What to DoArt & Culture

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.

For directions, click here!

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.

Check out the Buckeye Lake Library! They have a reference section, helpful staff, and a great selection of reading materials for all ages.

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.

Shop Dirt Floor Pottery in local businesses such as Earthly Pottery Co.,  Millersport Coffee in Millersport, Gypsy Hawaii Boutique in Somerset, and more!  Find local and upcoming events on their Facebook!

Visit Earthly Pottery Co. in Fairfield Beach to shop handmade pottery, candles, and home goods! Grab your friends and family or make it a date night and book a class to make your own unique piece to take home!

View Earthly Pottery Co.’s upcoming events & workshops on Facebook!

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.

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.