet treat from Dockside Donuts, and shop decor, gift baskets, custom tees, and more from Picadilly Vintage, Jackie’s Creations, and Red Handed Designs, all in one stop!
Millersport Flowers – Open for all your floral needs, find gift baskets, beautiful bouquets, and much more at this locally-owned flower shop.
Pea Ohana Watersports – Expanding their new location to Thornville, experience standup paddleboarding or kayaking with Pea Ohana Watersports!  Plus, book a class for their Snug Harbor Fit N’ Paddle series including a dry land workout followed by a fun, relaxing time out on the water.

Smoke on the Water Cigar and Pipe Lounge – A new family-owned cigar lounge and shop serving the Buckeye Lake area!
Other Updates at the Lake
Celebrate some fun in the sun and a cool drink in your hand with the new outdoor patios at Buckeye Lake Margaritas and the Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern!
Now the last standing piece of what was once a popular amusement park at Buckeye Lake, the iconic North Shore Fountain has officially been restored through the efforts of the Buckeye Lake Historical Society.

Enjoy tasty bites, a craft brew, and new views at Buckeye Lake Brewery and Chef Shack with their recent outdoor remodel!

Grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated craving at Millersport Coffee and take an Insta-worthy photo with their new Be Kind mural.

Get ready for an even bigger 2024 at Buckeye Lake 
Find annual events happening soon like Buckeye Lake Winterfest or start planning a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day.  Plus, stay up-to-date with all things Buckeye Lake like new restaurants, openings, and more with our monthly newsletter and app!

Planning Your Holidays at the Lake

admin | Nov 13, 2023

Known for being a popular summertime destination, the Buckeye Lake region is just as fun when things start to cool down!  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, now is the time to start planning your holidays at the lake.
Book a Cozy ‘Bnb
Luckily, Buckeye Lake has an abundance of photo-worthy short-term rentals!  With everything from unique yurts, cozy cottages, or chic, lakefront homes – big enough for the whole family or perfect for just two – you’ll find the best place to make your trip memorable for years to come.

Holiday Shopping
Although the lake season is slowing down, there are still a myriad of businesses to shop locally around the 35 miles of shoreline!  Whether you’re looking to add to your wardrobe, find your next favorite decor piece, or the perfect gift basket to give this holiday, check out these small local lake businesses to complete your shopping list. 
Outdoor Adventures
As Ohio’s oldest State Park, Buckeye Lake offers plenty of outdoor activities, even in the colder months!  Under proper weather conditions, enjoy the 4-mile walking path, ice skating, ice fishing, or bird watching.  Plus, find Instagram-worthy spots around the lake to share your journey with family, friends, and followers.  Visitors can also travel 10-20 minutes north to The Dawes Arboretum, a 2,000-acre tree museum offering 12 miles of hiking trails, 17,000 labeled collection plants, and more. 

Grab a Bite
Buckeye Lake’s food scene is continuously growing!  Now home to multiple cafes and casual upscale dining including the Blue Heron Kitchen & Pub, Buckeye Lake Winery, Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern, and Horvath’s Harbor, you’re sure to find your next favorite breakfast, lunch or dinner spot! Check out these cozy local restaurants for holiday specials and festive drinks. 

Plan for the New Year
Can’t make it this year?  No worries!  There’s still plenty of time to book your trip for the annual Buckeye Lake Winterfest, the last weekend of January (January 25, 2025), or start planning a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day.  No matter the weather, Buckeye Lake is the perfect weekend getaway or vacation destination for your holidays at the lake. 

For more information on what’s new and happening at Buckeye Lake, download our mobile app, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

Buckeye Lake is an exciting destination to spend the day out on the water, enjoy live music, experience delicious cuisine and tasty drinks, and admire stunning sunsets. However, there’s much more to discover beyond the shoreline. Dive into these 25 Things You Might Not Know About Buckeye Lake including its history, neighboring towns, and more! 
25 Things You Might Not Know About Buckeye Lake
1. Buckeye Lake is Ohio’s oldest State Park.
2. The lake is home to over 20 islands.
3. The lake offers 3,100 acres of water.
4. The lake extends into 3 different Ohio counties – Fairfield, Licking, and Perry.
5. Multiple villages and neighborhoods surrounding the lake make up the Buckeye Lake Region: Buckeye Lake Village, Fairfield Beach, Harbor Hills, Hebron, Millersport, Thornport, and Thornville.
6. Buckeye Lake State Park is located 30 minutes east of Ohio’s capital, Columbus. 

7.  Buckeye Lake has 35 miles of shoreline.
8. A 4-mile shoreline walking & biking path connects the North Shore in Buckeye Lake Village to Liebs Island in Millersport.
9. The deepest part of Buckeye Lake is 14 feet.
10. Formed by a retreating glacier more than 14,000 years ago, Buckeye Lake first existed as a shallow, swampy pond, named “Great Buffalo Swamp” by Ohio Company explorer Christopher Gist in 1751.
11. The lake first served as a feeder lake for Ohio’s canal system during the 1800s.
12. From 1826 to 1830, the construction of the Licking Summit Reservoir was completed and would eventually become Buckeye Lake, a man-made lake.
13. When the lake was impounded in 1826, Cranberry Bog broke loose from the bottom and became a floating island that may conceivably be the only one of its kind in the world. Cranberry Bog State Nature Preserve, which is also a National Natural Landmark, is a small and shrinking remnant of this bog.
14. In 1894, Buckeye Lake was officially named a public park.
15. With the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Buckeye Lake was officially designated as an Ohio State Park in 1949.
16. Buckeye Lake once held an amusement park with a ferris wheel, roller coaster, dance pavilions, and arcade, and was known as the Playground of Ohio.
17. During the 1940s, the dance halls hosted big Hollywood names such as Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and more.
18. Today, the amusement park’s final remnant is the fountain that originally served as the centerpiece of the midway, which was restored in the summer of 2023.
19. Outdoor recreation at Buckeye Lake includes boating, birding, fishing, kayaking, jet-skiing, hiking/walking, hunting, picnicking, and swimming.  During the winter months under proper conditions, park visitors can enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice boating. 

20. Buckeye Lake is home to the only inland sternwheeler in the state, the Queen of the Lake III – not operating as of 2024
21. Every January, the businesses that surround Buckeye Lake participate in an annual festival, Winterfest.  Join Benny the Bass as he predicts a long winter or an early spring and celebrate with fireworks, activities, live music, art shows, food and drink specials, food trucks, and more!  Stick around for the annual Polar Plunge at the Buckeye Lake Winery, as participants jump into the freezing cold water of the lake to help raise money for charity.
22. Buckeye Lake’s food scene is continuously growing, now home to multiple cafes and casual upscale dining including the Blue Heron Kitchen & Pub, Buckeye Lake Winery, Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern, Horvath’s Harbor, and more.

23. The Dawes Arboretum, founded in 1929, is a 2,000-acre tree museum located 10-20 minutes north of the lake, offering 12 miles of hiking trails, 17,000 labeled collection plants, and more.
24. Situated immediately east of Buckeye Lake is Legend Valley, a 230-acre live music venue and campground that has hosted concerts, music festivals, and athletic events since the 1970s.
25. Popular annual festivals that take place in the Buckeye Lake region include the Thornville Backwoods Fest, Millersport Sweetcorn Festival, Tour de Buckeye Lake, and more.  
Bonus Fact: Buckeye Lake has an app!  Explore what the lake region has to offer, including lodging, popular restaurants, activities, shopping, and much more. View it all at once or search by categories like Outdoor Recreation, Arts & Culture, and Shopping.
Plan your escape 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. Plus, check out events happening around the lake including live music, entertainment, and more!