City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Catawba Island, Ohio

Jonathan Timianko

Dec 26, 2022 — 3 min read

Founded in 1861, Catawba Island is one of 12 townships in Ottawa County, Ohio. Even though the word island is in the name, it’s accessible by car, which makes it convenient if you’re trailering a boat or staying at a private boat slip rental.

Catawba Island, located north of Sandusky and west of Cleveland, is known for vineyards, peach orchards, wineries, craft breweries and lots of watersports. You can get to Lake Erie’s other islands, such as Put-In-Bay or Middle Bass Island, via the Miller Ferry. Let’s check out a few things to do among Erie’s islands!

Photo: Wikimedia

Catawba Island State Park

The 10-acre Catawba Island State Park, found on the west side of the island, is popular for birdwatching, swimming, ice fishing, ice skating, picnicking and fishing for walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Perfect for those trailering a boat from a private boat lift for rent, it has four boat ramps as well as a beach area to launch canoes and kayaks. Lake Erie is shallow compared to other bodies of water. Storms can get violet with rough waves, so be aware of the weather if you’re out on the water.

African Safari Wildlife Park

Photo: African Safari Wildlife Park (Facebook)

Looking for something to entertain the kids? The African Safari Wildlife Park is just the ticket. The drive-through park features bison, giraffes, zebras, alpacas and antelope. There’s also a walk-through zoo experience with macaws, alligators, kangaroos, lemurs and farm animals such as pigs and rabbits. Be on the lookout for wildflowers, butterflies and birds throughout the park.

Lighthouses

Photo: Marblehead Lighthouse (Wikimedia)

For the history fans in your crew, check out of Catawba’s lighthouses. Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society at Marblehead is the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes. The conical white structure with a black cupola was built in 1821. It stands 49 feet tall at the entrance to Sandusky Bay.

Port Clinton Lighthouse, located at Waterworks Park at the entrance to the Portage River, offers lake access with paved walkways and picnic tables. Constructed in 1896, it’s the second lighthouse on this site (the first was built in 1833). The four-sided wooden structure is 20 feet tall and makes a great day trip from a private boat dock rental.

Liberty Aviation Museum

Photo: Liberty Aviation Museum (Facebook)

The Liberty Aviation Museum is a great place to visit whether you’re interested in history, aviation or the military. Check out aircraft and military vehicles and historic displays. Exhibits are constantly changing and rotating, so it’s always a new experience. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop before heading off to a private boat lift rental.

We hope you’ve found some things to do from a hotel, marina or private boat slip for rent on Catawba Island. Let us know your favorites!

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