Buckeye Lake: Lake, Trails and Local History

The Village of Buckeye Lake lies on the north shore of Buckeye Lake, a 3,300-acre recreational lake. When planning a hotel stay, you can shape your trip around the lake, an event or local history. The village location, water activities and regional excursions offer different ways to focus your visit.

Getting oriented and finding hotels

State Routes 79 and 360 run through the Village of Buckeye Lake; the village is also right next to Interstate 70. Together with its location on the north shore, these are clear reference points for locating the destination.

Lake, trails and activities

The 4.1-mile Buckeye Lake Dam Trail reaches the North Shore in the Village of Buckeye Lake. So, in addition to water activities, there is a named route with a specific stated length and a destination area on the north shore. Shelters at North Shore Park can be reserved through ODNR. Check the reservation contact before your trip, as it may change.

There are nine ramps in the wider area around the lake that provide access to the water. Buckeye Lake is also designated as a lake with no horsepower restrictions. These details apply to the lake as a whole and complement the trail’s specific location with another planning consideration: water access and motor power.

In the wider region, seasonal cruises are offered aboard the restored 88-foot sternwheeler Queen of the Lake III. Check availability before your trip. Activities related to Buckeye Lake also include 3XP Tours, a kayak, bike and brewery experience in Ohio. The 3XP Kayak Shack is a self-service kayak rental kiosk. If you plan to use it, check its current operating status in advance.

Winterfest and local history

Buckeye Lake Winterfest takes place every year on the last Saturday in January. If the event is the reason for your trip, plan your travel dates around this recurring date and check the specific event date before booking. Ryan-Braden Park has a small skateboard ramp. Winterfest takes place annually; sternwheeler cruises are offered seasonally.

The Holtsberry Log Cabin is considered the oldest surviving structure in Buckeye Lake. A report dated March 6, 2026, noted that the cabin had been moved and needed repairs. Two other historical landmarks are located nearby: Buckeye Lake State Park is Ohio’s oldest state park, and the Buckeye Lake Historical Society Museum is an important part of the Buckeye Lake area and the preservation of its history.

Discover more destinations: Hebron, Granville, Heath, Pataskala.

For the broader travel overview: Licking.