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!
image: Escape to Buckeye Lake
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, pontoon tours and a paddlewheel boat tour for water enthusiasts during the summer months, as well as activities for those looking to stay on dry land and simply enjoy lake views.
Explore the Buckeye Lake Art Gallery and Studios, 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
Buckeye Lake Pirate Festival brings treasures and treasure hunters to the lake
See more upcoming events on the Escape to Buckeye Like website.
Lake season fun at Buckeye Lake
Recommended kayak/bike rentals
Buckeye Lake Kayaking: Renting kayaks and canoes. Launch from the Fairfield Beach Boat Ramp.
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!
Buckeye Lighthouse, 4894 Walnut Road. Rent from a fleet of bicycles, longboards, scooters, and kid bikes to have fun while you explore Buckeye Lake! In addition to popular rentals, The Lighthouse offers a selection of lake-themed merchandise, gifts, and home décor with great style and prices. The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am – 8pm.
Spend the day paddling, peddling and enjoying some pints with 3XP Tours – Buckeye Lakes’ original bike, boat, and brew tour.
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 Millersport Coffee 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
Winterfest 2024
Saturday, January 27, 2024. 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.
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