This holiday, take a trip to an Ohio State Park and enjoy one of the many festive events going on through December - or celebrate the season and experience great rates with a weekend getaway at an Ohio State Park lodge resort.
Holiday crafts, candlelight tours, and stroll along snow-covered trails are just some of the events Ohio State Parks offer this holiday season. Ongoing fall and winter cottage specials as well as attractive holiday packages at state park resort lodges, make it easy to get away for a few days during this special time of year.
Discover the peace and quiet of Burr Oak Resort and Conference Center in southeastern Ohio, which offers a Christmas in the Country special December 1 through December 30. The package includes one night of lodging, breakfast for two, dinner for two and a $20 gift shop certificate. Pay $155 per couple for a standard room or $170 per couple for a studio. Taxes and service charges are included.
Burr Oak also offers its Cabin in the Woods weekend package throughout December and select weekends in January and February. The package includes two nights in a standard cottage, souvenir mugs, hot chocolate and popcorn, one large pepperoni pizza and soda. The cost is $199 per couple in a standard cottage, taxes included.
Salt Fork Resort and Conference Center, near Cambridge, offers its Christmas in the Country special December 10 through December 25. Packages include one night of lodging, dinner for two, breakfast for two and a $20 gift certificate. The cost is $179 per family in a double or $199 per family in a bunk room, taxes included.
Spend a family Christmas at Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center, just 30 miles southwest of Columbus. Several holiday packages are offered Tuesday, December 21 through Saturday, December 25. Packages range from two nights at $275 for a double room, plus tax; to five nights at $535 for a double room, plus tax. Upgrades are available at additional cost. Package includes breakfast for two each morning, and holiday activities.
In northwestern Ohio, Maumee Bay Resort and Conference Center offers spectacular views of Lake Erie along with a special holiday package rate. From December 13 through December 20, guest can enjoy one night of lodging in a double room, breakfast for two, dinner for two and a $20 gift shop certificate. The rate of $170 per couple includes taxes.
Ski buffs will want to take advantage of Mohican Resort and Conference Center’s winter ski package, valid now through February. The package includes one night of lodging, breakfast for two, two lift tickets for either nearby ski resort, and all taxes. Rooms start at $169 per couple Sunday through Thursday, and $189 per couple Friday and Saturday.
To make a reservation at an Ohio State Park resort lodge or cottage call 1-800-AT-A-PARK or visit ohiostateparks.org on the web. To reserve a room at Deer Creek resort lodge call 1-877-678-DEER.
Holiday events at state parks across Ohio include:
Holiday Traditions Workshops at Caesar Creek State Park (Warren and Clinton counties): Saturday, December 4 and Saturday, December 11, create holiday decorations and ornaments from natural materials. Sessions start at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the nature center. To pre-register, call 513-897-3055. There is a materials fee of $5.
Holiday Crafts at Mary Jane Thurston State Park (Henry and Wood counties) and Van Buren State Park (Hancock County): Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at Mary Jane Thurston, and 1 to 4 p.m. at Van Buren State Park. Sip hot chocolate and make holiday ornaments from the fruit of the sweet gum tree. Meet at the day lodge at Mary Jane Thurston and the nature center at Van Buren.
Candlelight Christmas Tours at Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County): Thursday, December 9 through Saturday, December 11, 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, December 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour the decorated home of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Louis Bromfield, and enjoy crafts, refreshments, caroling and holiday stories. A fee is charged for guided house tours. Call 419-892-2784 for information.
Christmas at the Hollow at Quail Hollow State Park (Stark County): Thursday, December 9 through Saturday, December 12. Tour the historic Stewart Manor, decorated for an old-fashioned holiday. Enjoy refreshments, crafts and entertainment with visits from Santa. All visitors must have a reservation. For information call 330-877-6652.
Christmas in Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park (Hocking County): Saturday, December 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Step away from the holiday rush and bundle up for a lighted stroll to Ash Cave - the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. Warm up at the bonfire. Also enjoy refreshments, caroling, visits with Santa and a holiday tree decorated for wildlife. Call 740-385-6841 for information.