Holiday fun at Buckeye Lake

Buckeye Lake, just 30 minutes east of Columbus, is the optimal city-life escape for all things lake, land + leisure. From dining or shopping, to walking, biking, and watersports, there’s something at Buckeye Lake for everyone!

Buckeye Lake History

The destination was once the go-to hub for regional tourism and recreational activity – being dubbed “Ohio’s Playground” in its prime. Built in 1826, the lake was a feeder for the canal system, making it a popular pit-stop for transporters and tourists traveling the Ohio Erie Canals. 

Since the early days, the Buckeye Lake region has adapted to meet modern tourists’ wants and needs.

Buckeye Lake now

Now, Buckeye Lake offers modern-day tourists the chance to unwind and explore without venturing far. The lake offers kayaking and pontoon tours for water enthusiasts during the summer months, as well as activities for those looking to stay on dry land and simply enjoy lake views.

Check out the designated drive for bird spotting around the lake, enjoy golfing options and visit the Charles Holliday Bridge (one of the 17 original covered bridges in Fairfield County). 

Seasonal fun at Buckeye Lake

Breakfast with Santa at Thornville UMC

December 7, 2024, 8:30 am – 11:00 am
Enjoy breakfast with the man himself! Including pancakes, eggs, juice, and more at the Thornville United Methodist Church from 8:30a.m. – 11a.m. Learn more and follow this event.
The Thornville United Methodist Church 30 E. Columbus Street, Thornville, Ohio

Breakfast with Santa at Harbor Hills Country Club

Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 9:00 to 11:00 am
Enjoy breakfast with Santa, photos with Santa, and crafts. See more details. 

Christmas in the Village of Buckeye Lake

December 7, 2024 from  3:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Find fun holiday happenings in the Village of Buckeye Lake including food, vendors, cookie decorating, hot coffee and cocoa, Christmas parade and tree lighting! Learn more and follow this event.

The Harbor Community Center 5312 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake, OH

See more upcoming events on the Escape to Buckeye Like website.

Christmas Market & Memorial Tree Lighting in Hebron

Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 5:00 PM  8:00 PM
Celebrate the holiday season with us from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Hebron Village Center, 9 West Main! More details here. 
Enjoy a jolly evening with:

• Lakewood Acapella Group performing beloved Christmas classics.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony honoring the memory of Scott Walters
• Local Market featuring variety of goods and crafts that cater to the festive spirit.
• Santa Photobooth by Karen Keller Photography
• Hot Cocoa & Cookies
• Food Trucks
• Engaging Kids’ Crafts and much more!

Winterfest 2024

Saturday, January 25, 2025. It’s the biggest party of the year at Buckeye Lake! You don’t need to have a boat to enjoy the lake. Join “Benny the Bass” on the last Saturday of January to see if he takes the bait and predicts an early spring or refuses breakfast, which means six more weeks of winter.

Regardless of the outcome, Buckeye Lake celebrates Winterfest with fireworks, activities around the lake, live music, art shows, food and drink specials, food trucks, and more. Winterfest festivities begin at 6:30 a.m. at North Shore Ramp in Buckeye Lake.

Come back on Sunday for the Polar Plunge at Buckeye Lake Winery. Participants jump into the freezing cold lake to raise money for charity. Join them if you’re brave enough!

Follow BLRCC Buckeye Lake Winterfest for additional information.

Buckeye Lake Winterfest and Polar Plunge

Lake season fun at Buckeye Lake

Recommended kayak/bike rentals

Lakebound Outfitters: Renting kayaks, canoes, bicycles, and fishing gear. You can also purchase fishing license, bait and gear, camping gear, and gift items, apparel, and more in the cutest shop!

Spend the day paddling, peddling and enjoying some pints with 3XP Tours – Buckeye Lakes’ original bike, boat, and brew tour. 

Buckeye Lake Boat Rentals offer kayaks.

Pea Ohana Watersports also offers kayaks and paddleboards. They also offer Fit N’ Paddle at Buckeye Lake’s Snug Harbor a unique paddleboarding and fitness class combination and Ohio Fun Excursions also offers kayaks, canoes and paddleboards if you wanted to add these!

Buckeye Lake Dam-Walking & Biking Trail

2871 Leibs Island Road Northeast
A 4-mile shoreline path across the top of the dam that connects the North Shore to Lieb’s Island and offers a variety of areas for fishing and relaxation.

Three access points- Leibs Island Boat Ramp, Sellers Point off Rt 360 and Sellers Road, and North Shore Boat Ramp in the Village of Buckeye Lake. Rent a bike from one of the options above, or take a stroll instead.

Events + Activities

Aside from enjoying lake life in the warm months, Buckeye Lake is full of activities to keep visitors and locals of all ages entertained while in town. Enjoy live music, festivals + markets, yoga and sip + paint classes. Check back often for new events. 

Dining + Drinking

Buckeye Lake offers a variety of food spots fit for any craving. If you need caffeine, visit Coffee Shack or Buckeye Lake Coffee.

Get your caffeine fix at Millersport Coffee – a charming, walkable coffee shop popular among visitors and lake town locals. 

Listen to live music and watch the boats dock at Horvath’s Harbor.

Buckeye Lake Winery offers stunning views of the water, indoor + outdoor seating and delicious bottles to share with those at your table. The winery hosts events all year long, like live music and yoga!

Buckeye Lake Winery works directly with growers in California to bring the Napa Valley experience to Ohio. 

End the night with a sweet treat at Weldon’s Ice Cream Factory (proudly serving Buckeye Lake for 100 years) before returning home or to your lodging – see some great options below!

Lodging

Take in the views all weekend! Check out these lodging options when planning your trip: 

Lakefront rental home
Buckeye Lake cottage
Cottage at Buckeye Lake
The Inn at Buckeye Lake 
Terrace Retreat on the Canal with Boat Dock

If you are planning a visit, check out the new Escape to Buckeye Lake website or download the mobile app to plan your trip ahead of time.

The app allows users to create an itinerary and share it with their friends and family via social media, email, or SMS. Planning your getaway just got easier! 

All images provided by Escape to Buckeye Lake