Updated: July 10, 2026
Tucked into the rolling hills of Appalachia, Jesse Owens State Park just added 10 brand new cabins and they’re not your typical rustic stays.
These modern, 900-square-foot cabins were inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, which means clean lines, natural materials, and a design that actually feels connected to the landscape instead of sitting on top of it. Each one sleeps up to six people, making them perfect for a weekend with friends or a family trip that doesn’t involve squeezing into a tiny cabin.
The details
- What: 10 new Frank Lloyd Wright inspired cabins, 900 square feet, each sleeping up to 6 (queen bedroom, plus a second bedroom with bunks and a full bed)
- Accessibility: 3 cabins are fully ADA compliant; 2 are pet-friendly
- Rate: $240/night
- Drive from Columbus: about 1 hour 40 minutes (84 miles east via I-70)
- Book: ReserveOhio.com
Even better, there are ADA-accessible and pet-friendly options, so it’s a lot easier to bring everyone along.
Reservations are open now, and I’d book sooner than later. Ten cabins is not a lot of cabins, and summer weekends at Ohio’s newer stays have a way of vanishing.
The new visitor center is open too
The cabins are only half the story. The same April 2026 ribbon-cutting opened the brand new Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center, a few minutes from the park at 9949 OH-83 in McConnelsville.
The visitor center itself is worth the trip. It’s a two-story timber building with huge windows, interactive exhibits, and a 360-degree observation ramp. But the real highlight is the bison viewing deck, where you can spot a herd that’s become a symbol of how much this land has changed over the years.
Hours weren’t posted anywhere official when I checked, so glance at ODNR’s page before you make the drive just for the bison.
There’s way more to do here than you might expect
If you haven’t been to Jesse Owens State Park before, it’s one of the more underrated outdoor spots in Ohio. The land used to be strip-mined, and what it’s become is honestly pretty incredible.
Now, it’s filled with lakes, wildlife areas, and wide-open spaces that feel completely different from the typical forested state park.
You can start simple and just relax at your cabin, but if you want to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Fishing is a big draw here, with ponds stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, and more. If you’re into paddling, there are tons of small lakes that are perfect for kayaks and canoes, all with a quiet, no-big-motor vibe.
Camping is also still a thing if you’re not ready to commit to a cabin stay. The park still has four primitive campgrounds that are free and first-come, first-served, which is genuinely rare these days. And if you want hookups, the new Big Muskie Campground added 50 full-hookup RV sites with a shower house and camp store.
Hunters and wildlife watchers both love the area thanks to the mix of grasslands, wetlands, and wooded sections. Depending on the season, you might spot deer, waterfowl, or a surprising variety of birds.
And then there’s one of the most unique landmarks in Ohio: the Big Muskie Bucket at Miner’s Memorial Park. It’s the last remaining piece of what was once the largest dragline ever built, and seeing it up close really puts the area’s history into perspective.
Worth the trip?
Between the new cabins, the grand opening event, and everything there is to do once you get there, Jesse Owens State Park is having a bit of a moment.
If you’re into unique stays, quiet nature, or just exploring a different side of Ohio, this one earns a spot on your list no matter the season. Cabin reservations are available now at ReserveOhio.com.
Jesse Owens State Park cabins FAQ
How much do the new cabins cost?
$240 a night, booked through ReserveOhio.com. Rates can change, so treat that as a starting point.
How many people do they sleep?
Up to six. Each cabin has a primary bedroom with a queen bed and a second bedroom with twin bunks and a full bed.
Can you actually see the bison?
There’s a covered viewing deck at the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Visitor Center built exactly for that. The herd roams a big area though, so a close-up isn’t guaranteed on any given day.
How far is it from Columbus?
About 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s 84 miles east, mostly a straight shot on I-70.
