This summer, I, along with my teen daughter, hit the road to visit Shawnee Lodge, a Great Ohio Lodges property. Offering both indoor and outdoor activities, dining, and plenty of freebies, I was all about checking out the property from the moment we checked in. Here’s my honest Shawnee Lodge review!
Disclosure: I was hosted by the fine folks at Shawnee State Park Lodge to give you the scoop on what makes it so fun for guests. All opinions are my own!
When we get the opportunity to visit a Great Ohio Lodge, I never say no because, personally, I’ve never been disappointed. Add in the fact that it’s also a cool way to see the Ohio State Parks and I’m definitely down. Then add in that my daughter loves them as well and it’s a no brainer.
Finally, I’m super curious, especially when it comes to my home state and what it has to offer. Here’s my full, honest take on our visit to Shawnee Lodge.
Shawnee Lodge – The Basics
While I’ve yet to see a basic Great Ohio Lodge, you get the drift, right? Shawnee is one of nine Great Ohio Lodges located all around the Buckeye state.
While each has its own look, feel, and theming, Shawnee Lodge is probably at the top for decor. Just under two hours from Cincinnati and roughly two hours west of Columbus, the lodge makes for an ideal overnight or long weekend stay.
It has gorgeous murals in the lobby and rustic furniture around a couple of giant fireplaces to relax.
The property has 50 guest rooms, each with an almost cabin-like look. We loved our two double bed room with an additional set of bunkbeds that allows up to six guests to sleep comfortably. Check-in time begins at 4pm and, on busier days, they definitely hold onto that time.
As with all Great Ohio Lodges, check-out time is no later than 11am so rooms can be cleaned for the next guests. And, if you like planning well ahead, reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.
As for pricing, summer and holidays tend to be more expensive off season. But, make sure to look for deals before you book.
If you’re thinking about visiting more than one Great Ohio Lodge on your road trip, Burr Oak Lodge is the closest to Shawnee Lodge.
Shawnee Lodge – Amenities
Compared with some of the other, larger Great Ohio Lodges, there are less onsite activities directly around the lodge itself. But what it lacks in super close activities it definitely gains in gorgeous outdoor views. If you’re the kind of traveler that wants a laidback resort and you love simply hanging out in the lodge all day, this one’s definitely for you.
It does have a few outdoor amenities, most notably its gorgeous pool. When the pool is open, there is a lifeguard on duty which definitely made me feel safer. Additionally, there’s a kiddie, zero-depth pool adjacent to the main one.
At night, you can enjoy s’mores at an outdoor fire pit – bring your own or buy a kit at the gift shop.
If you’re not a fan of outdoor pools, there’s a really nice indoor pool only a few steps away. When we visited, the water was wonderfully warm and the smell of chlorine wasn’t overpowering. The resort does have a large hot tub, too, but when we visited it was closed for repairs.
Around the property you’ll also find basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts as well as shuffleboard. And if disc golf is your thing, it has a nice course to try out. Keep in mind that they are in and out of the woods, though, so watch your footing. Additionally, if you love a good thrill, the property does have mountain bike trails. They don’t have bike rentals, so bring your own.
Shawnee Lodge Restaurant
During our stay, The Smokehouse restaurant was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not only was the view gorgeous, The Smokehouse menu was really great. It offers everything from light bites and salads to heartier BBQ plates and sides.
If you love BBQ, you’re really going to dig dining at Shawnee. If you want to pop in for a pizza and cocktail, head to the Tecumseh Lounge. Open for dinner only, you really can’t go wrong with one of its giant pizzas.
Lastly, on select days, the property has a Tiki Bar near the outdoor pool that serves beer and cocktails.
Shawnee Lodge Guest Rooms
I loved our two double bed room on the lower floor. Along with the two beds we had a set ob bunkbeds that we used for luggage and extra bags. One of the best features of the room was the outdoor raised patio. While there is plenty of construction going on right now, it didn’t hinder our view of the woods and a few adorable squirrels.
Inside, our room had a flatscreen television, mini fridge, coffee maker, and satellite tv. It also had plenty of outlets – a big perk for this tech-loving family.
As for the bathroom, it was super clean and roomy for two ladies getting ready each day. But what I really loved was the fact that there’s an additional sink vanity and mirror outside the bathroom. It was convenient for washing hands and brushing teeth.
Shawnee Lodge Freebies
In addition to the courts, hiking, pools, and fire pit, there are some nice freebies that provide for a better value:
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
Parking – there’s plenty of it. And the wifi was decent given we were pretty far from the main lobby area. I loved sitting out on the giant porch overlooking the outdoor pool and rocking in a rocking chair with my laptop.
Additionally, there’s always free coffee in the lobby which I love.
In a Nutshell
Would I stay again at Shawnee? In a hot minute! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and found the respite from the big cities so refreshing. The beds were very comfy, the staff super friendly and accommodating, and the activities fun. So, yes, I’d highly recommend a stay at Shawnee Lodge for couples, families, and even solo travelers.
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