Ohio State Park Lodges | This Local Life

Pictured top-left clockwise: Geneva-on-the-Lake, Hocking Hills, Mohican and Hueston Woods lodges.

Visiting Ohio's 10 State Park Lodges

Story & Photos by Matt Bayman

Each of Ohio’s 10 state park lodges has its own personality and a unique list of things to see and do.

At The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (pictured above top left), for example, many guest rooms overlook the shores of Lake Erie and it’s only a short walk to a long, sandy beach.

At Maumee Bay Lodge, located on Lake Erie near Toledo, the sunsets and lake-side bike rides and hikes are second-to-none in the state, as is the abundance of wildlife that can be viewed in the area, including bald eagles, blue herons, several species of ducks and an array of migrating birds.

At Punderson Manor Lodge in rural northeast Ohio, the Tudor-style architecture, plus gothic statues, gargoyles and an eclectic outdoor pool make it seem like you’ve been transported back in time to the English countryside. The lodge is allegedly haunted and hosts a number of murder mystery weekends throughout the year, as do several other lodges. It also contains one of the most popular sledding hills in Ohio.

The secluded swimming beach at Burr Oak Lodge, near Athens, is surrounded by rolling hills that are part of one of the largest patches of forest in Ohio. It contains miles of rugged hiking trails, including a 23-mile trail that follows the wooded shores of Burr Oak Lake. Guests can take guided horseback rides and fishing tours, rent boats and kayaks, and putt-putt golf, among other activities.

The newest lodge on the list is the Hocking Hills Lodge, which opened in November of 2022. It is the only lodge that doesn’t overlook a lake. Instead, it’s located next to the hiking trails at Hocking Hills State Park, which are some of the best in the state. Without driving, guests can walk out of the back of the lodge and hike to Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave and other popular attractions in the park, and then return later in the day to soak their muscles in the indoor and outdoor hot tubs and then dine at the Rock House Restaurant, which is worth visiting even if you’re not staying at the lodge.

Pictured top-left clockwise: Maumee Bay. Punderson Manor, Burr Oak, Hocking Hills and Maumee Bay again.

While each of Ohio’s lodges is different, they also share a lot of similarities. They are all located in state parks (which offer even more things to see and do) and often have rustic, A-frame-designs that feature massive windows and decks, grand fireplaces, and nature-inspired decor. Many also offer outdoor cabins that have full access to the lodge amenities, as well as a few of their own. Each lodge has a swimming pool, although some only have an outdoor pool. Many have beautiful boardwalks, hiking and bridle trails and bike paths. All have fire pits that can be rented out for roasting s’mores or just relaxing in the evening. Each lodge has its own restaurant, often with seating that overlooks a lake or beautiful forest setting. Most are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Finally, they all cater to families, including having arcades and game rooms, ranger-led programs, playgrounds, paddle boats and sports rentals and other fun activities to keep children (and adults) of all ages busy.

While it is true that some of Ohio’s state park lodges are better than others, visiting each of the 10 properties is a worthwhile adventure that also allows travelers to explore some of the lesser-known parts of the Buckeye State. The area that surrounds Punderson Manor Lodge, for example, is Amish country. Mohican Lodge is located next to some of the best rural kayaking and hiking trails in the state. Salt Fork Lodge is located in the largest state park in Ohio, with miles of backcountry trails to explore.

While many people choose to stay at the lodges in the summer (when swimming and boating are available) they are equally fun to visit any time of year. Several of the lodges decorate lavishly for the holidays and host New Year’s Eve parties and Valentine getaways. Vibrant displays of wildflowers and blossoming trees attract visitors and birders in the spring, while rich fall foliage and mild temperatures attract guests in September and October. Some lodges and parks are better in the summer, such as those on Lake Erie, while others are better in the fall and winter, such as Punderson and Hocking Hills.

Before visiting any of the lodges, make sure to visit their individual website(s). There, you can find discounts and special offers and packages, plus important travel information. Rooms and cabins range in price from $125 to $250 per night. Visiting on weekdays is more affordable and less crowded than on weekends. Summer is definitely the busiest time of year and will likely require a reservation, especially on the weekends. In terms of fall foliage, rooms book up quickly in October, so plan accordingly. Winter is pretty open, though.

Overall, the 10 lodges highlighted below really do capture the spirit and beauty of the Great Outdoors in Ohio. Spread throughout the state, and located in a variety of different environments, the lodges and the state parks they’re located in highlight the natural beauty of the Buckeye State, all while providing the perfect mix of adventure, recreation and relaxation.