City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Put-In-Bay, Ohio
Located on South Bass Island, in Lake Erie, Put-In-Bay is about 3.5 miles long by 1.5 wide. North of Catawba Island and Sandusky, Ohio, it’s part of Lake Erie’s many islands, some of which include Kelleys Island, Erie Island, Pelee Island (part of Ontario, Canada) and the Bass Islands (which consists of North, Middle and South Bass Island). The area has been called the "Key West of the North." There's even a replica of the Key West buoy at Put-In-Bay's northernmost bar (The Keys - Put-In-Bay, in case you're interested).
Photo: The Keys - Put-In-Bay (Facebook)
The island (which is sometimes called Put-In-Bay Island) is about three miles from the mainland, making it easily accessible by charter boat, a private boat dock rental or the South Bass Island Ferry. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, sailing, fishing for walleye, nature watching and checking out island attractions. Let’s take a look!
Victory and Perry’s International Peace Memorial
Photo: Victory and Perry's International Peace Memorial (Facebook)
Victory and Perry’s International Peace Memorial commemorates the 1812 Battle of Lake Erie. It was established to honor those who fought and to celebrate peace and the alliance between Canada, the U.S. and Great Britain. The memorial is a 352-foot-tall Greek Doric column (the world’s tallest). It has an open-air observation deck (there's an elevator to get there) with stunning views around the island. After you’ve visited the memorial, you can go fishing and nature viewing or participate in events such as music festivals, nature programs and black powder musket demonstrations.
Oak Point State Park
Photo: Oak Point State Park (Facebook)
Located close to Perry’s Victory Memorial, the 1.5-acre Oak Point State Park is a small bayside park that’s popular for fishing and picnicking. There are restrooms and boat docks for daily or overnight rental.
South Bass Island State Park
Photo: Put-In-Bay (Facebook)
South Bass Island State Park is a peaceful spot for nature viewing and recreation. It has a fishing pier and a boat ramp, which is convenient if you’re towing a boat from a private boat dock for rent. There’s a beach for swimming, camping sites and picnic areas. You can rent kayaks, PWCs and power boats.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center
Photo: Perry's Cave Family Fun Center (Facebook)
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center sounds like a terrific day trip from a private boat slip rental in Put-In-Bay. Discovered by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (hero of the Battle of Lake Erie) in 1813, the natural limestone cave is 208 feet long and 165 feet wide. Check out stalagmites. stalactites and “cave pearl” calcium deposits on the walls, floor and ceiling.
Sitting 52 feet below the surface, this super unique Ohio Natural Landmark is a cool 50 degrees year-round and has an underground lake. In addition to the cave, the fun center has a butterfly house, a climbing wall, gemstone mining, an antique car museum, a snack shop and a War of 18 (get it?) Holes mini golf course.
Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum
Photo: Lake Erie Islands Historical Society (Facebook)
Another interesting excursion from a private boat slip for rent is the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum. It features exhibits on the winemaking industry, Put-In-Bay’s Victorian hotels, Ford’s Tin Goose airplane and island history, among others.
Put-In-Bay Winery
Photo: Put-In-Bay Winery (Facebook)
Put-In-Bay Winery – opened in 2009 – on the water across from Gibraltar Island is the Doller House, an Italianate mansion that was home to the area’s most prominent person Valentine Doller – you can tour the house – wine tastings and tours – wine tours are about 35 minutes and include the house and estate (five samples are included) – and a shop. Buy a bottle of merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay or even a chocolate-infused Valentine’s Chocolate variety to enjoy later at the private boat dock rental.
We hope you’ve discovered some things to do while traversing the Great Loop or exploring Put-In-Bay and South Bass Island either on foot, by car or from a private boat slip rental. Islands in Ohio! Who knew?
