COLUMBUS, OH – Stressed holiday shoppers looking for great gift ideas or for a relaxing getaway for holiday cheer can turn to Ohio State Parks for convenient shopping solutions and overnight stays, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

An Ohio State Parks gift card is an appealing choice for anyone who likes to play outdoors or unwind in comfort. Gift cards may be redeemed for camping, getaway rentals, cottage rentals or overnight stays in Ohio’s scenic state park lodges. They may also be used for golfing at Ohio State Parks’ six public courses, boat rentals at some state park marinas, or food and merchandise purchases at one of the sites.

Available in any denomination of $5 or more, gift cards may be purchased on-line at www.ohiostateparks.org, at any state park office, or by calling 1-866-644-6727. Ohio State Parks merchandise is also available on-line for the convenience of gift givers who prefer to provide a wrapped package. Specialty apparel, books, toys, outdoor gear and nature themed items are offered through the on-line store. All profits from the sale of these items benefit Ohio State Parks.

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? A variety of seasonal promotions and discounted rates on overnight stays are offered through the winter at state park lodges and cottages. New Year’s Eve celebrations, along with specially priced theme weekends and family-friendly packages are scheduled at Deer Creek, Geneva, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Punderson, Salt Fork and Shawnee state park lodges. Winter discounts of $20 off the regular nightly rate on Sunday through Thursday, and $10 off on Friday and Saturday are now available for the state park cottages at Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, Dillon and Pike Lake, and the discounts are offered January through March at Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, Mohican and Pymatuning. Information and reservations are available on the state parks website.  

When you stay in Ohio State Park campgrounds or select cottages, you also earn points through the Ohio State Parks Rewards Card. Remember to request a Rewards Card and earn points toward a free stay during a future visit. 

And don’t forget about the following holiday events this month at your Ohio State Parks:

Fantasy of Lights, Alum Creek (C) - 5:30-9:30 PM Sun. thru Thurs. and 5:30-10:30 PM Fri. & Sat. at the campground. A fee is charged per car. (740) 369-2900 or (740) 548-6056, or www.alumcreek.com.

Christmas at the Hollow, Quail Hollow (NE) - Tour the historic Stewart Manor, decorated for an old-fashioned holiday. Enjoy refreshments, holiday crafts and entertainment, and visits with Santa. (330) 877-6652.

Candlelight Holiday Tours, Malabar Farm (NE) - Hours are 5-9 PM Fri. and Sat.; 11 AM- 5 PM Sun. Tour Louis Bromfield’s “Big House” all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy freshly baked cookies and hot cider, along with holiday shopping at the gift shop. Fees are $5/adult and $3/child. (419) 892-2784 or www.malabarfarm.org.

Christmas in Ash Cave, Hocking Hills (SE) - 5-7 PM. Celebrate the season with a candle-lit stroll to Ash Cave, refreshments, a bonfire, carolers, Santa and a tree decorated for wildlife. (740) 385-6841.

Holiday Traditions Workshops, Caesar Creek (SW) - Sessions start at 10 AM and 2 PM at the nature center. Create holiday decorations and ornaments from natural materials. Pre-registration and a $12 fee required. (513) 897-2437.

Holiday Raptor Invasion, Hueston Woods (SW) - Begins at 11 AM at the Hueston Woods Lodge. Educational raptor program with local birds of prey. (513) 524-4250.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.gov. 

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Jean Backs, ODNR Division of State Parks

614. 265. 7077

Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications

614. 265. 6842