LOGAN, Ohio— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz to officially open the new Hocking Hills State Park Lodge and Conference Center in early October.
The new Hocking Hills State Park Lodge was built on the same footprint as the state park’s former lodge restaurant and conference center, which was destroyed by a fire in December 2016. The lodge has been under construction since 2020, featuring architecture that incorporates the surrounding woods and natural landscape into its rustic design. The total project cost was $40 million.
The nearly 74,000-square-foot lodge has 81 guest rooms, including two-room suites. The property features a 2,080-square-foot grand ballroom that can be divided into three separate rooms, as well as pre-function space and other flexible meeting areas.
“Hocking Hills attracts millions of visitors each year, and this new lodge will provide an even greater experience for Ohio and all its visitors,” DeWine said. “We’re happy to give people a place to relax after a day of learning and exploring in beautiful Hocking Hills.”
At the lodge, the full-service Rock House Restaurant and Pub offers food prepared by Matt Rapposelli, the previous lodge’s popular chef. Guests will also find a grab-and-go café, gift shop and indoor and outdoor pool areas with hot tubs that can be used in any season.
“I am beyond thrilled to welcome people into this new lodge that was a real labor of love for us at [the Ohio Department of Natural Resources],” Mertz said. “From the rooms to the restaurant, to the outdoor views, this lodge was our gift to Ohioans, and we hope they come and enjoy it.”
“There is so much local flavor that people will see all over the lodge,” said General Manager Todd Tucker. The artwork, live-edge lumber that surrounds the bar and Nelsonville-made mantles above the fireplaces are all sourced from Ohio, he said, “and it’s those special touches that make this place even more exceptional.”
Throughout the lodge, guests will find unique features, including a custom-designed water feature, two 39-foot stone fireplaces and a mezzanine sky bridge with views through a floor-to-ceiling window. Looking toward the gorge, visitors will find a large patio with a wood-beamed pergola.
Hocking Hills State Park is a national and internationally acclaimed state park, where visitors will find towering cliffs, thrilling waterfalls and deep, hemlock-shaded gorges.
For more information, visit hockinghillsparklodge.com.
