| Hueston Woods State Park, located in
Butler and Preble counties, is nearly 3,000
acres of natural resources for outdoor recreation, such as
hiking, fishing, canoeing, and – unique to this region -- fossil
hunting.
The park surrounds Acton Lake, with
campsites, cabins, and a resort lodge to entice the overnight visitor.
Within the park is
Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark
-- 200 acres of old-growth forest, with
stately beech and sugar maple trees, an abundance of ferns, and
wildflowers
WHAT TO DO
The park offers miles of trails for
your outdoor pleasure: more than 10 miles of hiking trails; 18 miles
of bridle trails, plus a horsemen’s staging area; and 12 miles for
mountain biking. The American Discovery Trail also passes through the
park.
The park has an 18-hole, 7,005-yard, par 72
golf course, as well as driving ranges, that are open from
March until November. Call the pro shop for tee time at 513-523-8081.
On the grounds at Hueston Woods is a full
paintball field and target range. Group reservations are
available. You may bring your own equipment, and rent or buy it here.
On tranquil Acton Lake, boating is
restricted to 10-hp motors, with convenient launch ramps and public
docks. The best fishing includes
largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill. A fishing
pier on the west shore is wheelchair accessible . The 1,500-foot
swimming beach with concession stand and
bathhouse is open to the public
Other facilities for outdoor family fun include a volleyball court,
horseshoes, miniature golf, playground, and basketball court. At the
Nature Center, you can attend bird and
flower walks, slide talks, and fossil hunts.
Of course, the park is a great place for a
picnic at nine areas complete with tables and grills.
Birders can enjoy watching for some of
the park’s 150 species.
WHERE TO STAY
The 96-room Hueston Woods Lodge is
situated on a bluff overlooking Acton Lake. It’s open year ‘round.
Amenities include a dining room, snack bar, gift shop, meeting rooms,
lounge, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, game room, and lighted
tennis court.
Cozy cottages offer an alternative to
the lodge. A total of 25 Family
Cottages, which can sleep six people, provide two bedrooms, bath,
kitchen, living room, and screened porch. Two
Premium Cottages include a master bedroom suite. Ten
Efficiency Cottages have a
living-dining-sleeping area for four people, and private bath. All
cottages are equipped with cooking and eating utensils, towels, and
bedding.
And for those who enjoy camping, the
park has many choice sites. There are 252 family campsites with
electrical outlets, showers, flush
toilets, laundry, and trailer waste station. More rustic campers can
choose from 236 non-electric campsites,
with vault-type latrines. Three camper cabins provide built-in bunks,
air conditioning, and an outdoor gas grill. Horseback riders can stay
at 28 horseman campsites; and youth and
adult organizations can reserve a group.
Pets are permitted in a limited number
of sites.
OTHER AREA ATTRACTIONS
In nearby
Oxford, visit the
McGuffey House and Museum, showcasing the personal articles of
William McGuffey, author of McGuffey Readers.
Hopewell has a church, founded in 1808, with the first public
cemetery in the township. Hopewell was
an important stop and staging area for the
Underground Railroad. The
Hamilton County Park Districtt has Newberry Wildlife Sanctuary,
Sharon Woods Gorge, and Trillium Trails.
HISTORY OF HUESTON WOODS
Millions of years ago, a shallow sea covered Ohio, depositing
fossil-rich limestone and dolomite
bedrock. Fertile soils, left behind by glaciers thousands of years
ago, created a productive land that attracted early Native Americans,
including the Miami people, and settlers.
In 1797, Matthew Hueston, after
serving with General “Mad” Anthony Wayne in the Indian wars, bought
land for a farm in Butler and Preble counties. He left a remnant of
the woods standing for his descendants.
When the last of the Huestons died in the 1930s,
Morris Taylor, a conservationist,
purchased the woods and held it in trust, while
Cloyd Acton, a Preble County legislator, influenced the state
legislature to buy the land in 1941. Hueston Woods was designated a
state forest, and in 1945, money was appropriated to buy additional
land.
In 1952, the Oxford Honor Camp was
located here, housing honor-status inmates for 12 years. In the summer
of 1956, an earthen dam was completed across Four Mile Creek, creating
Acton Lake. Hueston Woods became a state park in 1957. The old-growth
forest was added to the National Registry of
National Landmarks in 1967, and became a state nature preserve
in 1973. |
business resort. Over 250 sites with full hookup and 50/30/20 amp service
we strive to provide the type of getaway you seek without having to travel
long distances. Pull thru sites capable of handling even those BIG RIGS
with towed vehicles. We get you in and out easily! We have NEW
full service wireless Internet access that can allow you to surf the web or get in
touch with your office or friends at any time. Call Toll Free:
888-330-5771. Just off Interstate 70 in Western Ohio. Close to Hueston Woods
State Park.
