Ohio's state park lodges are inviting families to celebrate Thanksgiving with traditional meals in scenic locations. On November 26, various lodges will host Thanksgiving buffets, providing food and hospitality while guests enjoy the natural beauty of Ohio's parks.

Reservations are required for many dining options, and some locations have already reached capacity.

Press Release: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Reproduced in full from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Celebrate Thanksgiving Surrounded by Ohio's Natural Beauty

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Make this Thanksgiving one to remember by gathering around the table at one of Ohio's state park lodges. From lakeside views to wooded hillsides dressed in late-autumn color, Ohio's lodges offer a unique setting to enjoy a traditional holiday meal with family and friends.

This year, let our lodges provide the food, hospitality, and scenic surroundings while you focus on spending time with loved ones. Whether you're planning a Thanksgiving Day outing or an extended holiday getaway, a festive meal in one of Ohio's state parks is a memorable way to celebrate the season.

Thanksgiving Buffets and Dining Options by Location*:

  • Burr Oak Lodge
  • Thanksgiving Buffet | November 26, 12-4 p.m.
  • Reservations required by Nov. 19: 740-767-1210
  • Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center
  • Thanksgiving Buffet | November 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Reservations: 740-869-6311
  • The Lodge at Geneva
  • Thanksgiving Meal by Horizons Restaurant | November 26,
  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Reservations: 440-466-7100 ext. 2
  • Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center
  • Thanksgiving Buffet | November 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Reservations: 513-664-3527
  • Hueston Woods has reached full capacity for its Thanksgiving Buffet. An official waitlist is now open to accommodate additional guests as cancellations occur.
  • Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center
  • Thanksgiving Buffet | November 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Reservations: 419-836-1466 x 2
  • For guests unable to secure advance reservations, the lodge will accommodate guests on a first-come, first-served basis in Ice Breaker Lounge
  • Mohican Lodge & Conference Center
  • Thanksgiving Buffet | November 26, 12-4 p.m.
  • Reservations: 419-938-5411
  • Dining reservations for the Mohican Thanksgiving buffet are currently at capacity and strictly limited to registered lodge guests with advance bookings.
  • Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center
  • Thanksgiving Buffet | November 26, 12-5 p.m.
  • Reservations: 740-858-6621
  • *Space is limited and registration is filling quickly. We encourage interested attendees to register as soon as possible, as the event may reach capacity.

Thanksgiving is also an ideal time to experience Ohio's state parks beyond the dining table. Before or after your meal, enjoy a scenic hike, take in peaceful lake views, or explore nearby trails while soaking up the final days of Ohio's fall beauty.

Looking ahead, Ohio State Parks and lodges will continue the celebration throughout the winter season with Christmas events, New Year's Eve festivities, overnight getaways, and other special programs. Visit ohiodnr.gov/events for activities happening statewide. For overnight accommodations at Great Ohio Lodges locations, call 1-800-282-7275 or visit greatohiolodges.com. To make reservations at The Lodge at Geneva, call (866) 806-8066 or visit thelodgeatgeneva.com.

Recognized as the No. 1 state park system in America with the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio’s 76 state parks and waterways.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.