Buck Creek State Park in central Ohio has officially opened a new marina and nature centre, adding modern amenities and interactive exhibits to one of the region’s most visited outdoor spaces. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on site.
Built on the site of the park’s former marina store, which was demolished in 2024, the updated facility includes a full-service marina alongside a nature centre that offers exhibits focused on the region’s natural landscape.
Mertz stated: “This new facility is more than a marina, it’s a gathering place for families, anglers and nature lovers. It reflects our commitment to providing modern, welcoming spaces where visitors can enjoy both the recreational and educational opportunities that make Buck Creek State Park so special.”
The marina continues to provide services such as bait, tackle and fuel, while also expanding with additions like hand-dipped ice cream, park souvenirs, outdoor seating and modern restroom facilities.
Interactive displays inside the nature centre allow visitors to simulate kayaking, compare their height to life-sized fish species murals found in Buck Creek Lake and explore sensory exhibits that replicate the park’s forest and wetlands.
Governor DeWine said: “Ohio has the best state parks system in the nation, and people from all over come to enjoy what the Buckeye State has to offer. I see our nature centers as the perfect place where people of all ages can learn something new about Ohio while they explore.”
The development complements existing offerings at Buck Creek State Park, including camping, boating, fishing, hiking and swimming. The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, which oversees Buck Creek, was recently awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, recognising its work in balancing visitor service, conservation and education across Ohio’s 76 state parks.
Images courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
