Adventure and history await visitors at Buckeye Lake

Pack all your outdoor gear and get on the road toward leisure and relaxation

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Pack all your outdoor gear and get on the road toward leisure and relaxation. Whether you are a boater looking to get out on the water or just someone who appreciates nature’s beauty, Buckeye Lake is the place for you.

Dating back to 1826, Buckeye Lake is Ohio’s oldest state park. With a rich history and welcoming community, it’s a great place to explore year-round. A day or weekend of the lake life is just a 30-minute drive east of Columbus.

Where to Explore

Cranberry Bog State Nature Preserve

  • Home to rare orchids and carnivorous plants, Cranberry Bog is Ohio’s only bog island. The bog is accessible by boat and permit only, but when water levels are high enough, the Buckeye Lake Historical Society organizes tours to the island.

Buckeye Lake Historical Society Museum

  • Open Tuesdays through Sundays from 1-4 p.m., the Buckeye Lake Historical Society Museum offers a look into the past, showing visitors what life at the lake was like in the early 1900s. Check out the society’s website, www.buckeyelakehistry.org, for a full list of events including upcoming boat tours and speakers.

Bird Watching

  • If you enjoy watching nature in flight, Buckeye Lake’s shoreline offers a perfect habitat for waterfowl. One of Ohio’s largest great blue heron nesting grounds is situated on private land near the park.

Fishing and Hunting

  • With a valid Ohio fishing license, visitors can enjoy catching perch, bluegill, crappie, muskellunge, largemouth bass, channel catfish and bullhead catfish. Thanks to the relatively shallow water that warms quickly in early spring, the lake is considered a good “early” lake to fish largemouth bass.

Dawes Arboretum

  • Just a 10-minute drive north of Buckeye Lake, Dawes Arboretum is home to 5,000 different types of woody plants on nearly 2,000 acres. With 12 miles of hiking trails and infinite photo opportunities, this is a great free adventure.

Where to Shop

Jim Carter’s Marine

  • Also known as “The Pontoon Place,” Jim Carter’s Marine is a good place if you’re in need of boating supplies while visiting Buckeye Lake. Plus, Jim is a master technician and can help with any boat repairs.

Buckeye Lake Marina

  • No boat? No problem! Boat rentals are available through Buckeye Lake Marina, in addition to new and used boats.

Z’s Village Market

  • If you want to shop the local favorites, a stop at Z’s is a must. Get groceries, fishing equipment, bait and tackle all under one roof.

Highpoint Taxidermy & Outfitters

  • This is a one-stop shop for all your hunting needs. Looking to preserve one of your hunting trophies? Highpoint Taxidermy has you covered.

Where to Stay and Camp

Buckeye Lake/ Columbus East KOA

  • Hoping to stay close to nature on your visit? Check out the local KOA campground. With RV sites, cabin accommodations and tent camping, there’s something for every outdoorsman. It’s located just off the north shore, so you can easily walk to the lake and local establishments from your site.

The Crow’s Nest At Buckeye Lake

  • Maybe a bed and breakfast is more your style. The Crow’s Nest is located right on the lake, providing visitors direct access to boat docks, water sports, swimming and tennis courts.

Orchard House Bed and Breakfast

  • Just 20 minutes north of the lake, there are several other bed and breakfasts in Granville. The Orchard House is a unique inn with a large collection of art, locally sourced breakfast and daily wine tastings.

Welsh Hills Inn

  • Another Granville option, the Welsh Hills Inn offers lush rooms, a heated pool, courtyard gardens and many more amenities.

The Porch House

  • This turn-of-the-century home in Granville offers guest rooms and private baths. Its close proximity to Ohio’s most popular bike path and local village shops entices visitors from all around.

Where to Eat and Drink

Buckeye Lake Brewery

  • Offering a wide variety of beer and light appetizers, Buckeye Lake Brewery is a perfect place to drink local. With rotating taps and food trucks, there is always something new to try.

Buckeye Lake Winery

  • Come for the wine and stay for the beautiful view at Buckeye Lake Winery. Offering a full menu and vast wine selection, this family-owned business makes its own Ohio-influenced wine on-site in addition to bringing in their own supply from California.

Thai Paradise

  • Good service and authentic food make this another local favorite. With a brand-new location in the Blue Heron Boardwalk Shopping Center, Thai Paradise awaits those with a taste for spice.

Weldon’s Ice Cream Factory

  • A community mainstay for nearly 80 years, Weldon’s Ice Cream is practically a historical landmark in Buckeye Lake. Sweet treats and a friendly staff make this a great stop for families.

Papa Boo’s

  • Opening for the season in April, Papa Boo’s is a great place for live entertainment on the lake. It offers a wide variety of drinks, pizza, burgers, seafood and more.

Port Lounge & Smokehouse

  • If you are in the mood for barbecue, this is the place to go at Buckeye Lake. With outdoor music and dining on the water, Port Lounge & Smokehouse is easy to love.

Louie’s Corner House

  • Worth a visit when in Buckeye Lake, Louie’s Corner House has a beer garden, a pool table, a large dance floor and corn hole. Plus, there is often live entertainment.

Jenny Wise is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.

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Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.