New state park lodge and conference center open in Hocking Hills
Governor Mike DeWine was in attendance to officially open the long-anticipated Hocking Hills State Park Lodge and Conference Center in Logan on State Route 664 South Saturday, according to a news release.
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He was joined by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz to help cut the ribbon, according to our news partner WCPO in Columbus.
“Hocking Hills attracts millions of visitors each year, and this new lodge will provide an even greater experience for Ohio and all its visitors,” said DeWine. “We’re happy to give people a place to relax after a day of learning and exploring in beautiful Hocking Hills.”
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 2016, the release said.
The total cost was $40 million, WCPO says.
It features 81 rooms for guests to stay and a view of the surrounding Hocking Hills State Park.
“I am beyond thrilled to welcome people into this new lodge that was a real labor of love for us at ODNR,” said Mertz. “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.”
Opening reservations begin as early as Oct. 9, according to ODNR.
