Thanksgiving is a time for family, delicious food and remembering what's important in life.
In reality, all the cooking and preparation for hosting company can create stress that takes away from the thankfulness you're trying to bask in. This year, consider dining at a state park lodge instead. Ohio is home to several gorgeous lodges and resorts that are hiding in the middle of serene nature, often tucked away on lakes. Make this Thanksgiving extra memorable and stress-free and bring the family to a state park restaurant. You'll leave happy, full—and thankful.
1. Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center (Glouster)
With spectacular views of Burr Oak Lake, dining here is extra special. Reservations for the Thanksgiving buffet are required and can be made by calling (740) 767-1210. Seating times are at 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m, 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
2. Lake Hope Lodge (McArthur)
Vinton County is home to one of Ohio's most underrated parks, Lake Hope State Park, as well as an incredible dining lodge. With two stories, plenty of seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows, there isn't a bad seat in the house. For reservations, call (740) 596-0601.
3. Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Mount Sterling)
Enjoy a wholesome Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings at this truly tranquil restaurant on the lake. The buffet will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reservations here are also required and can be made by calling (740) 869-6311.
4. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (Geneva-on-the-Lake)
Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, you'll find this picturesque resort that's beautiful year-round. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and will feature everything from shrimp cocktail to oven roasted turkey. For pricing and reservations, call (440) 415-1546.
5. Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center (Cambridge)
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center features a delicious restaurant with gorgeous views of Salt Fork Lake. The Thanksgiving buffet will take place from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call (740) 435-9000 to make a reservation.
6. Mohican State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Perrysville)
With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room at Mohican State Park features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake. The bountiful Thanksgiving buffet will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. For pricing and reservations, call (419) 938-5411.
7. Shawnee State Park Lodge and Conference Center (West Portsmouth)
After a day of hiking and basking in nature, you can feast on turkey and all the fixings from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reservations here are also required and can be made by calling (740) 858-6621.
8. Punderson Manor Lodge and Conference Center (Newbury)
Rent a cabin or book a room at this stunning lodge and campground for the holiday. The Thanksgiving Buffet will take place from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and there's an additional option to order a carry-out dinner by November 25 . For pricing and reservations, call (440) 564-9144.
9. Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Oregon)
In the northwest region of Ohio, you'll find this picturesque lodge and state park. You can dine at the lodge for Thanksgiving dinner from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (419) 836-1466 (ext 567).
10. Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center (College Center)
Enjoy sweeping lakefront views and a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Houston Woods Lodge. For pricing and reservations, call (513) 664-3527.
Have you ever dined at any of these state park lodges for Thanksgiving before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
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