Just Around the Bend: Salt Fork State Park Lodge

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains outside of Columbus, Ohio in Guernsey County is where you’ll find Salt Fork State Park Lodge. 

Salt Fork Lodge

Arriving here puts you instantly in “vacation mode.” As you approach the expansive lodge, you’ll feel your stress disappear. The vistas are lovely, and you really feel like you are far away from it all. 

This resort is great for couples and families. You'll find 22,000 acres and 3,000 acres of water at the popular Salt Fork Lake. Enjoy the marinas, the beach, golf course, take a hike, explore the Nature Center or try your luck at the Gem Mine.  Boating is very popular here -  bring your own or rent a pontoon boat, personal watercraft, kayak or canoe at the Sugartree Marina. 

Sugartree Marina

There are three known Bald Eagle nesting pairs and plenty of wildlife to view and enjoy. Speaking of wildlife, the Park hosts Bigfoot Hikes in the summer months. What? Yes, you read that right. Bigfoot has been rumored to have been spotted and heard near the primitive campgrounds, and the Park hosts hundreds of curious Bigfoot “hunters” annually. It’s even been featured on TV’s Animal Planet.

Offering up an amazing array of activities and lodging choices, the Lodge (built in the grand tradition of National Park lodges) is a relaxing retreat and features 148 rooms, each with a balcony and patio and all with amenities.

The beautiful vista at Slat Fork State Park

If you need more room or privacy, there are a variety of cabins to choose from lakeside and hillside. These come with a full kitchen, private hot tub on an enclosed porch, picnic table and gas fireplace. Check in advance for pet-friendly options.

Around the Lodge you will find enough activities to keep you busy for a long weekend or longer: indoor and outdoor pools, indoor hot tub, tennis, fitness center and more. Dining is taken up a notch with the choices at the rustically elegant Timbers Restaurant. Menu favorites include the Forest Mushroom Risotto, Guinness Meatloaf and Salt Fork Waldorf salad. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are easy to come by. 

Guernsey County holds many treasures, Cambridge among them. Cambridge, Ohio is a charmer.  Known as the home of the highly collectable Cambridge Glass (1902-1958), the National Museum of Cambridge Glass celebrates that tradition with an extensive collection and hand-on learning opportunities. Currently, Mosser Glass continues this tradition by producing beautiful pieces using traditional techniques. 

Visit some animal friends at The Wilds

The Dickens Victorian Village Welcome Center will carry you back in time with the opportunity to play dress up, learn a little history and have some tea. It’s open in the winter months only. 

Where can you visit an African Bison, Bactrain Camel, African Painted Dog, giraffes and cheetahs?  Take a walk (well, a ride really) at the Wilds. This non-profit conservation center is located on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land in rural southeastern Ohio. The Wilds is an enjoyable lesson in conservation and wildlife preservation. Board a Safari Transport for the 2- hour tour, and knowledgeable guides will take you through hilly open-range animal areas (9 miles) as well as making stops at Lake Trail and the Carnivore Center. You can also enjoy a visit to the Wilds Gift Market and Overlook Café, Butterfly Habitat and even enjoy the Zipline Tour. 

For a relaxing weekend or longer, Guernsey County and Salt Fork Lodge State Resort Park make for a wonderful destination to get explore nature, or just curl up with a good book and enjoy the view.

Salt Fork State Resort Park

US Route 22 East
Cambridge, OH 43725

740-435-9000

www.saltforkstateparklodge.com