--- title: About date: 2026-07-07T15:52:00-05:00 author: Brenynn Mowery canonical_url: "https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about" section: Pages --- ![Aerial view of Shawnee Lodge surrounded by rolling forested hills at sunset, with a winding river visible in the distance and warm evening light illuminating the landscape.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/sh-aerial-lodge.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=b31e82fd&v=01558ecd2907f6a062c52a918f4b4d6356c427a302842c3a7081e77cd93765d9) # About Nestled within the scenic beauty of Shawnee State Park, Shawnee Lodge has welcomed guests seeking relaxation, adventure, and connection for generations. Surrounded by rolling wooded hills often referred to as the "Little Smokies of Ohio," the lodge offers comfortable accommodations, inviting gathering spaces, on-site dining, and easy access to outdoor recreation. ## Discover Our History Shawnee State Forest and Shawnee State Park’s 63,000 acres make up part of the former hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians. Much of the tribe’s trade was in silver which is fitting because “Shawnee” means “those who have silver." During the 1700s, the Shawnee Indians were gradually displaced as settlers built cabins and cleared the land in this new and fertile country. The face of the region changed dramatically in the years to come as a result. Today, Shawnee State Forest has regained much of its original beauty through effective timber practices by the state’s Division of Forestry. The hills of Shawnee have also been dubbed "Ohio's Little Smokies." From the highest points in the forest, ridge after ridge appear to roll away toward the horizon in a gentle blue haze. The hardwood forest is host to a variety of flora and fauna, and wildflowers are abundant—including several rare types of orchids, such as the tiny whorled pogonia and the showy orchis. Forest wildlife includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, and various songbirds. For more information about the park, visit the [Shawnee State Park Department of Natural Resources](http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/) website. ## Lodging Options ![Guest room with a king bed featuring white bedding and an orange bed runner, a wall mural depicting a wooded stream, two bedside tables with lamps, a brown leather chair and ottoman, patterned carpet, exposed ceiling beams and framed art.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Rooms/sh-king.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=b8ce02e1&v=72027abf4ea8398b0062a52fd782b1f7202831edc3598c1aa91ae57c093a68a5) ### Lodge Rooms Your adventure starts with a great night's sleep. Featuring updated accommodations, private balconies, and peaceful woods or park-side views, our guest rooms are designed to help you make the most of your time at the lodge. [Explore Rooms](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/rooms) ![Cabin nestled among colorful autumn trees with a walking path leading to the front entrance.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Cabins/Cabin-in-Fall.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=ddd0fba3&v=d424327b28c6c139ef160f9f2b5a71a5f015f3fda8fc060f7d58c7425d03f595) ### Cabins Escape to the comfort and privacy of Shawnee Lodge's cabins, where peaceful surroundings and scenic views create the perfect retreat. Ideal for families, couples, and small groups, these accommodations offer a cozy home base for exploring the natural beauty of Shawnee State Park. [Explore Cabins](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/cabins) ### Things to Do Your days can be spent hiking through the rolling hills of Shawnee State Park, exploring scenic overlooks, spotting wildlife along wooded trails, discovering the murals and riverfront charm of nearby Portsmouth, and unwinding amid the peaceful beauty of southern Ohio. No matter how you choose to spend your time, Shawnee Lodge offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. [Things to Do](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/things-to-do) ![4 kayaks on the water](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/Shawnee-Kayak-Loop.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=e836b871&v=cc47ff2a55910cae93d7bf5841d3ccb04f5e4f577c7e61e4f52dd4d0b92cc5dc) ![An aerial view of the Shawnee Park Lodge property, showcasing the outdoor pool.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/Summer/DJI_0923.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=cf0c0b4d&v=643bd0585d94a6882716ebfa1231671fc45d2fe18e81ab635d7d33e09e8043b2) ![A woman holds binoculars and looks out into the woods.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/46848112935_b48fbac2d4_c.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=4ff32036&v=75f8849649f9720b2767d9e5c43c8951f755b198a0f1238eac3e0bfaacb5b342) ![Rustic wooden cabin surrounded by autumn trees with colorful fall foliage.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/9O7A4921.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=2ef883ec&v=fde4cce25d33de08cea77e6ce6f4103d990d560d31b6b53f0f59aa2db6e7fc4e) ![Guests relaxing near an outdoor swimming pool with scenic views of the surrounding hills and forest.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/sh-outdoor-pool.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=84a2f996&v=cc7c3fccf3c7654cb4bc098b3b2a26d72209e6f0c1243b68d438e1caa71bfd46) ![Guests relaxing around an outdoor fire pit and enjoying conversation at dusk.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/sh-campfire.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=fd70d39c&v=3c5c3819395a8d78a96a3c08aae84762f0a3582e7706a8e896111490f6730650) ![Calm lake surrounded by wooded hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/sh-lake.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=15ef281e&v=3a77f76b192be54e9e042dd6633f602cbe4b0652575c299cf5d5f751b6ef790d) ![Aerial view of a fire tower rising above a forested landscape with autumn foliage, as dramatic rays of sunlight break through the clouds and illuminate the rolling hills beyond.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/Copperhead-Fire-Tower.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=11eb385b&v=400db8109717788bd26dff7b53e7092d2818ae0164762a86d1e4dc420cce046b) ![Person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail through a dense green forest, navigating uneven terrain surrounded by trees and vegetation.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Activites/Mountain-Bike-Jump.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=67c25d01&v=769ed0ac43ec15e48d875d85ac0ea00dfdc55a910f60b4f32204e7ac2b71ddf4) ![Aerial view of a sunset over the Shawnee property.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/DJI_0135.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=f706b9a4&v=fc0554f5ae73d93bad995d0af309da14720eeb8da71387ecdda5b0fa6f11c7a9) ![Two rocking chairs on a deck during sunset.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/9O7A9895.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=8e1ec4b0&v=aeb1bbfb679a8e5d6408cc3cfaee19a722f4286a29f90226f10679ce3bda8395) ![Wooden overlook shelter silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky, with rolling hills and leafless trees stretching across the landscape.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/9O7A7621.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=136b9ef4&v=e3cfd06eae233f98f9b7a601e898fd046a6002d575803b1e1ae89b3e9f274a70) ![Several leather couches and chairs in the main lodge lobby.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/0M9A2740.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=0195cd45&v=3214f20e01712edd92e73c56b9f52e2cc28dd198cd7f1d5d508e870a42f3e78c) ![Two guests seated at a bar, smiling and talking while enjoying drinks in a lounge setting.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Dining/0M9A2924.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=dcc02c7e&v=5ac0a15fea7c72f50575467dc774b35923748ed4f7d492561c9b018fc0ced000) ![A close-up of a loaded pizza topped with pepperoni, mushrooms, black olives, and banana peppers on a wooden table, with another pizza, a drink, and a can blurred in the background.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Dining/HHL-250624_01_0003_Low_Res.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=07bb213f&v=fc10e02b097cc27baa17ca9c1eb79ad3de7cb5c8bbee15825dfa1656e6882843) ### FAQs Travel like a pro with the Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center FAQs. We're giving you the information you need for an enjoyable and hassle-free stay with us. [ Learn More FAQs ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/faqs) ### Donation Request Shawnee values supporting our community. Donation requests are entered into a twice-monthly drawing, and selected organizations will be contacted. [ Learn More Donation Request ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/donation-request) ### Ohio State Park Gift Card Use your gift card for lodge room and cabin reservations, dining and shopping at any of our Great Ohio Lodges. [ Learn More Ohio State Park Gift Card ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/ohio-state-park-gift-card) ### Employment Shawnee State Park Lodge & Conference Center operates year-round, but many of our job opportunities are seasonal. See our current openings. [ Learn More Employment ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/employment) ### Events Check out what's going on at the lodge. [ Learn More Events ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/about/events) ### Specials & Rewards Make your Shawnee getaway even more memorable. From seasonal packages and special experiences to thoughtful add-ons that enhance your stay, there are plenty of ways to personalize your visit. [ Learn More Specials & Rewards ](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/specials-rewards) ![Wooden overlook shelter silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky, with rolling hills and leafless trees stretching across the landscape.](https://d3gj2r1upukpus.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Property/9O7A7621.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=136b9ef4&v=e3cfd06eae233f98f9b7a601e898fd046a6002d575803b1e1ae89b3e9f274a70) ## Book Direct for Exclusive Savings A little extra savings goes a long way toward your next getaway. Explore special offers at Shawnee Lodge and enjoy more time discovering scenic trails, breathtaking overlooks, great dining, and the natural beauty of southern Ohio. No matter the season, there's always a new adventure waiting. [Specials & Rewards](https://www.shawneeparklodge.com/specials-rewards)