Maumee Bay State Park Lodge is one of those places that, once you’ve been, you immediately want to make a reservation to go back. And having never been until this spring, I can attest that I’m already checking my calendar to plan another one. So, what makes it so special? From dining to guest rooms to all the free onsite activities, here’s my full Maumee Bay Lodge review!
Disclosure: we were graciously hosted by the fine folks at Great Ohio Lodges for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own!
Maumee Bay Lodge: The Basics
While there is nothing basic about Maumee Bay Lodge, here’s the lowdown on the property. Maumee Bay State Park is 1,336 acres and the lodge sits bang next to Lake Erie. It offers a beach area that’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise from the east. Honestly, I made it a point to wake up early just to see them.
And while a lodge stay might sound rustic, there’s nothing rustic about Maumee Bay Lodge. The theme is very beachy and nautical, making perfect sense, and the blues and tans that make up Timber’s color story are soothing and pretty.
In comparison, Salt Fork Lodge has a very woodsy theme with carved animals and dark wood throughout. With Punderson Manor Lodge, the feel is historical and rich. And with Mohican Lodge, there’s a back-to-nature vibe complete with taxidermy birds in the lobby.
Maumee Bay Lodge Guest Rooms
My teen daughter and I had the pleasure of staying on the top level floor that had a view of the lake and Boardwalk hiking path. It had two super comfy beds, a flatscreen television, mini fridge, and coffee maker.
Our two queen room also had a balcony that was ideal for sitting and checking out the gorgeous view.
As for the bathroom, it was definitely our favorite out of the four lodges we stayed in that week. Ours had a large, glass shower with multiple sprayers and a waterfall shower head. Its huge vanity and mirror were ideal for all of our toiletries, too.
I know I’ve mentioned this in my other Great Ohio Lodge reviews, but I have to give props to the toiletries. Keeping with the eco-friendly take, all toiletries were in large pump-style bottles. Not only did it save us from using a ton of small bottles, we didn’t have to ask for extras during our visit.
Maumee Bay Lodge Amenities & Activities
There are loads for things to do for guests staying on property, many of the free. First, let’s chat about the indoor offerings. The Maumee Bay Lodge pool is indoors and near the lobby as well as two hot tubs. At this time, you do need to make a reservation to swim to keep capacity under check, so make sure you do that when you check in.
What I found really fun was the indoor handball/volleyball courts. Again, reservations are required. To top it off, there’s a large arcade and dedicated play area for younger children.
Outdoors, I loved the fact that there’s a shuffleboard court that’s fun for older kids and adults. There is no outdoor pool but, honestly, I can’t imagine anyone missing it.
Maumee Bay Lodge: The Best Hike in Ohio
While I’m not a super hiker, I do enjoy light hiking. And, checking out the hiking options at Maumee Bay ahead of time, I read plenty of reviews about the boardwalk hike at Maumee Bay bring the best hike in Ohio.
Always one to find out for myself, as soon as we checked in we headed to the boardwalk just to get a feel of it. And I have to write, all the folks that listed it as the best are 100% correct!
This hike is about two miles if you complete the entire loop, easy, and downright gorgeous. We saw everything from muskrats (which I mistook for baby beavers!), deer, dozens of bird species, and turtles. But the most impressive? A Bald Eagle nest.
So, the next morning at sunrise, we headed back out to see the sights and sounds again. By far, morning is the perfect time to complete this hike as the birds are in full song mode. I’m still stunned by the beauty.
Additionally, there’s a fun hike that’s made for kiddos. Called “Storybook Trail”, it incorporates an adorable story with what they’re seeing around them.
Maumee Bay Lodge Dining
Right now, the lodge has two dining options: Water’s Edge Restaurant and Ice Breaker Lounge. Both are casual dining and I saw everything from jeans to dressier clothes.
Maumee Bay Lodge restaurants have the same condensed menu at this time but we still found plenty of standouts. For one, you can’t go wrong with the appetizers. We really enjoyed the boneless wings and actually ate them twice during our visit.
As for entrees, the grilled chicken sandwich or tenders basket were fine choices. If you’re a sweet potato fan, try the French fried version and the dip.
My daughter had a big salad for dinner one night and, as it seems with all of the Great Ohio Lodges, the portions are immense.
Maumee Bay Lodge: Freebies
I always love a good lodging deal, especially when it comes to free things. First, there’s free WiFi. And it’s good WiFi, too. Next, free parking- always nice. You’ll find free coffee in the lobby if you want to use the in-room coffee maker.
Maumee Bay Lodge: In a Nutshell
Would we return to the lodge? In a hot minute. I have zero beef with the property, dining, or staff. The lodge is so beautiful and the view of the lake is breathtaking.
As for the styling, of all of the lodges we stayed at this was my favorite color palette. Don’t get me wrong, I still really dig the others but I have a soft spot for nautical.
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