Logan County is among the most visited recreation destinations in the state of Ohio throughout the year, offering a host of entertainment options for an array of interests or ability.
The popularity of attractions such as Indian Lake, Mad River Mountain and historical sites such as the Piatt Castles were highlighted in a recent “Best of” issue of Ohio Magazine, a premier regional travel publication.
Indian Lake State Park, 13156 . State Route 235, Lakeview, was voted best public campgrounds in Ohio, according to a tally of readers’ votes.
Additionally, Mad River Mountain, 1000 Snow Valley Road, was voted the best outdoor winter destination in Ohio, and Piatt Castles, 10051 Township Road 47, West Liberty, was recognized as the best historic property.
The number of campers at Indian Lake State Park has increased by about 30 percent over the course of the last five years, officials from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported Feb. 7 during an annual legislative luncheon hosted by the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce.
There has been a 3,500-night stay increase over the last two years at Indian Lake State Park alone, ODNR reported.
With an increase in the number of individuals booking reservations, additional seasonal staff will be will be hired to help clean the grounds and assist in the commissary.
Indian Lake is 5,100-acres, offering a variety of water-related recreational opportunities. Visitors can boat, fish, jet-ski and camp. The park itself is 800 acres and features two beaches for swimmers to enjoy.
Work is ongoing to substantially upgrade the playground equipment at one of those beaches, as a fundraising campaign continues to purchase and install a handicap-accessible, inclusive playground on Fox Island in Russells Point.
Upcoming events at Indian Lake State Park include the 34th annual Maple Syrup Festival, set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 14; and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, March 15.
The event is a joint-venture of Indian Lake State Park and the Indian Lake Development Corporation. Proceeds benefit the ILDC sugar shack renovation project and the Fox Island playground fund. Cost to install that inclusive playground at Fox Island is estimated at over $200,000.
The maple syrup festival is conducted annually on the third weekend in March, commemorated with a pancake and sausage breakfast, and more.
Activities include a wagon ride through the sugar bush, a sap extraction, syrup production demonstration, living history displays, vendors, live entertainment, shopping and kids’ activities.
The event is free to attend. Breakfast is $7 per adult, and $4 per child for breakfast.
Mad River Mountain generally maintains a season from Dec. 1 through March 16, and offers skiing, snowboard and a snowtubing park.
At an elevation of 1,460-feet and vertical 300-foot drop, Mad River Mountain attracts adventure-goers from hundreds of miles away. The winter resort presents live music on the weekends, activities for kids, including face painting, and offers lessons for beginners.
Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek has been a popular travel destination for over 100 years, offering self-guided tours through a number of historical artifacts, photographs and exhibits. Guest chairs are made available in every area so visitors can take their time and engage with hands-on activities.
A complete list of “Best of” Ohio winners appears in the January 2020 issue of Ohio Magazine, recognizing the best in a range of categories that includes “best college town,” “best Amish country destination,” and best, “romantic destination.”