Marblehead Lighthouse

Where else can you go on a safari and ride go-carts?   Our attractions are second to none, with a wide variety of excitement for everyone.  There’s a real drive-through safari with wild animals peeking in your window looking to be fed! Waterslides, pools, play areas, hot tubs, arcade games and family entertainment round out a fun day at the waterparks.  An arboretum features Japanese gardens and thousands of annuals along with specialty plantings throughout the grounds.  Victorian architecture, concerts, culture, theatre, arts, and shopping can be found at our Chautauqua on Lake Erie.  Explore caves, mine for gemstones, kayak the shoreline of Put-in-Bay, tour a winery, and visit a monument while discovering an island!  Defy gravity on a mystery hill, see exotic animals and find a forest full of dinosaurs.  Count how many roller coasters you can ride!  And don’t forget to tour that lighthouse!

African Safari Wildlife Park

African Safari Wildlife Park, 267 Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, 419-732-3606, Toll Free 800-521-2660. Exotic species roam this drive-through safari accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. This newly expanded 100-acre preserve also offers pony and camel rides, a gift shop, educational programs, and the Jungle Junction Playground.  Hayrides and a maze round out the fun in October. 

Antique Car Museum

Antique Car Museum, Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2405, Stroll through the past as you view Ford Model A's & T's as well as the island's oldest automobile. Located 1/2 mile from Put-in-Bay's Victorian downtown at Perry's Cave Family Fun Center. Free Admission.

Black Swamp Bird Observatory

Black Swamp Bird Observatory, 13351 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, 419-898-4070. Located at the entrance to the world-famous Magee Marsh and Crane Creek State Beach between Maumee Bay and Port Clinton on State Route 2, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, open year-round, is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the North Coast of Ohio. Local art, books, maps, information, gifts, clothing and more in our gift store. We have programs throughout the year open to the public. Everyone is invited to walk our new Partnership Trail. 

Castaway Bay, 2001 Cleveland Road, Sandusky, 419-627-2106.  It’s always 80 degrees and it’s always fun at Cedar Point’s Caribbean-themed indoor waterpark resort. Castaway Bay features an amazing water coaster that blasts riders uphill, 11 fantastic waterslides, a giant wave pool, a family-friendly interactive play area, a huge video arcade, and much more.  Website

Cedar Point Amusement Park, 1 Cedar Point, Sandusky, 419-627-2350. Cedar Point is proud to have been voted the Best Amusement Park in the World by Amusement Today for nine consecutive years!  Experience twists and turns on one of 17 incredible coasters or enjoy more than 69 rides of all kinds- spin, soar, plummet, or chill out on a real steam-powered train or relaxing boat ride. Enjoy award-winning family entertainment and make sure the kids visit Camp Snoopy!  Website

Eagle Isle, 2720 N. County Rd. 198, Fremont, 419-332-4245, Eagle Isle is a Relaxation Retreat and Photographer's Paradise! Come experience river views on 85 acres with bald eagles, deer and other nature sites. Let us serve you with caring hands in our world class spa and/or serve you at our bed and breakfast complete with silk duvets and candlelight dinners.  Website

Downtown Elmore

Elmore Area Chamber of Commerce, Elmore, 419-862-3362.  Step back in time with a visit to the village of Elmore. Visit the Mattie Heckman Log House or the Elmore Train Station. Tour the beautiful Schedel Arboretum & Gardens. Browse the antiques and collectibles located in the quaint antique shops. Play a round of golf at the local golf course. Dine at one of the many family owned restaurants. 

Firelands Winery Gift Shop

  Firelands Winery, 917 Bardshar Rd., Sandusky, 419-625-5474, Toll Free 800-548-WINE,  A Tour and Tasting Experience: The unique balcony vantage point gives you a clear view of the cellars, bottling room, champagne cellars and warehouse. But a tour is never complete without a tasting. Sample award-winning estate bottled wines at the spacious wine-tasting bar hosted by friendly and knowledgeable staff. In the gift shop you'll find an extensive collection of home winemaking supplies, a large assortment of wine accessories, glassware, and wine-related jewelry and clothing. 

Fort AMAZE'N, Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2405. Kids will love trying to find their way out of this 4900 sq. ft. maze!  With 2 observation decks, parents can watch their children as they progress through the AMAZE'N walls of fun!  Website

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge, 4600 Milan Road  (St. Rt. 250), Sandusky, 419-609-6000,  Toll Free 888-779-2327.  Ohio’s First Indoor Waterpark Resort located in Sandusky near Cedar Point. This North Woods-themed resort features 271 family suites, a 42,000 square foot indoor entertainment area, including a 200,000 gallon waterpark, a 100-game arcade and Cub’s Club children’s activities. The resort also has two on-site restaurants, Gitchigoomie Grill and Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty, as well as, meeting space and two gift shops. For more information and great special rates please visit the website. 

Harry Stensen Mural at Friendship Park, Corner of Perry St. & Jefferson St., Port Clinton. A beautiful and historic mural in downtown Port Clinton depicts life along the Portage River throughout its history. What adds to your visit is that it TALKS! A recorded story walks visitors through many of the features in the mural (Sound system is unavailable during the winter).

Island Adventures Family Fun Center

Island Adventures Family Fun Center, 280 S.E. Catawba Rd. (Rt 53 North), Port Clinton, 419-732-2020. A fun filled way to spend the day! Beautifully landscaped 18-hole miniature golf, fast & challenging go-karts, bumper boats with water pistols, air-conditioned arcade, climbing wall, locally famous Cameo Pizza, hand-dipped ice cream, & more! Super clean & friendly. A great family experience! 

Island Bike Rental, located at both ferry docks, Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2016, Bicycles and golf carts for rent near both ferry boat docks. Bicycle rates are $4 per hour or $12 per day. Children's seats and helmets, strollers and pull-alongs are available on a first come, first serve basis. 2, 4, & 6 passenger golf carts are also available by the hour ($11, $13, or $17/hr) or by the day ($55, $65, $75/day).  Website

Island Tour Train

Island Transportation Tram Tours, Depot downtown Put-in-Bay, 419-285-4855. Board an open-air tram for a personally narrated tour of the island including stops at various island locations / attractions. Cost: Adults $10.00, Children 6-12 $3.50, Children under 6 FREE. 

Jet Express

Jet Express  #3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton & 101 W. Shoreline Dr. Sandusky.  419-732-2800, Toll Free 1-800-245-1538.  Daily passenger service from both Port Clinton & Sandusky to Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island aboard hydrojet catamarans. Enjoy the fast, smooth ride and late-night service. 

Johnson's Island Preservation Society, P.O. Box 1865, 414 West Main Street, Marblehead. Preserving and protecting the historical heritage of Johnson’s Island for future generations to enjoy and study. This is being accomplished by enhancing the education of the communities of Northwest Ohio; by disseminating information to all those interested; and by allowing visitors to view many artifacts, letters, diaries, autograph books, official records, and educational exhibits at our Museum in Marblehead.  Website

Kalahari Resort and Indoor Waterpark, 7000 Kalahari Drive (off St. Rt. 250, just 10 minutes south of Cedar Point) Sandusky.  419-433-7200 Toll Free: 877-525-2427.  Ohio’s largest Indoor Waterpark.  The African-themed Resort features the 80,000 sq. ft Great Kalahari Waterpark, Crocodile Cove,  Indoor Mini-Golf, 4-story Tree Top Dry Play area, Huge Game Room, four retail shopping outlets and activities and events for the whole family.  308 Guest Rooms and Suites, eight unique dining and lounge options.  Website

Kayak the Bay

Kayak the Bay, 1/2 mile west of the Jet Express Dock, Put-in-Bay, 419-967-0796. If you can ride a bike, you can kayak! Offering single and double sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks for cruising the protected Put-in-Bay Harbor, fun paddling along the shore and limestone cliffs without "white water" worries, up to our country's third tallest national monument, and for the adventurous - paddling around the nearby islands. Kayak Rates are for up to 2 hours: Single: $20; Double:  $35.  Tubes may be rented for just $10 1/2 day. New for this year Water Bike $30. Call for group rates. 

Lakeside

Lakeside, 236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside, 419 798-4461, Toll Free 1-866-952-8374. This charming waterfront resort village is perfect for families. Stroll along the pier, swim, sail, play mini-golf, visit quaint shops, catch a movie at Orchestra Hall, or just take in the Victorian cottage ambiance.  Facilities are available for family gatherings, retreats and conferences with banquet service available. Special events include nationally-known entertainment, cultural events, art shows, home and garden tours, and more. 

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum and Heritage Antique Shop, 25 Town Hall Place, Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2804.  Learn the rich history of the beautiful Lake Erie Islands in a 6000 sq. ft. building with theater.  Shop for antiques and curiosities in the Heritage Antique shop.  Summer hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Website

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Route 2, (17 miles west of Port Clinton) Oak Harbor, 419-898-0960. Visit the Sportsman's Migratory Bird Center, walk the boardwalk trails, and climb the observation tower. Open year-round.  Website

Marblehead Lighthouse

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park and On-Site Keeper's House, 110 Lighthouse Dr (on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula), Marblehead, 419 797-4530. Tour the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes as well as the on-site Keeper's House which now serves as a museum and welcome center and also offers a small gift shop inside. Lighthouse and Keeper's House open for free tours May 30 through September 1, with Lighthouse tours weekdays from 1:00 to 4:45 and Keeper's House from 1 to 5.  Tours of both are also offered the second Saturday of the month, May through October from 10 to 3. Register with the park ranger on-site. 

Maritime Museum of Sandusky, 125 Meigs St, Sandusky, 419-624-0274. The Maritime Museum of Sandusky interprets the maritime history of the area, including boat building, recreational boating, passenger boats, ice harvesting, shipwrecks, wetlands, commercial shipping and the boats of Sandusky's Underground Railroad.  Website

Middle Bass Island Nature and serenity blend harmoniously with residents and visitors on this small and secluded island getaway. You'll find a bit of entertainment, two restaurants and a microbrewery, nature, and peaceful surroundings here. The new Middle Bass Island State Park (under development) offers a marina with overnight dockage, limited hiking trails, and a primitive campground for tents only. Transportation to Middle Bass includes the Miller Ferry from Catawba, Sonny S water taxi from Put-in-Bay, and air service from the mainland and South Bass Island.

Miller Ferry

Miller Boat Line, Route 53 North (Catawba Point), 419-285-2421, Toll Free 800-500-2421. Daily passenger and automobile service aboard ferryboats from Catawba Point to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island.  18-minute trip to Put-in-Bay.  Low fares and frequent departures. Trips run spring, summer & fall.  Plenty of free mainland parking.  Put-in-Bay summer trips every half hour as late as 9 p.m.  Ask about our group and student rates.  Website

Monsoon Lagoon waterslides

Monsoon Lagoon Waterpark & Resort, Routes 2 & 269 (1530 N Danbury Rd), Marblehead, 419-732-6671.  This waterpark and family entertainment complex features aquatic adventures including 6 waterslides, a lazy river, an adult pool with swim up Tiki bar, and Adventure Island Tree House with 17 levels. The family entertainment center has 18-hole miniature golf, bumper boats, grand prix cars, and a gaming arcade to round out a total day of family fun.  

Oak Harbor Golf Club, 10433 County Road 17, Oak Habor, 419-898-1493 or 800-252-1729. "Ottawa County's Finest Public Golf at Affordable Prices." Scenic par 72, 18-hole course noted for small greens and wide fairways. Practice range, complete Golf Shop with rental clubs, Restaurant and Lounge, Private or Group Golf Instuction with PGA Professionals available.  Website

Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, 979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2405.  Journey 43 steps below the surface to the natural limestone cave with an underground lake and numerous formations. Learn the secrets inside this natural wonder. After-hours lantern tours available by reservation.  Back above ground, mine for real gems and minerals at the mining sluice, chart your course around the War of 18 Holes mini-golf course with a War of 1812 theme. Find your way through the fun maze, try to reach the top of the rock climbing wall, visit the Antique Car Museum, or see the beautiful butterflies at the Butterfly House.  Website.

Perry's Monument Visitors Center

Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial & Welcome Center, Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2184, This National Park Service area commemorates Oliver Hazard Perry's victory over a British fleet during the War of 1812. Visitors take the elevator to the observation deck for a glorious view of the Lake Erie Islands and the historic battle site. The 352' tall memorial is open daily late April through mid-October, winter visits by appointment. The welcome center, opened May 2002, offers interactive displays, historic memorabilia, a video theatre, a small gift shop, and live web-cam shots of the monument and island. Adults $3; 16 yrs old and younger free, must be accompanied by an adult. 

Prehistoric Forest

Prehistoric Forest & Mystery Hill, 8232 East Harbor Rd (State Rt.163), Marblehead,  419-798-5230. Hours: Sun.-Sat. 10 a.m. - Dark (Mem. Day- Labor Day, also open weekends May & Sept.), See life-size dinosaurs in a 10-acre forest.  Walk through a volcano with a 35-ft waterfall and uncover fossil footprints at a dig site. Defy gravity at Mystery Hill.  Playground, picnic areas, mini-golf and water balloon cages and much, much more!

Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitors Center, located at West Shore and Bayview Aves. , Put-in-Bay, 419-285-3701. Operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.  Live fish exhibits, displays highlighting the story of this historic fish hatchery, Ohio's fishery resources, the wealth of recreational fishing activity offered on Lake Erie, and hands-on children's activities. The hatchery offers free admission Memorial Day through Labor Day. Closed Mondays. Free fishing program for kids with rod and bait provided.

Schedel Arboretum & Gardens

Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 South Portage Road W., Elmore, 419-862-3182. These unique and beautiful gardens feature nearly 1,000 species in a tranquil setting on carefully managed grounds, covering more than 17 acres. Approximately 20,000 annuals are planted each year to compliment the many wonderful permanent displays. Special features include a Japanese garden, water gardens, rose garden, an annual garden sculpture exhibit and more. Open daily May - Oct. Group tours available.  

South Bass Island State Park, Put-in-Bay, 419-797-4530, 419-285-2112, Reservations: (866) OHIOPARKS. Stone beach, ice skating, flush restrooms with showers (summer only), ice fishing, campsites, cabents (combination cabin/tent) picnic shelter, launch ramp, and fishing pier.   Website

Stonehenge Estate Tour, 808 Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay, 419-285-6134  An on-going family preservation project, the 7-acre Stonehenge Estate represents the old family grape-growing farms & wineries that prospered on the island in the mid-late 1800's.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Tailfins Amusement Park, 380 Main St., Put-In-Bay, 419-285-FINS (3467) There is no admission charge- come and go as you please. We offer Go-karts, Brunswick Virtual Bowling Alley, video arcade, redemption games, bumper boats, Water Wars (water balloon game), batting & soccer cages, picnic area, remote-control cars and boats, Stuff-A-Bear, and Whale's Tail Gift Shop.  If you work up an appetite, stop by Noble Roman's Pizza or Tuscano's Italian Style Subs featuring Put-In-Bay's only golf cart drive-thru pickup window. Website  e-mail

 

Butterfly House

The Butterfly House, 979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2446. Stroll through a large, glass atrium habitat filled with a variety of butterflies and plants.  Hundreds of exotic butterflies make their home in this fully-enclosed garden.  Enjoy the tranquil environment with soothing fountain, Koi fish pond & lush flowers.  15-minute Educational Butterfly Video, Unique educational gift shop.  Summer hours 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.  Website

The Lodge at Sawmill Creek, 400 Sawmill Creek, Huron, 419-433-3800. Arriving at Sawmill Creek Resort, you sense something special. Nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, the Resort, Lodge and 35,000 square feet Conference Facilities are set on 235 acres of pristine beauty. Our full-service resort features 240 deluxe guest rooms and suites, and offers superb dining, swimming, a Tom Fazio designed world-class 18-hole golf course, Nature Preserve, lakefront Marina, gift shops, and a full array of entertainment.  Website

Toledo Zoo

Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-4040.  One of America's Top 10 Family-Friendly Zoos. Home to over 4,800 animals and a visual feast of historic architecture.  Exhibits include Africa!, Dragons, Primitive Forest, Aquarium, Diversity of Life, Arctic Encounter, Wolf Exhibit, Tiger Terrace, Aviary, Reptile House, African Savanna and Kingdom of the Apes. Open year-round. 

War of 18 Holes Miniature Golf, 979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2405. Chart your course through the War of 18 Holes, an 18-hole miniature golf course with a War of 1812 theme.  Website

Whether it’s by the shore, on your boat or with a charter captain you will find outstanding world-class sport fishing on Lake Erie.  Known as the “Walleye Capital of the World”, we are also called the “Smallmouth Capital of the World”.   While spring and fall are the traditional “hot fishing” months, you will find walleye and perch looking for your bait year-round including during our ice fishing season.  Have some fun and ask the locals which is tastier…walleye or perch.  But make sure you don’t start an argument!  Our western basin is one of the most desirable and picturesque destinations for recreational pleasure boating.  Watercraft of all sizes dot the lake as far as the eye can see.  Numerous marinas as well as free public boat launches encourage boaters to enjoy the pristine blue water of this Great Lake.  The shelter of Sandusky Bay provides both jet skiers and water skier’s ample room to roam the water in the comfort of shallower depths.

Click on the "More Information" link below for detailed fishing and boating information.

Looking for more information on The Lake Erie Islands Region and Ottawa County? Start by visiting the beautiful, state-of-the-art Lake Erie Islands Regional Welcome Center, 770 S.E. Catawba Rd.(SR 53 N) Port Clinton, Ohio 43452.

Click on the "More Information" link below for community and island information including contact information for:

Ottawa County Visitors Bureau 

Lake Erie Islands Regional Welcome Center

Area Chambers of Commerce

Informational Agencies

Real Estate Services

Local Newspapers

Local Services

Informational Websites & Television

Dockage for visiting boaters is provided throughout Ottawa County.  In fact, the county has more than 19,000 docks! Marinas with club memberships often rent out docks on a nightly basis depending on availability.  Reservations are highly recommended.  Always be sure to consult official marine charts before navigating Lake Erie's waters, particularly around the islands! Boaters should also pay close attention to weather reports, as weather conditions on Lake Erie can change very quickly!

Click on the "More Information" link below for detailed Marina  information.