Lodges in and near State Parks offer great outdoors and meeting spaces
THERE are hundreds of State Parks across the Midwest, offering everything from hiking and boating to meeting spaces and hands-on programming. Getting away to the ‘outdoors’ has its appeal for many groups, and with it comes a few extra items planners should consider when meeting at a State Park Lodge.
Tucked away in the middle of the woods with breathtaking views, Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center, near Glouster, OH is one such lodge. “Besides the beauty and serene environment of staying at a State Park with activities as options, planners have the advantage of giving their group a special, out-of-the-ordinary hotel meeting experience,” expressed Kayla Simons, Sales Manager. “Attendees have told us their creative ideas come easier meeting in a retreat type setting, and they enjoy meeting in a unique destination.”
Do you question ‘State Park Fees’ if you were to meet at a State Park Lodge? “The only fee is the State Park 3% beautification fee,” explained Simons, “The beautification fee is on overnight rooms, food, and meeting/banquet catering.”
The Burr Oak Lodge was completely remodeled inside with all new rooms, including two-room suites, as well as meeting space which can accommodate up to 150 guests. There are gorgeous views and a local marina where pontoons and boats can be rented to view the lake up close.
Planners have access to onsite meeting specialists and a support team, not to mention naturalist Julie Gee who offers a variety of programs, like birding and hiking tours.
“The Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities used Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center for a three county session on August 14, 2018,” shared Shelly Lackey, Academy for Leadership Abilities Manager. “Understanding we have never organized or prepared for a work session like this before, I was put in contact with Kayla Simons… Our experience was so amazing and fantastic!”
Surrounded by forests of pine and oak Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center offers an abundance of cozy hospitality, near Starved Rock State Park, in Oglesby, IL. The Lodge features 41 guestrooms in the Lodge Wing and 28 guestrooms in the Hotel Wing, along with multiple cabin options to choose from. There is also meeting and event space to fit any occasion, easily accommodating five to 200 attendees.
Groups who like to hit the trails enjoy the 13 miles of hiking trails, seasonal waterfalls, and 18 canyons time and time again. “Allow some free time for your attendees to experience the park and trails,” expressed Jenny Roulston, Sales Director for Starved Rock Lodge. “This will help energize and relax the attendee and they’ll become more focused.”
The Burr Oak Lodge was completely remodeled inside with all new rooms, including two-room suites, as well as meeting space which can accommodate up to 150 guests. There are gorgeous views and a local marina where pontoons and boats can be rented to view the lake up close.
Planners have access to onsite meeting specialists and a support team, not to mention naturalist Julie Gee who offers a variety of programs, like birding and hiking tours.
“The Perry County Board of Developmental Disabilities used Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center for a three county session on August 14, 2018,” shared Shelly Lackey, Academy for Leadership Abilities Manager. “Understanding we have never organized or prepared for a work session like this before, I was put in contact with Kayla Simons… Our experience was so amazing and fantastic!”
Surrounded by forests of pine and oak Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center offers an abundance of cozy hospitality, near Starved Rock State Park, in Oglesby, IL. The Lodge features 41 guestrooms in the Lodge Wing and 28 guestrooms in the Hotel Wing, along with multiple cabin options to choose from. There is also meeting and event space to fit any occasion, easily accommodating five to 200 attendees.
Groups who like to hit the trails enjoy the 13 miles of hiking trails, seasonal waterfalls, and 18 canyons time and time again. “Allow some free time for your attendees to experience the park and trails,” expressed Jenny Roulston, Sales Director for Starved Rock Lodge. “This will help energize and relax the attendee and they’ll become more focused.”
Along the southern shore of Lake Erie, near Geneva State Park, The Lodge at Geveva-on-the-Lake offers spectacular views right in the heart of Ohio Wine Country. “While the summer months have always been strong, we continue to enjoy robust leisure, corporate meetings, and group business throughout the year,” said Eric Frantz, General Manager, The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. The 109 guestrooms, King suites, and 25 two-bedroom Cape Cod-style cottages, offer groups of all kinds accommodations to suit their desires. More than 8,500 sq. ft. of flexible event and conference space can accommodate any size group from a small board meeting to a large conference or tradeshow. 2019 will see the addition of a grand portico with a new, covered front entryway and renovation of the grand ballroom.
Within close proximity to The Lodge, groups enjoy golf, boating, fishing, zip lining, and so much more. For groups looking to get out and about, rowboat and paddle boat rentals are now available at Lake Erie Canopy Tours. To top it off, the new shuttle experience takes groups to Grand River Valley wineries to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the area.
“From spectacular views of Lake Erie, to Lake Erie Canopy Tours’ adventure attractions and distinctive wine country experiences, The Lodge has become a regional destination with appeal to visitors of all ages and interests,” added Frantz. “We continue to look for new ways to make the most of the natural beauty and prime location that is uniquely The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.”
Planners have peace of mind for their events while attendees have peace of mind in nature when you host your event in and near State Parks across the Midwest.
Within close proximity to The Lodge, groups enjoy golf, boating, fishing, zip lining, and so much more. For groups looking to get out and about, rowboat and paddle boat rentals are now available at Lake Erie Canopy Tours. To top it off, the new shuttle experience takes groups to Grand River Valley wineries to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the area.
“From spectacular views of Lake Erie, to Lake Erie Canopy Tours’ adventure attractions and distinctive wine country experiences, The Lodge has become a regional destination with appeal to visitors of all ages and interests,” added Frantz. “We continue to look for new ways to make the most of the natural beauty and prime location that is uniquely The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.”
Planners have peace of mind for their events while attendees have peace of mind in nature when you host your event in and near State Parks across the Midwest.
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