ODNR Dedicates Lake Hope State Park Dining Lodge

MCARTHUR, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) joined local community members earlier this year at a ceremonial dedication and ribbon cutting for the recently rebuilt Lake Hope State Park Dining Lodge.

“Reopening the Lake Hope State Park Dining Lodge has once again turned this property into a desired destination and is a fantastic addition to southeast Ohio,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “We are privileged to be a part of this community and appreciate all of the support we received in completing this project.”

The original dining lodge was destroyed by fire in 1996.

With rousing support from the local community, ODNR reconstructed a new 14,000-square-foot facility, which includes a dining lodge and a kitchen, as well as a multi-purpose room on the lower level ideal for reunions, meetings and community events. Within the lodge is the Lake Hope State Park office as well as a gift store featuring locally made products.

The lodge is also designed to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.

On staff are two local chefs who focus on preparing high-quality food with an emphasis on fresh Ohio ingredients. The Lake Hope State Park Dining Lodge features real pit barbecue, which is smoked in the lodge’s wood-fired traditional pit with pure hickory. Restaurant visitors may also purchase smoked meats and sides by the pound to take home.

The dining lodge is open Monday through Friday, with lunch being served from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and dinner served from 4-8 p.m. On Saturday, breakfast is served from 7-9 a.m., with lunch being served from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and dinner being served from 4-8 p.m. On Sunday, a brunch buffet is offered from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The original Lake Hope dining Lodge was built in 1950. The lodge was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Feb. 10, 2006.

For people interested in booking an event at the lodge or wanting more information, email info@lakehopelodge.com or call 740-596-0601.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.