COLUMBUS, OH -The 26 family cottages at Buck Creek State Park in Clark County offer a quiet, woodland retreat from life’s hustle and bustle, yet these secluded getaways are only minutes from big-city activities, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Situated on the 2,100-acre C.J. Brown Reservoir near Springfield, many of the cottages provide sweeping waterfront vistas, as well as cozy gas-log fireplaces that make them attractive destinations in winter or fall. Each standard two-bedroom cottage sleeps six people and is a completely furnished home away from home, with all linens, cookware and dishes provided. Each also features a color television with VCR.
A special rate of $45 per night applies to all cottage rentals at Buck Creek State Park from now until April 30. Reservations are available online at ohiostateparks.org or by calling toll free 1-866-644-6727.
Around the Park
More than seven miles of hiking trails connect the cottage loop at Buck Creek to other park areas where deer, migrating waterfowl and other watchable wildlife abound. When the weather is right, a 7.5-mile bridle trail is also open to snowmobiling.
Crabill House, the restored home of an early Clark County family, sits at the west side of the park and can be toured with special arrangements. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages a visitor center in the same area, with educational displays and programs that explain the history and purpose of the dam and reservoir.
More hiking trails wind through the scenic Little Miami River Gorge at John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs.
Antiquing and Other Area Activities
The park lies at the northeast edge of the City of Springfield with a lively arts community, as well as many shopping and dining opportunities. “Cabaret” performances sponsored by the local arts council are slated for January and February. Collectors flock to nearby Clark County Fairgrounds on the third full weekend of each month for the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market. In addition, three of Ohio’s premiere antique malls are situated along Interstate 70 just east of the park.
The Village of Clifton, home of a historic grist mill, is about a 15-minute drive south. Holiday time draws thousands of visitors to the 200-year-old mill to sample its homemade goodies while viewing a million-light display.
The U.S. Air Force Museum, with its unique collection of Presidential aircraft, lies about 20 minutes west of Springfield in Fairborn. The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is located about 20 miles south of Springfield in Wilberforce. The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park is comprised of four sites around Dayton that celebrate the early 1900s achievements of flight pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright.
Fall and Winter Cottage Rates
Special fall and winter cottage rental rates are also offered at the following state parks: Pike Lake in Pike County, Cowan Lake in Clinton County, Hocking Hills in Hocking County, Dillon in Muskingum County, Mohican in Richland County, Lake Hope in Vinton County and Pymatuning in Ashtabula County.
For additional tourism information about Clark and Greene counties, call 1-800-BUCKEYE or visit ohiotourism.com .