Wondering how to spend a day in Put-in-Bay Island, a picturesque Ohio village on South Bass Island in Lake Erie? It has been called The Key West of the North, or The Key West of Ohio due to its reputation as a place to hang out in the sun, go boating, shopping and party. However, this destination has a lot more to offer!
How To Get There
There is a fun ferry ride to travel over to the island. The Jet Express (approx. 30 minutes to the island) is the more luxurious way to get to Put-in-Bay. It is also the most expensive at $35.00 (extra fee for parking) for a round trip adult ticket. This ferry has a late-night service. This ferry drops off in the downtown area. Find the main lot at 49 Jackson Street, Port Clinton, OH, and the long-term Lot at 110 Harrison Street, Port Clinton, OH.
The Miller Ferry (approx. 25 minutes to the island), located on Catawba Island (mainland) just off of State Route 53 at 5174 Water St, Port Clinton, OH (free parking, don’t go to the $5 lots, there are more free lots behind them) is the less expensive option. It is only $ 18.00 for an adult round-trip ticket. This ferry docks at the southern end of the island, so transportation is required to get to downtown Put-in-bay. However, the ferry allows cars (with advanced registration and potentially longer wait times) and bikes to travel along for an additional fee. Golf carts and bikes are also available for rent where the ferry docks. Many people use golf carts to get around on the island. Rent one in advance to make sure to get one. Cabs are also available for transportation.
Leashed or crated pets ride free on both ferries.
Put-In-Bay, South Bass Island, Ohio Itinerary
Check out Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial which commemorates the 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. There is a great view at the top and an interesting museum next door.
Take a bike, golf cart, car, or Put-in-bay’s Tour Train to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center which includes a limestone cave, a butterfly house, miniature golf, a maze, a climbing wall, an antique car museum (free), gemstone mining, and DannDee’s snack shack.
Visit the Crystal Cave and see the largest geode in the world.
Stop into the Aquatic Visitor Center (check hours, free).
Rent Jet Skis or a Put-In-Bay Watercraft.
Take in a few shops, including; the Candy Bar and the Chocolate Museum.
Possible restaurants to try for lunch and dinner (popular to order perogies and perch)
The Forge
Goat, Soup, and Whiskey
The Keys (Best vibe)
Upper Deck Restaurant (Best view)
The Boardwalk
Frosty’s Bar & Family Pizza
Time For Some Hiking
Dodge Woods Storywalk Trail: Offers a storybook posted along the path for children to read.
Massie Cliffside Preserve: This preserve has a trail system under a half-mile that guides visitors to the lake.
Scheef East Point Nature Preserve: A 0.3-mile walking path to the Lake Erie Shoreline.
Jane Coates Wildflower Trail: A half-mile forest loop offering a variety of migratory songbirds.
But Wait There’s More…
For more ideas, print out coupons here. Also, consider; Kimberly’s Carousel, paddleboarding, helicopter rides, charter fishing, biplane rides, Oak Point State Park, Muscle Bay Fitness, Lake Erie Islands Nature Center and Museum, 1855 One-room schoolhouse, Alfred Parker Park, South Bass Island State Park, kayaking, parasailing, and live music shows.
I hope you received value from reading “A Day In Put-In-Bay Island!” Enjoy the photographs!
Living In The Heart of America 