WHAT TO DO > ISLANDS


It’s hard to imagine just how “away from it all” you’ll feel after a brief boat ride to one of the Lake Erie Islands until you experience it firsthand. Most of the two dozen land masses that make up the Bass Island Archipelago are privately owned and undeveloped; however, Kelleys, Middle Bass and South Bass islands eagerly welcome visitors. They offer varied sightseeing and entertainment opportunities sure to please any age and taste.

The excitement begins as soon as you leave the mainland and heightens once you arrive and find the preferred methods of travel throughout the islands are golf carts, bicycles and motorized scooters. While some prefer to walk, many choose to rent their choice of “wheels” to explore the entire island and enjoy educational and historical sites, natural areas, wineries, shopping, dining or just plain sightseeing. Once the sun settles into the lake, the downtown establishments “light up” with a wide variety of entertainment and numerous lodging choices offer just the right room to go with your island getaway.


Kelleys Island

Kelleys, the largest of Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands, welcomes thousands of visitors each year with its blend of nature, history and contemporary attractions. The world’s best example of glacial scoring is here, as well as one of Ohio’s prized spots for watching migrating birds. Rent a bike or golf cart to experience the diversity of the island with its lush forests, fragrant vineyards and streets dotted with historic island homes. Bring your own watercraft and explore the rocky coastline. Anglers find some of the best fishing off this island, and scuba divers will find access to several nearby shipwrecks. Kelleys Island State Park offers six miles of hiking trails and a large sandy beach. Campers here will find electric sites for RVs, tent sites and even a few rental yurts. Other lodging options on the island include charming bed & breakfasts, whole house vacation rentals and an all-new luxury waterfront resort hotel. The island boasts a winery and microbrewery, plus special events held throughout the year. Downtown Kelleys Island provides for a short stroll between clothing and gift stores, miniature golf, karaoke, pubs, dining spots and live entertainment.  Kelleys is truly “an island for all seasons.” More Information

Middle Bass Island

Middle Bass Island blends nature and serenity with spirited island fun. Visitors find beautiful lake views, historic buildings, a wildlife refuge and special events. Ferry boats offer island hopping excursions and lodging is available at bed & breakfasts, rental condos and villas. For food, fun, sun and live entertainment, there is a Caribbean-themed resort and a microbrewery. Middle Bass Island State Park offers primitive camping and is currently developing a marina, hiking trails and other amenities. More information

Put-in-Bay / South Bass Island

Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island has been attracting visitors for nearly 150 years. Hundreds of thousands travel here each year to enjoy the wide variety of activities. Bring the kids for an exciting ferry boat ride and fun island entertainment including a butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, cave tours, a chocolate museum, arcade games, bumper boats and go-kart racing. Outdoor enthusiasts will find bicycle, kayak and wave runner rentals, charter fishing, parasailing, a nine-hole golf course and hiking trails.

History buffs won’t want to miss Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. It’s the nation’s third-tallest memorial structure at 352 feet. The on-site visitor’s center and frequent interpretive programs given by park rangers round out the experience. History can also be found at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum and at century homes including Stonehenge Estate and the Doller House.

The many historic buildings on South Bass Island exist in harmony with modern restaurants and nightclubs. Food for every taste and budget is available and those looking for exciting nightlife can choose from more than a dozen places filled with people, music and fun. There is even a winery and microbrewery on the island.

Getting around is easy and most people choose to rent golf carts, bicycles or scooters. Taxi services are also available. 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. Come “Celebrate Island Style” at Put-in-Bay. More Information

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
Goodtime I

Lake Erie Island Cruises, LLC

Jackson St. Pier, Sandusky

419.625.9692 or 800.446.3140

goodtimeboat.com

Enjoy a relaxing day on Lake Erie and the Lake Erie Islands. Visit Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. Two islands in one day for one price. Discounts for seniors, children and groups.  May-Oct; call for cruise schedule. Available for private charters.



Jet Express
3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton
101 W. Shoreline Dr., Sandusky
419.732.2800 or 800.245.1JET (538)
jet-express.com
High-speed passenger ferry from Sandusky and Port Clinton to downtown Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. Comfortable, stylish passenger cabins and open-air sundecks. Extended sight-seeing routes to the islands – so you can see more…faster! Frequent departures and late-night service. Special evening discounts, family-friendly child rates and group tour rates. May-Oct, schedule is available online or call for more information.

Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line
510 W. Main St. (SR 163), Marblehead
419.798.9763
kelleysislandferry.com
The only passenger and automobile transportation to Kelleys Island from Marblehead, departing every half-hour during peak times. Available daily year-round, weather permitting. Late boats on weekends. There is a nominal parking fee.

Miller Ferries
Departs Catawba - end of Rt. 53N , off Rt. 2
419.285.2421 or 800.500.2421
millerferry.com
Passenger and vehicle transportation from Catawba Point to the Lake Erie Islands
of Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island. Vacation value fares, free parking, Put-in-Bay summer trips every half-hour and group discounts. See website for island coupons, events, maps and ferry schedules. Trips daily in spring, summer and fall; winter operation is weather permitting.


By Plane
Erie Ottawa Regional Airport Authority
3255 E. State Rd., Port Clinton
419.734.6297

portclintonairport.com

A full-service facility with 400 foot and 5,650 foot crossing runways. Jet A and 100LL fuel is available. Terminal open 8am-6pm.

Griffing Sandusky Airport
3115 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky
419.626.5161
griffingflyingservice.com
Twenty minute sightseeing rides, service to the Lake Erie Islands and long-distance charters available. Price quotes upon request. Open daily 7:30am-5:30pm; closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

GETTING AROUND THE ISLANDS

Kelleys Island
Caddy Shack
115 Division St.
419.746.2808
Bicycle and golf cart rental. May, Sept, Oct: weekends only, 10am – 8pm, Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend: daily, 10am - 10pm.

Kelleys Cove
108 W. Lakeshore
419.746.2622
Golf cart rental.

Portside Marina & Gifts
116 W. Lakeshore
419.746.2668
Bicycle and golf cart rental. Daily: 9am - 9pm.

Seaway Marina
240 E. Lakeshore
419.746.2506
Golf cart rental. May 1 - Oct 31.

Uncl Dik's
833 Division St. (Across from Kelleys Island State Park)
419.746.2462
Bicycle and golf cart rental.

 

South Bass Island/Put-in-Bay

Bay Cart Rental

185 Toledo Ave.

419.285.5785

E's Cart Rental

at Miller Ferry Dock

419.285.5553

Edgewater/Delaware Cart Rental
266 Delaware Ave.
419.285.2724
Bicycle and golf cart rental.

Harbor Village Golf Cart Rental

216.898.9951

Island Bike & Cart Rentals
at Jet Express & Miller Ferry docks
419.285.2016
Bicycle and golf cart rental.

Park Cart & Bike Rental
419.285.2113