Things to Do at Salt Fork State Park Lodge
If you are looking for the largest state park with a lodge, Salt Fork State Park is the place for you! Being one of the largest parks in Ohio means it offers so much for the family, couples, or solo travelers to experience. We’ve had the privilege of coming here many times over the years, and this place keeps us coming back for more because of the abundant things to do at Salt Fork State Park.
We’ve seen some incredible wildlife, explored the wide variety of hiking trails, and enjoyed everything the lodge, cabins, and lake offer. Anytime the opportunity arises to come to the Salt Fork, we jump at the chance.
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Things to Do at Salt Fork State Park
You can come here and never have to leave the park! It has so many fantastic things to do. I don’t think there is anything we have not done while staying here … except golf, and that is because we have no idea how to do it.
Search for Big Foot! Come on; you know you want to. We always keep an eye open for him.
Indoor and outdoor pools: This is where the kids spend most of their time, and Matt and I enjoy lounging by the pool too. Perfect spot to cool off on a hot day.
Spend a day out on the water: With acres of water to play in, Salt Fork is a boater’s dream and a fisherman’s playground. We have also spent many hours kayaking around the edge of the lake and have taken in the stunning sunsets.
Mine for gems at the campground: take the littles to the gem mine to look for hidden treasure. You can buy the bags to sift through from the campground store. Even I enjoy watching what the water uncovers!
Hike the Stone House or Hosak’s Cave: These two hikes are my favorite ones to explore. Stone House offers some unique views of cypress knees along the shoreline, and Hosaks Cave is a stunning example of Ohio’s geological diversity. Both trails are considered easy.
Kennedy Stone House: Built in 1837, this beautifully restored home is a treasure within the park. Hours vary, so make sure to check these before making plans to visit.
Golf: While I can’t tell you much about the game, I can tell you this course is one of the best in Ohio! Maybe next year we will learn how to play and try it out for ourselves.
Things to Do in Cambridge, Ohio
Often called the Crossroads of America, this quintessential town is definitely worth stopping when you come to Salt Fork State Park. You’ll find plenty of great shopping in the beautiful downtown, delicious food for the foodie in your group, and historical stops for the history buff.
Read more about Cambridge, Ohio: 7 Incredible Things to Do in Charming Cambridge, Ohio.
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Scenic Short Drives from Salt Fork Lodge
Take a scenic day trip from the Lodge to some of the area’s fantastic attractions. This area in Ohio is rich in history, and you will be surprised by what you see. Matt and I came to Salt Fork for our anniversary and spent the day exploring all the stops just north of the Lodge. Time will allow for all three of these stops.
1.Schoenbrunn Village
Home to many of Ohio’s firsts, your stop here at Schoenbrunn Village will help you get a deeper grasp on the hardships and successes of some of the first people here in the area. The reconstructed village was some of Ohio’s firsts ..the first settlement, church, schoolhouse, and code of laws. Make sure to visit when the village is alive with reenactors, and it will enhance your visit.
1984 E. High Avenue
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
General Hours (June 1 – October 31, 2021)
Tues. – Sat. • 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun. • 12 – 5 p.m.
Offical Website: Schoenbrunn Village
2.Gnaddenhutten
“In 1772, Moravian missionaries founded a mission for American Indians in the Ohio Country at Schoenbrunn (“Beautiful Spring” in German). Because of its success, Rev. David Zeisberger founded the second village in the same year at Gnadenhutten (“Tents of Grace” in German). Life at Gnadenhutten was similar to life at Schoenbrunn.” Ohio History Connection
Sadly, in March of 1782, to harvest whatever crops remained in the fields, these peaceful Delaware Indians were brutally murdered because they thought they were responsible for the raids in nearby Penn. This gruesome event is known as the Gnadenhutten Massacre.
352 S Cherry Street Gnadenhutten, OH 44629 Located inside of Gnaden Clay-Union Cemetary (740) 254-4143
3.Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Dennison Railroad Depot Museum will leave you surprised and inspired. Our visit was perfectly timed, as our country struggles back from the Pandemic. I was reminded of how as American’s we can pull together to make a significant impact on those around us. This is one of the last notable remaining examples in the nation of a railroad canteen still reflecting its WWII heritage.
This is probably one of the most well-thought-out museums I have ever been to, and I can go back over and over. It draws you through like a thread through a cloth all the way to the tail end, and when you reach it, you want to beg it to go on.
400 Center Street, Dennison
Ohio 44621
MUSEUM BUSINESS HOURS
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday – Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
- Saturday: 11 am to 4 pm
- Sunday: 11 am to 3 pm
Pro-tip: watch the video at the beginning. It will educate, inspire, and give you a love for Dreamsville, Ohio. Then make sure to see the sandwich wrapper.
4. Living Word Drama
Take an evening for an outdoor drama, one of the best-re-created depictions of Old Jerusalem. The Living Word Outdoor Drama was founded in 1975 by Biblical Dramatist Frank Roughton Harvey and is a nationally recognized drama that brings to life the passion of Jesus Christ.
BECAUSE HE LIVES!
Check the website for dates.
6. The Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens
While this is a bit of a drive from the lodge, it is well worth it! I was blown away by this museum. Ernest “Mooney” Warther was born in 1885 and into a family that taught the value of hard work. At the age of 5, he had to start working as a cow herder. However, while he was doing this job, he found an old rusty pocket knife in the field. That fateful day began a lifetime of extraordinary work.
What are these extraordinary works? Hand carvings of trains, unique little wrenches, and so much more. If you are not blown away by the craftsmanship of this artist, I would be shocked.
331 Karl Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
Pro-Tip: Visit the Warther knife shop in front of the museum to get a Warther knife. The family has handcrafted these for over 115 years.
7. The Wilds
One of Ohio’s wildest places to explore is The Wilds. There are a few different ways to see the safari, and it will all depend on how you want to experience it. Without a doubt, the open-air safari tour is the most popular and cost-efficient for guests. Along the way, you will see rhinos, giraffes, and other large animals meandering along the landscape. You will be able to learn about these animals as you explore and relax on this 2+ hour outback ride.
14000 International Rd.
Cumberland, Ohio 43732
Hours: May – October open daily 10 am to 4 pm
Winter hours by reservation only
8. Things to Do at the Lodge
With all these opportunities to explore nearby, don’t miss spending quality time at the lodge. Take an evening and have a bonfire at one of the fire pits surrounding the lodge. You can get everything you need at the gift shop or the front desk. #dontforgetthesmoreskit
Challenge the family to some air hockey, ping pong, or classic arcade game! We always spend way too much here!
Fuel all your adventures by grabbing some dinner or pizza from Timbers Restaurant! Our kids love to take the pizza back to the room and veg out after a full day of fun.
I always find myself sitting by one of the fireplaces and enjoying a good book once the family quiets down for the evening.
Salt Fork State Park Lodge is the perfect place for families, couples, and solo travelers to explore everything that this state park offers. You’ll be rejuvenated after exploring the forested hills, learning the history of Kennedy Stone House, and enjoying the waters at the lake.
Happy Adventures,
Brandy
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