Recently, I traveled two hours south of Columbus, Ohio to rural Southern Ohio near the Kentucky border in West Portsmouth Ohio. Our destination was Shawnee State Park Lodge & Conference Center. This hidden gem was such a wonderful weekend getaway with friends.
We arrived early afternoon on a Thursday to a view of Turkey Creek Lake and the 63,000 acre Shawnee Forest where the Lodge and Conference Center is nestled. While there to spend time with friends, I was pleasantly surprised with all the amenities for the entire family.
The Lodge and Conference Center is open year round so no matter your interests, there is so much to do. Whether visiting to ride the 75 miles of bridle trails, exploring the plant and animal life of the Shawnee Hills, taking a swim or renting a boat at the public beaches (summer months only), searching for Geocaches, hiking some 60 miles on the backpack trail, or simply enjoying a good book next a rambling fire, everyone in the family will find something enjoyable to do.
The Lodge also has its own The Smokehouse Restaurant on site with delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. Some other amenities at or near the lodge include: Indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, Frisbee disk golf course, a game room and fitness center, and a new fire pit for roasting marshmallows. There is also the option of renting a Cabin and for those traveling with pets; be sure to check out their pet friendly accommodations as well.
During our weekend stay, the lodge was very clean and the staff were friendly and accommodating. In the 2nd floor common area, there is plenty of room to work on a puzzle with the family, have some quite time and just enjoy another great view of the Shawnee Forest. At one point, the ODNR Officer stop by with some local reptiles for a show and tell.
So if looking to getaway for a long weekend with the ladies, or an adventurous outing with the family, be sure to visit the Shawnee State Park Lodge & Conference Center in West Portsmouth, Ohio. And, if you enjoy this Lodge, be sure to check out all the Great Ohio Lodges here.
