Editors' picks across 8categories — the dock with the deepest channel, the winery with the view, the restaurant with the right wine list, the trail nobody's on at sunrise.
A lakefront tavern and grill on Northbank Road with dock access and regular live music — food trucks, summer dock rentals, and the closest thing the lake has to a waterfront hangout.
Visit ↗A seasonal pizza and waterfront bar on Avondale Road in Thornville, known for its large deck and tropical drinks. Weather-dependent winter hours, closed Tuesdays.
Visit ↗A locally run rental operation on Avondale Road in Thornville, at the Copper Penny Dockside — 20- and 24-foot pontoons plus kayaks and fishing kayaks.
Visit ↗A boat dealership in Millersport handling new and used sales alongside service — the marina to call for anything beyond a day rental.
Visit ↗The public launch in the Village of Buckeye Lake, on Walnut Road at State Route 79 — one of nine public ramps around the lake, and the closest to the village's restaurant strip.
Ohio's oldest state park, dating to 1826 when the lake was built as a canal feeder reservoir. The 4-mile shoreline path connects the North Shore to Lieb's Island, with fishing and relaxation spots along the way — the lake's boating and fishing draw is still the main event.
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