Ohio’s Hueston Woods State Park and Lodge

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Hueston Woods State Park, in Western Ohio, was developed around a parcel of old-growth forest once owned by one of General “Mad Anthony” Wayne’s Indian War soldiers, Matthew Hueston. Also home to Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center, this resort features a host of outdoor activities, including camping, golfing, hiking, boating, fishing, and more.

Oxford, home to Miami University, is nearby, which makes Hueston Woods a great destination when visiting family at the college or for a MAC sporting event.

Hueston Woods State Park and Lodge Features

  • Lodge with 96 Rooms
  • 37 Cottages (25 Family / 10 Efficiency / 2 Premium)
  • Large Campground (252 Electric Sites / 236 Non-Electric Sites)
  • Miles of Hiking Trails, 18 Mile Bridle Trail, 12 Mile Mountain Bike Trail
  • Acton Lake with 234 Boat Docks and Large Swimming Beach
  • 18-Hole Championship Golf Course
  • Hueston Woods Nature Preserve Including 200 acres of Old-Growth Forest

From an Old Soldier’s Retreat to Hueston Woods Resort

Matthew Hueston fought with General Anthony Wayne during the Indian Wars of the late 18th Century. After the war he bought land in Western Ohio to farm; he left untouched a remnant of woods that today forms the centerpiece of Hueston Woods State Park.

Hueston Woods features a massive amount of outdoor activities surrounding the 624 acre Acton Lake. From boating to hiking to swimming, there is something to do for everyone in the family. The sense of history when hiking through the old forest in the nature preserve is stunning.

Hueston-Woods-Hiking-Trail

Hueston Woods features hiking trails through very old forests. Photo by Angela Williams.

For boaters, there is a launch ramp and a large boat dock with dock rentals available. Acton Lake restricts boat motors to 10hp. The lake also has a 1,500 foot beach for swimming or just laying out.

Hueston Woods is also a great destination for a golf trip, as it features an 18-hole championship golf course with a length of over 7,000 feet. Driving Ranges at the course are open from March to November.

Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner at the Hueston Woods Lodge

The lodging options at Hueston Woods include a large campground with nearly 500 campsites, evenly spread between electric and non-electric sites. There are even a few camper-cabins available for rental.

The Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center is managed by Xanterra, who also manages other Ohio State Park Resorts, including the Mohican State Park lodge. The 96-room lodge sits on a bluff overlooking Acton Lake, and each room sports a balcony with a great view of the lake. The 37 family cottages are another quality option when staying at Hueston Woods. Most of the cottages have 2 bedrooms, but both premium and efficiency cottages are available.

Hueston-Woods-Lodge

The lodge at Hueston Woods State Park. Photo by Angela Williams.

The lodge’s Trailblazer Dining Room specializes in Angus Certified Beef and offers the best steaks in the area. The restaurant quality of the food is typical of other Ohio State Park lodges. The lodge is both a great place to stay and eat.

Hueston Woods is one of the top vacation destinations in Western Ohio. The state park’s combination of outdoor activities and quality accommodations is hard to beat. Interested Ohio travelers should check out these other Suite101 articles about Malabar Farm State Park and Scioto Trail State Park.

The following is a highly recommended book on Ohio State Parks.

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