Sawmill Creek Article – May 28, 1972

Artist's rendering of the renovated Sawmill Creek Resort
(Courtesy Cleveland.com)

Sawmill Creek Lodge was in the news in 2019 when Cedar Fair, the parent company of Cedar Point, purchased the resort in July of that year. Cedar Fair began a major renovation of the property, including its rooms and public spaces, and is set to reopen it on June 13th.

So it's a good time to look back at when the year-round luxury resort was first under construction – fifty years ago. Here's a great article from the May 28, 1972 Journal by Staff Writer Barb Jones with the story.

As the article noted, "The resort is nestled along the shore of Lake Erie and will provide rooms for 225 guests in its initial building phase. Three restaurants and at least a dozen conference rooms will house the conventions.

"At least 700 investors are taking part in funding the giant luxury resort which will offer a wide selection of entertainment and activities.

"Lodge guests are in for a special treat if golf is their bag... a million dollar course designed by George Fazio, prominent golf course architect, is under construction and will be open to golfers by the '73 putting season.

"It's hard for the local resident who remembers the former grape farm, with the barefooted pickers plucking the fruit, to imagine the splendor of the $6 1/4 million dollar resort under construction.

"Plans to restore the once grand old brick farmhouse to its former splendor have been shelved for the more utilitarian plan of housing staff offices. The huge red barn and workshop will be retained and will house a dress shop and an antique store.

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Although I don't remember ever staying at Sawmill Creek, I performed there several times on New Year's Eve as a member of a local big band.

Over the years I've also been in the aforementioned store in the front of the property.

And in more recent years, I've visited the resort to see the Firelands Festival of Lights, a drive-through holiday light display that is also a fundraising event.