Thanksgiving is a time for family, delicious food and remembering what’s important in life.

In reality, all the cooking and preparation for hosting company can create stress that takes away from the thankfulness you’re trying to bask in. This year, consider dining at a state park lodge instead. Ohio is home to several gorgeous lodges and resorts that are hiding in the middle of serene nature, often tucked away on lakes. Make this Thanksgiving extra memorable and stress-free and bring the family to a state park restaurant. You’ll leave happy, full—and thankful.

1. Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center (Glouster)
Burr Oak Lodge/Facebook
Burr Oak Lodge/Facebook
With spectacular views of Burr Oak Lake, dining here is extra special. Reservations for the Thanksgiving buffet are required and can be made by calling (740) 767-1210. Seating times are at 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m, 2:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
2. Lake Hope Lodge (McArthur)
Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook
Lake Hope Lodge/Facebook
Vinton County is home to one of Ohio's most underrated parks, Lake Hope State Park, as well as an incredible dining lodge. With two stories, plenty of seating, and floor-to-ceiling windows, there isn't a bad seat in the house. For reservations, call (740) 596-0601.
3. Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Mount Sterling)
Deer Creek State Park Lodge/Facebook
Deer Creek State Park Lodge/Facebook
Enjoy a wholesome Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings at this truly tranquil restaurant on the lake. The buffet will be served from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reservations here are also required and can be made by calling (740) 869-6311.
4. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (Geneva-on-the-Lake)
The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake/Facebook
The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake/Facebook
Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, you'll find this picturesque resort that's beautiful year-round. Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and will feature everything from shrimp cocktail to oven roasted turkey. For pricing and reservations, call (440) 415-1546.
5. Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center (Cambridge)
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center/Facebook
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center/Facebook
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center features a delicious restaurant with gorgeous views of Salt Fork Lake. The Thanksgiving buffet will take place from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Call (740) 435-9000 to make a reservation.

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6. Mohican State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Perrysville)
Mohican State Park Lodge/Facebook
Mohican State Park Lodge/Facebook
With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room at Mohican State Park features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake. The bountiful Thanksgiving buffet will take place from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. For pricing and reservations, call (419) 938-5411.
7. Shawnee State Park Lodge and Conference Center (West Portsmouth)
Shawnee State Park Lodge/Facebook
Shawnee State Park Lodge/Facebook
After a day of hiking and basking in nature, you can feast on turkey and all the fixings from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reservations here are also required and can be made by calling (740) 858-6621.
8. Punderson Manor Lodge and Conference Center (Newbury)
Punderson Manor State Park Lodge/Facebook
Punderson Manor State Park Lodge/Facebook
Rent a cabin or book a room at this stunning lodge and campground for the holiday. The Thanksgiving Buffet will take place from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and there's an additional option to order a carry-out dinner by November 25 . For pricing and reservations, call (440) 564-9144.
9. Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and Conference Center (Oregon)
Maumee Bay State Park Lodge/Facebook
Maumee Bay State Park Lodge/Facebook
In the northwest region of Ohio, you'll find this picturesque lodge and state park. You can dine at the lodge for Thanksgiving dinner from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (419) 836-1466 (ext 567).
10. Hueston Woods Lodge and Conference Center (College Center)
Hueston Woods Lodge/Facebook
Hueston Woods Lodge/Facebook
Enjoy sweeping lakefront views and a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Houston Woods Lodge. For pricing and reservations, call (513) 664-3527.

Have you ever dined at any of these state park lodges for Thanksgiving before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

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Featured Addresses
Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center, 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, OH 45732, USA
Lake Hope Lodge, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA
Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center, 22300 State Pk Rd 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, 4888 N Broadway, Geneva-On-The-Lake, OH 44041, USA
14755 Cadiz Rd, Cambridge, OH 43725, USA
4700 Goon Rd, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA
4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA
Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065, USA
Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, 1750 State Park Road #2, Oregon, OH 43616, USA
Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center, 5201 Lodge Rd, College Corner, OH 45003, USA