Hueston Woods State Park

About Hueston Woods State Park

We have an enormous wealth of natural resources, and outdoor enthusiasts will find a variety of options at Hueston Woods State Park. From hiking through 200 acres of growing forest, boating on Acton Lake, to relaxing at the Resort Lodge, this scenic park offers visitors some of the best recreational facilities in southwest Ohio.

The limestone rocks in this area originate from an ancient shallow sea that once covered Ohio, and much of the limestone is a type of magnesium called dolomite. Fossilised remains of ancient marine animals are so concentrated here that people from all over the world come to Hueston Woods to collect them. The limestone in the water accumulated on the seabed and eventually crystallized into limestone.

The rich soil of this area originated from a growing area in western Ohio that attracted settlers early on. When the settlers arrived, the land had to be cleared for the dense forests that cover most of Ohio.

Nearly all of Ohio's original forests have since disappeared, but Hueston Woods is one of the last vestiges of its original forest.

The 200 hectares are protected by magnificent beech and maple trees and offer visitors a view of Ohio's primeval forests.

Hueston Woods has a history dating back to 1797 and was declared a National Natural Monument by the National Park Service in 1967.

During his time under General Mad Anthony Wayne, Matthew Hueston observed fertile ground in southwest Ohio. As Indian resistance waned, he began buying land in what is now Butler and Preble counties, which are now bordered by the Ohio River, the Allegheny River, and the Delaware River to the north.

When the last Hueston died in 1930, Morris Taylor, a conservationist from Hamilton, bought the forest and kept it until state funds could be provided for its purchase. In the 1940s, Cloyd Acton and a Preble County deputy lobbied the state legislature to provide funds to purchase the former Hueston land. The proposal became a reality in September 1941, when the Ohio State Natural Resources Conservation Board (now the Ohio Department of Conservation) bought the Huestone estate and officially designated it as state forest. As he did with his country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he preserved the forests, as did his son-in-law, Robert Taylor.

In 1945 money was granted to buy additional land, and in 1952 the Oxford Honor Camp was established. For the next twelve years, the camp, which was built under the supervision of the Ohio Board of Corrections, housed inmates of honor. The former warehouse building now serves as the headquarters of Oxford County's Department of Public Health and Rehabilitation Services (DPRS).

The following year, Acton Lake was occupied and Hueston Woods was inaugurated as a state park shortly after. The development continued and in the early summer of 1956 the first construction phase of the park, a 1,000 hectare park and recreation area, was completed.

The golf course is open from March to November and the Pro Shop (tea time 513 - 523 - 8081) is located on the south side of the golf course, just south of Acton Lake. The course is open from March to November and from April to October from 9 am to 5 pm.

The house has a screened porch and there is a small kitchen, dining room, bathroom, laundry room and laundry room.

The efficiency of the house is combined with the living room and dining room, and in addition to the sofa and bed, it can accommodate up to six people. The cottage is equipped with a small kitchen, a bathroom, bathrooms and sleeping accommodations for two people, as well as a laundry room.

Weekly rentals are preferred from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but for reservations please contact 1 - 800 - A - PARK or the parking office.

Guests staying in the cottages have access to all the facilities of the lodge, and a complete paintball field and target area is available. Bring your own equipment and everything will be delivered, but we sell equipment, so fill up your tank and fill it up.

On the west side of the lake there are 255 family campsites with electricity, and each area is equipped with a shower and a washing machine and a water well.

Picnic tables and fire rings are also available, and there is a picnic area with picnic tables, fireplaces and a fireplace. Each place has its own water fountain, picnic table, water cooler and hot tub, as well as shower and washing machine.

There are a limited number of pitches for campers and pets, and the total camping is limited to 14 days over a period of 30 days. Group areas are also available for organized youth and adult groups, but groups wishing to use these areas must contact the park office by phone at (866) 888-5477 or online at huestonwoods.org.

The 92-room resort opened in 1967 and the interior of the lodge is decorated with the remains of the Miami Indians who lived in the area, as well as other historical artifacts.

Leisure facilities for guests include floodlit tennis courts, floating boat moorings, a swimming pool, a spa and fitness centre, as well as a golf course and picnic area. For registered guests and visitors, various activities are available such as hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking and camping.

Two luxurious suites are also available, and reservations can be made by phone at 1 - 800 - A - PARK or by email [email protected] or online.

Boaters will be provided with a launch pad and public berths, and there is a concession stand and a bathhouse on the beach. The beach, a popular spot for picnics, boating and other activities, is open to the public during the summer months. Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset, as well as kayaking, snorkeling, paddling, canoeing, kayaking and paddling.

Boats can be rented in the marina, but canoes with engines have a limit of 4 hp and berths with 10 hp engines are unlimited.

Fishermen over 16 must have a valid Ohio fishing license, and boating on the lake is prohibited. The barbecue area is marked on a map and nine areas are equipped with tables, but only one barbecue area and one barbecue.

The Nature Centre offers a year-round programme and hiking guides are available at the park office. Ten kilometres of hiking trails challenge hikers and offer opportunities for nature exploration. The Libra Trails, a network of paths and a multi-purpose area are located on the eastern side of the lake, south of Lake Erie, near the entrance to the stream.

Presented by the Ontario Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (ODNR) and Ontario Parks and Recreation (OPR).

Hopewell Church cemetery is north of the park, and the McGuffey House Museum is in nearby Oxford. The original church (1808), built from logs, was completed in 1820; the present church was built in Scottish style.

The cemetery was the first public cemetery in the village, and Hopewell is an important subway stop. Hamilton County Park District includes several protected areas, including Hudson River Gorge State Park and Hudson Gorge National Wildlife Refuge, as well as several other state parks.

Take I-70 West, turn right onto 732 South into the park and take 71 to Hudson River Gorge State Park and Hudson Gorge National Wildlife Refuge. Take 70 south to the west side of the river and turn left on 734 South, then right on 733 South, which will take you into Hopewell Park. Take 67 northbound on Hudson Valley Expressway to Westchester County Park District Road, turn right off the ramp to 735 South. At the parks, turn right onto 7 32 South or take a turn off 731 South eastbound onto Hudson County Road.

From Cincinnati, Ohio, take Route 27 North to Oxford and turn right onto the Hudson Valley Expressway to Hudson River Gorge State Park and Hudson Gorge National Wildlife Refuge. Turn right on 732 South into the park and then left on 731 South eastbound onto Hudson County Road.

From Cincinnati, Ohio, take 75 South to 70 West and turn right onto the Hudson Valley Expressway to Hudson River Gorge State Park and Hudson Gorge National Wildlife Refuge.