Buckeye Lake State Park, Millersport
Originally designed as a canal feeder lake in 1826, Buckeye Lake is Ohio’s oldest state park. Today, visitors can choose among many water-related recreational activities, including swimming, skiing, boating and fishing.
Deer Creek State Park, Mt. Sterling
Deer Creek is located in the midst of Ohio’s rich agricultural country, and is central Ohio’s vacation showplace. The 2,337-acre resort park is host to cottages, campgrounds and a more modern lodge for those who prefer less rustic camping styles, all in the middle of scenic meadows and woodlands. Activities include golfing on the park’s course, swimming on the beach and boating.
Burr Oak State Park, Glouster
Burr Oak exudes a quiet, rustic charm with its 2,593 acres of remote, wooded hills and valley farms. The park offers many options for its visitors’ stays, including cabin lodging and campgrounds in a perfect blend of modern convenience and wilderness.
East Harbor State Park, Lakeside-Marblehead
Boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking and camping are just a few of the many activities available for visitors to East Harbor, located on the shores of Lake Erie. The 1,831-acre park is also home to many different kinds of wetlands wildlife.
Findley State Park, Wellington
As a revamped state forest, 838-acre Findley State Park is still heavily wooded, allowing for scenic hiking trails that offer a beautiful view of the wildflowers, pines and wildlife featured in the area.
Geneva State Park, Geneva
Located on the northeastern shoreline of Lake Erie, Geneva State Park offers 698 acres of beach area, freshwater marshes and estuaries for nature enthusiasts of all varieties.
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan
Hocking Hills serves up a variety of activities in its 2,356 acres, comprised of towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep hemlock-shaded gorges, enticing hikers and nature lovers alike.
Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon
Maumee Bay offers beaches, woods, trails, wetlands and marshes among some of the finest recreational facilities in the Midwest. This park is the perfect getaway for a family that wants options to relax or adventurously explore.
Scioto Trail State Park, Chillicothe
Just south of Chillicothe, Scioto Trail is 218 acres of undisturbed wooded area offering ridgetop-views of the Scioto River Valley.
Sycamore State Park, Trotwood
Located in the midst of expansive farmland, Sycamore State Park is home to an oasis of meadows, woodlots and still waters – perfect for picnicking, hiking, fishing and horseback riding.
Lauren Andrews is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.