When you think about visiting an Ohio state park, you probably think of beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas and maybe even a waterfall or two.
Few people realize that a handful of Ohio state parks are also home to some pretty exceptional restaurants. Featuring more than just delicious food, you can usually enjoy a gorgeous view of the park while you dine. The following are 6 of our favorite state park restaurants in Ohio that you likely never thought about visiting, but definitely should.
- Bromfield’s Dining Lodge (Mohican State Park)
Management Photo/Trip Advisor
Mohican State Park Lodge/Facebook With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake. In the fall, it makes for a particularly colorful sight to see. On the menu, you’ll find daily specials, seafood, Italian dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. It’s located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville, OH 44864.
- Rafter’s Restaurant (Deer Creek State Park)
Deer Creek State Park Lodge/Facebook For a more peaceful, secluded scenic meal, check out Rafter’s Restaurant within the Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center at Deer Creek State Park. Enjoy a bistro-style breakfast, lunch or dinner at this truly tranquil restaurant on the lake. Rafter’s Restaurant is located at 22300 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143.
- 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. You’ll feel at home here, but you’ll also be impressed by the atmosphere. You’ll find it at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH 45651.
- Malabar Farm Restaurant (Lucas)
Erin/Flickr
Malabar Farm Restaurant/Facebook Nestled in the hills of Pleasant Valley in Lucas, Ohio is a picture perfect farm with an unbelievably nice restaurant. The food is superb and the setting is simply unforgettable. The Malabar Farm Restaurant is housed in a restored 1820s stagecoach inn. In spite of its upscale French and home-cooked cuisine, the restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. You’ll find it at 3645 Pleasant Valley Road, Lucas, OH 44843.
- Timbers Restaurant (Salt Fork State Park)
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. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here, and the weekend specials are always worth ordering. Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center is located at US Route 22 East Cambridge, OH 43725.
- The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls Restaurant (Hocking Hills State Park)
Shelby J/Trip Advisor
Shelby J/Trip Advisor One of Ohio’s most scenic state parks and luxurious inns also features an exceptional restaurant. With upscale breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll fall in love with the cuisine and the ambience here. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is located at 21190 State Route 374, Logan, OH 43138.
Have you ever been to any of these state park restaurants before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
Management Photo/Trip Advisor
Mohican State Park Lodge/Facebook
With floor to ceiling windows, Bromfield’s Dining Room features stunning views of the surrounding forest and Pleasant Hill Lake. In the fall, it makes for a particularly colorful sight to see. On the menu, you’ll find daily specials, seafood, Italian dishes, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. It’s located at 1098 County Road 3006, Perrysville, OH 44864.
Deer Creek State Park Lodge/Facebook
For a more peaceful, secluded scenic meal, check out Rafter’s Restaurant within the Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center at Deer Creek State Park. Enjoy a bistro-style breakfast, lunch or dinner at this truly tranquil restaurant on the lake. Rafter’s Restaurant is located at 22300 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143.
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. You’ll feel at home here, but you’ll also be impressed by the atmosphere. You’ll find it at 27331 State Rt 278, McArthur, OH 45651.
Erin/Flickr
Malabar Farm Restaurant/Facebook
Nestled in the hills of Pleasant Valley in Lucas, Ohio is a picture perfect farm with an unbelievably nice restaurant. The food is superb and the setting is simply unforgettable. The Malabar Farm Restaurant is housed in a restored 1820s stagecoach inn. In spite of its upscale French and home-cooked cuisine, the restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. You’ll find it at 3645 Pleasant Valley Road, Lucas, OH 44843.
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center/Facebook
Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center features a delicious restaurant with gorgeous views of Salt Fork Lake. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here, and the weekend specials are always worth ordering. Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center is located at US Route 22 East Cambridge, OH 43725.
Shelby J/Trip Advisor
One of Ohio’s most scenic state parks and luxurious inns also features an exceptional restaurant. With upscale breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll fall in love with the cuisine and the ambience here. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is located at 21190 State Route 374, Logan, OH 43138.
For more incredible, little-known restaurants in Ohio, check out our previous article: 12 Amazing Hidden Ohio Restaurants And Where To Find Them.
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