Golf Course and Lake Erie Marina at Sawmill Creek Resort in Ohio

By Michael Pramik

When planning a trip to the Lake Erie Shores & Islands, visitors sometimes consider their accommodations as an afterthought. The newly renovated and reimagined Sawmill Creek Resort will change that mindset. Because it lies close to the Lake Erie shoreline, the hotel has always been a popular meeting place for friends, families, golfers, nature lovers and group travelers seeking all the fun the shores and islands offer. Now, Sawmill Creek Resort is a getaway destination unto itself.

Cedar Fair, the parent company of Cedar Point, purchased the 48-year-old property in 2019, and the top-to-bottom facelift has turned Sawmill Creek into something extraordinary. Their $25 million renovation of the 239-room resort is now complete, tempting travelers with sumptuous surroundings and creature comforts. The lodge has been reborn, with upgraded room furnishings, indoor and outdoor pools, a stunning atrium seating area and new The Miller’s Table restaurant.

The improved accommodations are up to par with all the other amenities that Sawmill Creek has to offer: golf, hiking, access to Cedar Point and a prime location to enjoy all the benefits of the Lake Erie Shores & Islands.

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A LASTING FIRST IMPRESSION

Step inside Sawmill Creek Resort, and you’ll immediately notice the change. The resort was stripped down to its bones and rebuilt with an emphasis on nature.

Warm stone blends with natural wood to create a feel that celebrates the outdoors. Experience the strength of timbers in the lobby ceiling, see the stark luxury of the slate-and-wood flooring and feel the tranquility of a new, natural color palette.

The new restaurant, The Miller’s Table, will offer a chef-driven menu with an emphasis on freshness. The Hideout will feature a wine and whiskey bar — a perfect way to relax after a day of adventure. Start your morning at Harvest’s breakfast buffet, and stop at Creekside for grab-and-go menu items throughout the day.

You can also enjoy one-of-a-kind programming that embraces the resort’s Lake Erie location and nearby wildlife areas. Nature photography, golf lessons and roaring bonfires are just some of the activities you’ll find.
 

GET BACK TO NATURE

Sawmill Creek Resort is a welcoming retreat for nature lovers. Its woodsy setting, so close to the lake, beckons guests to explore.

The resort lies on 235 wooded acres and is a feast for the senses. It’s a convenient walk or bike ride to the 472-acre Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve, which annually attracts about 300 bird species and provides the ideal habitat for an abundance of wildflowers. Stroll along two miles of hiking trails and watch for migrating birds, who use the preserve as a resting place before crossing the lake. During the summer, the marsh bursts with color when the vibrant cardinal flowers bloom.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW ON COMFORT

Sawmill Creek offers all-new guest room furnishings, featuring custom millwork for a built-in feel. Open closets maximize space, and beds and vanities have a lasting look and feel. New showers replace tubs, and quality toiletries are from Bath & Body Works.

“We built everything to last,” says Denise Schoderbek, Cedar Fair’s Director of Project Management. “We wanted the rooms to have a timeless feel. It’s not trendy. We’ve had people coming here for 40 years, and we want people coming here for 40 more years.”

Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and make use of the fitness center for some exercise when it might be a bit chilly for a nature walk.

A COURSE THAT'S ABOVE PAR

More beauty lies in the resort’s stunning, 18-hole golf course, designed by famed architect Tom Fazio. It’s situated on the Lake Erie shore and presents tree-lined fairways, rolling terrain and challenging water hazards that can come into play on more than half the holes.

The 6,700-yard, 71-par course is playable yet challenging, and offers noticeably different experiences on each nine. The front nine feels like Northeast Ohio as it plays along Sawmill Creek, while the back nine offers a Carolina feel thanks to its proximity to trees and marshes near the lake.

The course is open to the public, but guests of all Cedar Point resorts can include golf in their stay packages. Don’t miss their well-staffed pro shop and Mulligan’s Pub for some after-round fun.

FUN ON (AND IN) THE WATER

Bring your boat for easy access to the lake. With 176 slips, the Sawmill Creek Marina is a favorite of local boaters. The marina can accommodate boats up to 42 feet and includes power and water for guests. There’s also a jet ski launch, bath house, gas and ice.

From the marina it’s an easy trip to Cedar Point, Put-in-Bay, Perry’s Monument and the scenic islands, as well as marinas in neighboring towns.

Boating not your thing? Sawmill Creek offers great swimming, indoors and outdoors. Their two pools have been rebuilt, with comfortable seating areas inside and out.

ALWAYS ON POINT

While Sawmill Creek is its own destination, excitement lies a mere 7 miles away at Cedar Point. With Sawmill Creek’s Plan Your Way Package, you can enjoy discounted admission and early entry to Cedar Point. 

That makes the resort ideal for families with older children, as kids can enjoy Cedar Point while parents enjoy the resort. It’s also an inviting choice for families and couples who want to visit the park and stay at a place a little farther from the crowds.
 

WELCOME TO THE NORTH COAST

As a four-season destination, Sawmill Creek offers endless activities and adventures for your every desire. Discover the beauty of the North Coast while exploring one of our many nature preserves. Enjoy a day on the water. Then spend the evening savoring the flavors at The Miller’s Table and enjoying a craft cocktail.

The Best of The North Coast Area Attractions:

• Cedar Point
• Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve
• Sawmill Creek Golf Club
• Maritime Museum of Sandusky
• Firelands Winery
• Merry-Go-Round Museum
• Lagoon Deer Park
• Convenient access to the Lake Erie Islands