What to DoOutdoor Recreation

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 2.5 acres of quality wetland habitat. The Brooks Park Wetland Creation & Water Quality Initiative will reduce nutrients and pollutants entering Buckeye Lake through habitat improvement an off-channel wetland. Enjoy overlooking the wetland and spotting the different animals that inhabit it as well as playing on the playground beside the lake.

Check out this driving tour that the Ohio Ornithological Society created to highlight all the great bird watching spots around Buckeye Lake. The tour takes no more than a day, and you’ll find plenty of great spots to walk and bird in Fairfield and Licking Counties. Buckeye Lake’s shoreline offers excellent habitat for waterfowl. Excellent bird watching opportunities exist all around, especially during the spring and fall migrations. One of the state’s largest great blue heron rookeries is close by, and nest boxes of Prothonotary Warblers are located in the cranberry bog.

A 4-mile shoreline path across the top of the dam that connects the North Shore to Lieb’s Island and offers a variety of areas for fishing and relaxation.

Buckeye Lighthouse knows that you are ready to roll! They have a fleet of bicycles, longboards, scooters, and kid bikes geared up for you and your gang to have fun while you explore Buckeye Lake! ​In addition to popular rentals, The Lighthouse offers a selection of lake-themed merchandise, gifts, and home décor with great style and prices. The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am – 8pm.

And if you are looking to experience lake life as a local, ask for their comprehensive list of homes for sale. They can help buyers and sellers all around Buckeye Lake make the move.

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.

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.

The entire lake is open to waterfowl hunting in season. Waterfowl blinds are available at Buckeye Lake by lottery. All Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations must be followed. A valid Ohio hunting license is required.

Stop by for kayak & paddleboard rentals, bike rentals, fishing poles, fishing/hunting licenses, tackle, live bait, camping, boating, and lake gear.  Call for more information on short-term rentals and Airbnbs they offer and shop nautical décor, unique handcrafted items related to lake living, and more!

Winter 2021: Kayaks and bicycles have been put up for the cold season so LakeBound Outfitters now offers a Kids Party Zone, a play place for kids to enjoy their birthday party or special event!

Packages vary, but include: skee ball, dual shot basketball game, foosball, corn hole, yard yahtzee, ring toss, limbo, karaoke, and much more. There is also a small play area for the little ones.

Four picnic areas with tables and grills are situated in quiet spots overlooking the lake. Mini shelters are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

A Buckeye Lake State park map is available here.