10 Fun Things To Do At Burr Oak Lodge

Situated in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Burr Oak Lodge offers a peaceful getaway in Ohio that is off the beaten path. From nightly campfires to competitive rounds of putt-putt, our family had a blast discovering all the fun activities that makes Burr Oak State Park Lodge unique.

One thing I adore about the Great Ohio Lodges is how they are the ideal getaway for multigenerational trips. We had three generations along on our spring break adventure, and there was never a dull moment. Nightly board games became core memories as we laughed over pizza, smores, and how terrible I was at the game Memory.

Great Ohio Lodges hosted us to bring you this excellent weekend getaway idea. As always opinions are my own. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

SPECIAL OFFER: Anyone who mentions they saw this blog about my Burr Oak stay can get 20% off in the Cardinal Dining Room or Gift Shop through August 31, 2023, when they mention it to their server or front desk agent.

Where Is Burr Oak Lodge?

Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center are in southeast Ohio in the city of Glouster, which is part of Morgan County. Nearby cities include Athens, Lancaster, and Zanesville. Burr Oak Lodge offers all the modern conveniences of home but in a beautiful location overlooking Burr Oak Lake.

Check-in: 4:00 pm Check-Out: 11:00 am

Distance From:

Athens, OH: 31 minutes ~19 miles

Columbus, OH: 1 hour 25 minutes ~79 miles

Cincinnati, OH: 3 hours ~180 miles

Burr Oak Lodge | 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, OH 45732

Planning Tip: Burr Oak Lodge is only 45 minutes from Hocking Hills. We planned out our itinerary to include a stop at Hocking Hills on our way to the lodge since check-in time isn’t until 4:00 pm.

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Accommodation Options At Burr Oak Lodge

The serenity of the cabins overlooking the glistening lake was exactly what the doctor ordered. Sitting out on the screened-in porch with my coffee every morning was my form of self-care. However, the Burr Oak Lodge offers a variety of lodging options. Check them out:

Lodge Rooms

A huge perk of staying in the lodge is that you are close to all the great amenities, such as the indoor pool and restaurant. Family-friendly suite options are available. One contains one king bed and a sleeper sofa in an adjoining sitting room or one king-sized bed and a set of bunks in an adjoining room.

Rooms include a coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and cable TV. There is free wi-fi available.

Cabins

Burr Oak Lodge offers 30 cozy cabins, all nestled amidst the lush green foothills overlooking Burr Oak Lake. There are three types of cabins to choose from; standard, deluxe, and pet-friendly. Yes! Your furry companion can come too!

We had a newly remodeled deluxe cabin that overlooked Burr Oak Lake, easily holding seven people. The cabins are newly renovated, with the deluxe cabins within walking distance of the lodge. Being able to walk to the lodge is worth upgrading to the deluxe. Not having to load everyone in the car was priceless!

Each cabin offers two bedrooms; one bedroom offers a queen size bed, the second bedroom has two sets of bunk beds, one is a double bed, and three are single beds. A fully furnished kitchen is in each cabin, equipped with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, pots, pans, and eating utensils.

I’ll be honest; the kitchen is sparse, with only the bare minimum. I made ice in a sheet pan because there were no ice trays or ice makers in the fridge. Consider bringing extra supplies if you plan on making elaborate gourmet meals in the kitchen.

Meal Planning Tip: Bring your Instapot for an easy dinner option one night.

Tip: There is not any Wi-Fi in the cabins. Guests must go to the lodge or bring a personal hot spot. There is cable TV with all our favorite channels. 

10 Fun Things To Do At Burr Oak Lodge

The tranquil setting of Burr Oak State Park sets the stage for endless outdoor adventures. We share a few of our favorites you don’t want to miss out on.

Play A Round Of Mini Golf

If there is one thing our daughter loves, it is a round of miniature golf. Her competitive nature emerges, and she has her eye on a hole-in-one. Imagine her delight when she saw that there was a mini-golf course at Burr Oak Lodge! While I had to decline the sunrise match at dawn, I held her off until mid-morning.

The course consists of nine holes with obstacles that make the game a little more challenging. Guests can purchase rounds of mini-golf at the front desk or if there is an attendant at the mini-golf.

During my turn, we discovered a Killdeer Bird had made her nest on the rocks between the greens and sent out warning cries for us to get away. My mini-golf experience turned into an educational one, as I learned about the Killdeer and why they are named that!

Dine At The Cardinal Dining Room

After an exciting game of miniature golf, it was time to head to lunch at the Cardinal Dining Room. Burr Oak has one restaurant on-site that yields a phenomenal view of Burr Oak Lake. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the Cardinal Dining Room will be your one-stop spot for meals unless you cook in your cabin. There are few restaurants close by, so plan accordingly.

With a great variety, the Cardinal Dining Room will have you covered. Whether you are feeling the savory Burr Oak Burger, looking to keep it light with a salad, or splurge on NY Strip Steak, there are many classics. A few of our favorites were the Maple Glazed Grilled Salmon and the Smoked Brisket Platter.

Did I mention they have a kid’s menu? I found the pricing on the kid’s menu a little steep at $10 a kid’s meal, but it is a generous size and comes with a drink.

Tip: You can never go wrong with Great Ohio Lodge Pizza. It is a staple on every trip. You can even get it to go! We took it back to our cabin for a fun game night.

Go For A Hike

Embrace the wilderness spirit of Ohio by venturing on one of the many hiking trails found throughout Burr Oak State Park. It is a great place to experience the beauty of the Appalachian foothills, as the woodlands feature beautiful valleys, stunning vistas, rocky outcroppings, and even several out-of-the-way caves.

You can choose your hiking adventure, whether you want to tackle the 23-mile loop that winds along the shores of Burr Oak Lake or enjoy the causal Story Book Trail just off in the surrounding natural forest by the lodge.

The Buckeye Trail cuts through Burr Oak State Park; it is a part of the 1444 miles trail that takes hikers across Ohio.

The Burr Oak Lodge has a great round-up of all the hiking trails along with printable maps.

Kid-Friendly Tip: There is a playground next to the entrance to the Story Book Trail.

Take A Trip To See The Big Muskie

Have you heard of the Big Muskie Bucket?!

The Big Muskie, a coal mining dragline excavator, was the largest single-bucket digging machine ever created and one of the world’s largest mobile earth-moving machines.

The now Miners’ Memorial Park not only showcases the bucket of Big Muskie but includes an information center that shows the history of Central Ohio Coal Company.

Visitors can venture to this free tourist attraction, climb into the bucket, and enjoy a picnic while taking in spectacular views. Miners’ Memorial Park is 9 miles from McConnelsville in Morgan County, Ohio.

Big Muskie Bucket | 4470 OH-78, McConnelsville, OH 43756

Planning Tip: If you are a small-town fanatic like I am, you will love venturing to downtown McConnelsville. We didn’t have time to explore it on this trip, but oh goodness, it is cute. Stop into Home + Brew by Misday for a coffee or grab lunch at the Old Bridge Brewing Company.

Play A Round Of Tennis

Burr Oak Lodge has many great family activities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball, and shuffleboard. Take a few practice swings before hitting to the court to take on your competitor for a friendly tennis match. You can get basketballs, rackets, and other sports gear from the front desk.

Tip: The Front desk also has an assortment of board games you can borrow.

Take A Day Trip To Athens

Athens is a small town with a rich history, gorgeous scenery, and home to Ohio University. From enjoying the peaceful Hocking River to sampling craft beers, there are many neat things to explore in Athens.

Discover the secrets of this sleepy little college town by diving into the local eateries, uncovering ghost stories, all while savoring the beauty of the Appalachian foothills. We recommend grabbing a beer at Jackie O’ Brewery, doing a cemetery hike at the Ridges (the old Lunatic Asylum), and grabbing authentic Mexican as Casa Nueva for starters. Get our complete list of Things To Do In Athens to help plan out your day!

Planning Tip: At only a half hour from Burr Oak Lodge, this makes a day trip or a good stop at the beginning or end of your trip.

Play A Round Of Disc Golf

Disc Golf players will love playing at Burr Oak State Lodge, as it is the perfect place to play with a beautiful view of the lake. Pack a cooler of drinks and snacks, grab your favorite frisbee, and venture out for a lovely day of Disc Golf.

For another great Disc Golf Course, check out Hueston Woods Lodge.

Get Out and In The Water

Once warm weather hits, get out and enjoy all that Burr Oak Lake has to offer. The perfect place to start is the marina that rents pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and motorboats.

Fishing is another popular sport in the area; however, set up an Ohio Belly Boat Fishing guide for a unique adventure!

It doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside because Burr Oak Lodge’s heated indoor pool is open year-round! They have changing rooms, which are slightly warmer than the rest of the pool area! That little special touch did not go unnoticed, and it was lovely not to freeze in the changing room after being in the pool!

Tip: Burr Oak Lodge does not have an outdoor pool.

Spend The Day At The Beach

If you fancy a beach day, venture to the public swimming beach with easy access to a bathhouse, showers, and a changing area. (Located across the lake from the lodge, on the west side). Don’t forget to bring folding chairs, towels, and sand toys!

Explore Hocking Hills

A quick 45-minute drive with you in Hocking Hills, one of Ohio’s most popular hiking destinations. Spend the day taking in Hocking Hills State Park’s natural beauty by hitting one of the park’s many hiking trails. Journey to one of the beautiful waterfalls or explore Ohio’s wild side while hiking along Old Man’s Cave trail. Don’t know where to begin? Check out our list of the Best Hikes in Hocking Hills. Psss….there is another Great Ohio Lodge in Hocking Hills too!

Are you still debating which Ohio Lodge is best for you? Check out our review of these other fabulous lodges:

Shawnee Lodge: One of the Best Last-Minute Getaways 

15 Things to do while visiting Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center   

10 Exciting Things To Do While Staying At A Cabin At Salt Fork Lake 

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