Tucked just beyond the echoing hills of Legend Valley is an enclave of lakeside living, a pleasant surprise to all but the ones who are privy to one of central Ohio’s best-kept secrets: Buckeye Lake.
Pssst — you’re welcome to join.
Once you thought the only way to experience a day lolling in the sun on the deck of a boat or wandering past cute lake cottages, ice cream cone in hand, was to catch a flight or at least drive several hours — no more. And you don’t have to own a yacht or be a fisherman to appreciate everything the gem known as Buckeye Lake has to offer.
Situated just steps away from the placid waters of Buckeye Lake, the Buckeye Lake Brewery has spent a decade making a name for itself — and its hard work has paid off. These days, you can spot the Buckeye Lake Brewery label at grocery stores and establishments across central Ohio. But in order to get the authentic Buckeye Lake Brewery experience, you really need to stop by.
This is a place where you can come on a lazy Saturday, grab a cold one and catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile. Where you can stop by on Game Day, squeeze in a round of cornhole and raise a frosty glass to a great season. Where you can unwind on the patio after a tough work week and be grateful that you’re among friends.
Thanks to the brewery’s Chef Shack, there’s never a shortage of sustenance to accompany your beverages of choice. With fresh options like the crowd-favorite chicken wings, generously sized burgers and a colorful selection of tacos, this is casual lakeside dining at its best.
For the “beer’s not my thing” set — no worries, the Buckeye Lake Brewery experience can still be yours! Grab the family, order some burgers and treat them to a round of root beers. No one will know the difference.
Have you always dreamt of exploring the pristine waters of Buckeye Lake but not had the vessel to do so? Are you a fan of local history? Do you want to be able to brag to your friends that you spontaneously jetted off for a weekend cruise?
Welcome aboard the Queen of the Lake III. On this stately 88-foot sternwheeler, you can check off all the boxes of your seafaring fantasy (OK, there are no dolphins) and still have time to make it home before dark.
Painstakingly restored by local volunteers over the course of five years, the Queen made her maiden voyage in 2020 and continues to embark from her Leibs Island dock on a weekly basis, weather permitting, to help passengers experience the past, present and future of Buckeye Lake in an up-close and personal way. On the tours — public and private options are available — guests are invited to relax on the upper or lower deck and listen to history unfold.
Interested in upgrading your experience? You can choose a private tour option that includes snacks or a full meal, or book the Queen as the venue for an intimate private event. No need to hunt for treasure here — on the Queen of the Lake, you’ve already found it.
The Boatyard at Buckeye Lake is a little like the neapolitan of ice creams: it’s truly a combination deal, best experienced as a whole.
For boaters, The Boatyard offers options for boat and RV storage and dock rentals, and its location next to the Buckeye Lake Yacht Club and the newly completed Buckeye Lake boardwalk mean quick and easy access to prime dining and recreation.
For locals and daytrippers, The Boatyard is a convenient stop for enjoying a casual bite to eat, shopping for souvenirs, cooling off with a hand-dipped ice cream cone or having a go at an afternoon kayak rental — whatever you fancy.
At the Boatyard Tavern-n-Grill, relax to the tunes of a local band (or try your hand at karaoke!) and take in the seaside vibes that make this a fun and unique place to enjoy a meal (and maybe, just maybe, a margarita).
Thanks to an ever-rotating lineup of food trucks, The Boatyard is a one-stop way to experience a variety of central Ohio cuisine, from hibachi to tacos to woodfired pizza. Dessert comes courtesy of Dips on the Lake, whose Salty Caramel Chocolate Pretzel cone might just be calling your name.
It’s equal parts family reunion, block party and summer vacation.
With its tidy campsites along friendly streets, a collection of cozy pine cabins and even a few tent sites for the rustic among us (you know who you are), Buckeye Lake KOA offers visitors from near and far a chance to experience lake life from the comfort of their own RV (or, you know, tent).
Even though the activities aren’t limited to the younger set, “family friendly” is a buzzword here, and for good reason: Even your TikTok-obsessed tween is likely to take a screen break when she sees the gigantic “jumping pillow.” Between guided activities for the crafty set, miniature golf, traditional activities like horseshoes, basketball and shuffleboard, and a swimming pool to cool off in after the fun is over (but is it?), you’ve got them covered.
If you’ve chosen this campground as your “landing place” to explore all things Buckeye Lake, you’re in luck! Its central location along Buckeye Lake’s main thoroughfare allows for easy access to the beach and local shopping and dining. So if you’ve been wanting to experience lakeside living up close but have yet to spring for a beach house, Buckeye Lake KOA has your solution — no mortgage required.
Buckeye Lake Trail
Like maritime puzzle pieces that fit together in just the right way — each a bit different from the next — the lake houses and cottages that line the Buckeye Lake multi-use trail combine to form a vista that is, in itself, an adventure.
Hopping onto a bike to traverse the 4.1-mile paved path is the best way to gain a quick perspective on what lake life is all about here. With Buckeye Lake on one side, itself offering stunning and peaceful views, and waterfront properties on the other, it’s fun to roll or stroll past and wonder about the stories behind each unique structure: The midcentury bungalows with all their vintage charm; the towering new builds covered in windows; the occasional dog sleeping on a sunny front porch. If you can peel your eyes off the water for a bit, you can catch some of the clever cottage names and dream of what you’d call your own, should the opportunity present itself.
In the summer, these frontages come to life with neighborly chats on front porches, evening strolls (preferably with ice cream) and the general feeling of community and congeniality that comes with sharing a pleasant space.
Of course you can’t (and shouldn’t!) neglect the water. There are several stops along the trail — including at the North Shore boat ramp and Liebs Island — with benches that beckon for a few moments of contemplation, sunset-watching or even a picnic lunch. Feeling lucky? Bring your fishing pole — somewhere there’s a catfish with your name on it.
If you thought, when you decided to visit central Ohio, that “long walks on the beach” wasn’t an option for your bucket list, we have great news — the Buckeye Lake trail will happily prove you wrong (no hard feelings).
