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Buckeye Lake State Park is one of several Ohio state parks that include an early-20th century amusement park in their history. In the 1910s, Buckeye Lake was touted as “Ohio’s Inland Seashore” and the “Atlantic City of the Middle West.” By this time, it had a skating rink, arcades, amusement park rides on its north shore, and several hotels and restaurants.

The Great Depression in 1929 had a great effect on the Buckeye Lake region. The rail line to the lake went out of business, making cheap transportation unavailable to the park. Many families who had lake cottages at Buckeye Lake gave up their homes in the city and permanently moved into their summer homes.

The amusement park continued to operate during this era, constantly adding attractions that would attract more visitors. Promoted as offering “every amusement consistent with good morals and behavior,” Buckeye Lake Amusement Park featured the “Dips” roller coaster, a 20,000 square foot swimming pool, the “Skateland” roller-skating rink, and many other attractions. The Crystal Ballroom and Lake Breeze Pier Ballroom at Buckeye Lake hosted many big bands and musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Guy Lombardo, and Tommy Dorsey, with his singer Frank Sinatra. During its heyday in the 1940s, the park entertained thousands of visitors a day.

In 1949, the Buckeye Lake area officially became a state park.  The park office was initially located at the hub of activity within the amusement park. However, ownership and operation of the amusement park rides and attractions remained in the hands of private companies and individuals.  By the end of the 1950s, Buckeye Lake Amusement Park was in decline and continued to deteriorate in the 1960s. After more than sixty years, the crowds that once flocked to the park disappeared, and buildings were torn down.

Today, the amusement park’s final remnant is the fountain that originally served as the centerpiece of the midway. The fountain was restored in the mid-1980s and preserved at Buckeye Lake State Park’s North Shore facility, which offers a boat launch ramp and picnic shelters.

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A modern art gallery featuring local as well as national artists located in the heart of Hebron, Ohio.

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.

Bike Buckeye Lake, Inc. (“BBL”) strives to create healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities by making hiking, walking and bicycling safe, convenient, and accessible for residents and visitors to the Buckeye Lake Region. BBL accomplishes this through trail development and support of related activities.

Buckeye Lake’s shoreline offers excellent habitat for waterfowl. Good bird-watching opportunities exist especially during the spring and fall migrations. One of the state’s largest great blue heron rookeries is situated on adjacent private land, but the birds can often be seen in the park.

Brooks Park is a scenic lakeside destination offering outdoor recreation and nature experiences for all ages. Visitors can explore the H2O Wetland Project, featuring tranquil 2.5-acre wetland area perfect for walking, wildlife viewing, and learning about local habitats. The park also includes a playground, making it a great stop for families.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for perch, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bullhead catfish, along with seasonal waterfowl hunting on Buckeye Lake, with blinds available by lottery. The park provides a small, but convenient boat launch area, a lakeside walking path that circles the park, and a small shoreline area ideal for easy kayak launching.

This seasonal unique gift boutique celebrates family and the community of Buckeye Lake. They offer vintage goods, nautical items, antiques, logo wear, and home decor for the lake lover. For unique lakeside-inspired gifts or perfect home decor pieces, visit the carefully curated, high quality selection at Buckeye Lake Place.

Crabtree’s is a family-owned and operated hardware store proudly serving the Millersport community and visitors to the Buckeye Lake region. If they don’t have it, you don’t need it!

Earthly Doodads LLC is a local Hebron‑based business offering quirky, handmade goods and unique finds—perfect for those looking to bring home a memorable piece of central Ohio charm. Whether you’re visiting Buckeye Lake for a getaway or spending a weekend by the water, stop by Earthly Doodads to discover something special!