10 Ohio State Park Lodges That Are Downright Magical During The Holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year and you need to embrace it.

Here in Ohio, our state park lodges go all out for the holiday season. If you need to get away during the month of December or you're looking for the perfect place to meet up with family and friends, consider visiting an Ohio State Park lodge for a dinner or overnight stay. With plenty of Christmas trees, festive holiday decor and special events like holiday buffets, the following 10 state park lodges in Ohio are downright magical during the holiday season.

1. Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Mount Sterling)

Tucked away in one of Ohio's lesser-known state parks, you'll find the Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center. On site, you'll find plenty of things to do, including shopping, a championship golf course and fishing. There's also indoor and outdoor swimming. In the colder months, this lodge is unbelievably cozy.

2. 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. During the holidays, the lodge lights up both indoors and outdoors with festive decor and Christmas cheer.

3. Shawnee State Park Lodge and Conference Center (West Portsmouth)

After a day of hiking and enjoying some Ohio nature, you can feast in the dining hall and cozy on up by the fireplace. Bask in the glow of the Christmas lights and relax.

4. Punderson Manor Lodge and Conference Center (Newbury)

About 30 minutes from Cleveland, there's an underrated state park with a beautiful English Tudor manor that's a cozy getaway in the winter and a fun place to stay year-round. The winter months are extra special at Punderson Manor. Sledding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities here.

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. After you've explored the town's Dickens Victorian Village, stay here for a hearty meal and spend some time by the fire.

6. Mohican State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Perrysville)

Relax by the fire after a long day of hiking or enjoy some indoor swimming before heading back to your room. With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake.

7. 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. You'll stay warm and cozy inside the lodge by the fireplace and warm-lighted Christmas trees.

8. Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center (Glouster)

This little-know resort overlooks the stunning Burr Oak Lake—and it’s truly the perfect place to get away from it all. On site, you'll find plenty of things to do, including golf, fishing, swimming, hiking and many other activities. (The lodge features a spacious indoor pool that's perfect for swimming year-round.) During the holiday season, it's extra special.

9. Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Oregon)

This gorgeous Lake Erie lodge makes the perfect getaway year-round. You can book a room or rent a cabin. Shop, hike, swim, dine and more.

10. Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center (College Center)

Although outdoor enthusiasts will definitely enjoy a stay at this picturesque lodge, it also makes the perfect, cozy winter retreat. Rent a lodge room or a cabin for an unforgettable weekend away.

Have you ever been to any of these state park lodges before during the holidays? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

For more magical places in Ohio to visit this holiday season, check out our previous article: The Hallmark Channel Officially Named Portsmouth, Ohio Its 2019 Hometown Christmas Town.