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LAKE ERIE ISLANDS
The largest of Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands is dominated by natural areas. It appeals to nature and bird lovers as well as those looking for a relaxing, quiet getaway. Kelleys Island is a resting place for many migratory birds as they journey across Lake Erie, making it an ideal location for bird watching. Its 18 miles of shoreline, pristine beach, lush forest, fragrant vineyards, historical homes and friendly hospitality are inviting. Islanders welcome visitors to share in their laid-back lifestyle. Rent a golf cart or bicycle and explore the island’s four square miles. Encounter the world’s largest most spectacular glacial scoring – a remnant of the last Ice Age, or find Native American pictographs carved into a limestone boulder, likely describing the history of the island’s earliest inhabitants, the Erie Indians. Hike miles of trails at the state park or build fairytale sandcastles at the beach. Water sports enthusiasts rejoice! Boaters will find plenty of marinas for docking and casting off on excursions. Bring your snorkeling or scuba equipment and explore the nearby shipwrecks. Kelleys Island is the perfect place to bring a kayak or jet ski to enjoy the water and view the spectacular flora and fauna of the island’s coastline. You can even charter a sailboat excursion around the island or a fishing trip. Downtown is the heart of the island where clothing and gift stores, miniature golf, karaoke, restaurants, adventure rentals and live entertainment bring rhythm to the island pace. The island boasts many unique dining options including handcrafted beers at a microbrewery and a country winery. With so much to enjoy you’ll need to get a good night’s rest. Getaway options are abundant on Kelleys Island, with many bed & breakfast inns, vacation rental homes and condos, a state park campground and a brand-new waterfront luxury hotel.
Middle Bass Island Located in the heart of the Lake Erie Islands, neighboring both Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass blends nature and serenity on this small, secluded island getaway. Originally named Ile de Fleurs or Island of Flowers, visitors can find beautiful lake views, a historic district, a wildlife refuge, and an Ohio state park. Island hop for entertainment and dining or overnight at a bed and breakfast, rental cottage or even a Caribbean-themed resort. Easy to get to, hard to leave.
Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island has been an ideal stopping point for boaters ever since Native Americans “put in at the bay” during their many journeys across Lake Erie. In 1864 the island also began its history as a visitor destination and today more than 1.5 million people enjoy the small town quality, Victorian Era buildings and quaintness of this island resort community each year. Put-in-Bay offers a wide variety of activities for the entire family. Many start out with a narrated island tour and then hop on a bike or golf cart to take in one of the many attractions including a butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, an antique car museum, cave tours, a chocolate museum, arcade games, bumper boats and go-kart racing. History enthusiasts enjoy Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial & Visitors Center, the 6,000 square foot Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum and the Stonehenge Estate. South Bass Island has over 200 historic buildings as documented by the Ohio Historic Preservation Office. For those looking for outdoor recreation there are bicycles to rent, charter fishing, a nine-hole golf course, kayaking, parasailing and jet skiing; and, when the sun goes down, the village of Put-in-Bay lights up with exciting nightlife. Dozens of restaurants and pubs dot the village offering a wide selection to please every taste and budget. There is even a winery and a microbrewery on the island! Lodging opportunities range from campsites to hotels, bed & breakfasts, family cottages & cabins, rental condos and resorts. Many properties specialize in accommodating large groups for family reunions, company meetings, weddings and other events.
GETTING TO THE ISLANDS The Lake Erie Islands can only be reached by boat or plane. Cars are permitted on all three islands; however, you’ll have greater freedom to discover each island’s natural beauty by bicycle or golf cart. Rental shops are located within walking distance of the islands’ ferry docks.
BY BOAT
Lake Erie Island Cruises, LLC Jackson St. Pier, Sandusky 419.625.9692 or 800.446.3140 The Goodtime I’s daytime Island Hopping Cruises depart downtown Sandusky and include layovers at Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. In July and August, the Tuesday night Sandusky Bay Cruises depart downtown Sandusky and provide an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sunset and Lake Erie with happy hour and special entertainment. Popular Friday night Party Cruises to Kelleys Island are for adults 21 yrs and over only. A valid ID is required. Reservations suggested. The Goodtime I is a 355-passenger vessel with a full-service bar, dance floor and snack bar. May-Oct; call for cruise schedule. Available for private charters and groups.
3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton 101 W. Shoreline Dr., Sandusky 419.732.2800 or 800.245.1JET (538) High-speed passenger ferry from downtown Sandusky and Port Clinton to downtown Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. Enjoy the scenic routes! Island-hopping packages available with frequent departures allowing you to come and go as you wish. Experience the island night-life with our late-night service (midnight or later most nights) and special evening discounts. Children five and under ride free! Group tours and private charters available. May-Oct, schedule is available online or call for more information.
Kelleys Island Ferry 510 W. Main St. (SR 163), Marblehead 419.798.9763 www.kelleysislandferry.com Daily passenger and automobile transportation to Kelleys Island from Marblehead, departing every half hour during peak times. Available year-round, weather permitting.
SR 53 N. (off SR 2), Catawba 419.285.2421 or 800.500.2421 www.millerferry.com Passenger and vehicle transportation from Catawba Point to the Lake Erie Islands of South Bass (Put-in-Bay) and Middle Bass. Family-friendly fares, free parking, Put-in-Bay summer trips every half-hour and group discounts. See website for events, maps and ferry schedules. Trips daily spring, summer and fall; winter operation is weather permitting.
BY PLANE Erie Ottawa Regional Airport 3255 E. State Rd., Port Clinton 419.734.5926
Griffing Sandusky Airport 3115 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky
419.626.5161
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