A Great Weekend Getaway from Cincinnati, Ohio: Hueston Woods State Park

Sometimes we can't find the time for an entire week of family vacation, and we turn to short weekend getaways to catch a little break here and there. Whether your idea of the perfect vacation is an evening hike and a roaring campfire or lounging by the pool and sunning on the sand, Hueston Woods State Park has the perfect place for you.

Just an hour north of Cincinnati, Ohio near Oxford, Hueston Woods State Park boasts a 1,500 foot swimming beach on Acton Lake and a natural old growth forest, itself a national landmark. There are tons of activities to keep you occupied during your weekend, everything from boating and fishing to bike trails and horseback riding. If you're into a peaceful scene, you can enjoy bird walks at the nature center or a relaxing game of golf on the 18 hole par 72 golf course. If extreme is more your thing, make sure to check out Hueston Woods' full paintball field and target range or tear it up on the volleyball courts.

Hueston Woods also offers different amenities for those who are more outdoor types and those who are not. For those who would like more of a resort feel to their Hueston Woods State Park Weekend Escape, the Hueston Woods Lodge overlooks Acton Lake and has 96 rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a lighted tennis court. If you'd like a bit more privacy, Hueston Woods also has 3 different cottages, efficiency cottages with a private bath, pet friendly family cottages with screened in porches and two bedrooms and premium cottages with master suites.

If camping is more your thing, Hueston Woods State Park has hundreds of campgrounds. Some have electricity and flush toilets, and some are more rustic and leave the amenities out for a real nature experience. There are more than 20 campsites set up for horses, so you can bring your horse with you to Hueston Woods for an equestrian getaway.

We have taken as many as three retreats to Hueston Woods State Park in one summer, and each time we had a completely different vacation experience. The main lodge is comfortable and the pool is a wonderful touch. We have also stayed in the cabins, which gave us time together as a family and felt more like a long vacation than a short two day escape. It's hard to believe that you can find so many different activities in one place so close to Cincinnati, but whenever we feel a need to just leave everything behind for a couple of days we pack up and head to Hueston Woods State Park.