My Ohio Fun

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My Ohio Fun

Put-in-Bay

Filled with history and island charm, Put-in-Bay is a great place to enjoy a day getaway or a week of relaxation. This seasonal island boasts attractions, unique restaurants, outdoor adventures, a glimpse of American history and so much more.

Things to do on Put-in-Bay

Aquatic Visitor’s Center
878 Bayview Dr., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
website 
Admission: FREE
Open mid June thru mid August |  10am-5pm
The center offers guided tours of the historic fish hatchery.  Learn about Lake Erie, view live fish, and for kids 16 yrs. and under there is an opportunity to fish.

Butterfly House at Put-in-Bay
979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.2446 | website
Admission: Adults $10 | Children 6 to 12 $6 (2021 prices)
Open Memorial – Labor Day

Step inside the 4000 sq. ft. aviary and enjoy over 50 different types of exotic butterflies as they take flight around you.  The Butterfly House also offers an additional area for shopping. If you love butterflies, this is your store.

Chocolate Cafe & Museum
Catawba Avenue, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.734.7114 | website

If you are  in need of a chocolate fix, this is the place.  Fine chocolates, coffee, desserts, and a selection of ice creams are available.  The  museum offers free tours in the chocolate museum.

Heineman Winery & Crystal Cave
978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH  43456
419.285.2811 | website

Heineman’s Winery has been producing wines since 1888.  Their selections include red, white, sparkling, desert wine, and  even grape juice.  So if you are bringing the kids along there is something for them too.  The winery offers tastings,  and a cheese plate to enjoy with your wine. There is indoor seating and outdoor seating in their wine garden. The winery is also home to Crystal Cave. (see above for information about the cave)

Crystal Cave is the world’s largest geode and is about 12 to 15,000 years old.  The cave is covered in celestite crystals.  The tour includes history of the cave and an explanation of how the crystals were formed. To view a video about the cave click here.

Kayak the Bay
Bay View Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH  43456
419.967.0796 | website
Seasonal and weather permitting.

They offer sit inside or sit on top kayaks. Guided tours are offered.  See their website for additional information. If you hit the water, make sure you check out the Benson Ford Ship House.

Kimberly’s Carousel *
160 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.2212 | website

Built in 1917, and restored to it’s glory by Islander George Stoiber, this Herschel carousel is the country’s oldest original carousel.  Tickets can be purchased at the Carriage House next door.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum 
411 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.2804 | website

The museum showcases island history. The museum also has a resale and thrift shop.

Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center
255 Meechen Rd., Put-in-Bay. OH 43456
419.285.3037 | website

Self-guided or narrated tours are offered of this indoor collection of over 240 North American fish, mammals, and birds.   Located also on the grounds is a butterfly garden, frog pond, and nature trail.

Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center
Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.2283 | website
Open May through mid-October |  10am-5pm

Go down under and view a natural limestone cave 52 feet below the surface, then take in a little rock climbing, go gemstone mining, play a round of 18-hole miniature golf, or find your way out of the giant maze. There is even an Antique Car Museum.  The perfect place to take kids.

Additional admission required for other attractions.  You can purchase combo and super combo tickets which are all-inclusive and include The Butterfly House.  See their website for more details.

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Managed by the National Park Service
93 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
419.285.2184 | website
Admission: Free of charge to the visitor center.

The visitor center offers a wealth of information about the war and about the monument.  Throughout the summer season the National Park Service employees put on demonstrations, special tours, and special events.

Put-in-Bay Winery
329 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.3343 |  website
Open April – October – weather permitting

Located in the historic Valentine Doller Estate, this winery offers wine tasting, and beautiful views of the harbor from the front porch and front patio area.   There selection of wines include a variety of dry and sweet wines.

South Bass Island Lighthouse
878 Bayview Dr., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.1800 | website

Tours: Check website for dates.




ISLAND PARKS

Cooper’s Woods 
Catawba Ave., just west of Concord Ave.
Put-in-Bay, OH  43456
If you are looking for a nice area to take a hike, Cooper’s Woods offers hiking trails through its 18-acre park.

Oak Point State Park
Western end of Put-in-Bay Harbor, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.32112 | website
Oak Point State Park is the smallest of Ohio’s State Parks.  It is however a great place to enjoy a picnic and take in the views.  Public restrooms are available.  The park also offers facilities for boaters to dock their boats at a daily rate.

Put-in-Bay Sunset - Photo credit: Diane Rock
Photo credit: Diane Rock

South Bass Island State Park 
1523 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay. OH
Park Office: 419.285.2112 (seasonal) | East Harbor: 419.734.4424
Reservations for camping: 866.644.6727
website

Not only can you view beautiful sunsets from the State Park, you also take a photo next to the new Put-in-Bay sign located in the park. The perfect spot to grab a sunset selfie photo.

Village of Put-in-Bay Beach
East end of Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.4313
This park overlooks the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.  If you want to enjoy a little toe time in the water, at this sandy beach you will find access to the water and a picnic area.

Additional outdoor island areas include:

FERRY OPTIONS 

Miller Ferries
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MILLER FERRIES
GPS: 5174 E. Water St., Port Clinton, OH 43452
800.500.2421 | millerferry.com

Miller Ferry operates the only passenger/vehicle ferries to the Lake Erie Island of Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island). The ferry cruise is a picturesque, relaxing ride lasting less than 20 minutes. Miller Ferry offers the lowest fares (One way adult: $9, child 6-11 yrs: $1.50, 5 yrs. and under: free) and the most frequent trips, with ferries every half hour in the summer. They have five free parking areas, free passage for pets, convenient motorcycle and bicycle transportation, and ADA accessibility.

Visit MillerFerry.com for schedules, events, easy purchase packages, golf cart reservations, group discounts and to pre-purchase passenger ferry tickets.

Note: Miller Ferry also travels to Middle Bass Island

Jet Express 
Docks: Port Clinton and Sandusky
419.732.2800 | website

Getting around the island:

E's Golf Carts
sponsored ad.

E’s Put-in-Bay Golf Carts
2190 Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay, OH
419.285.5553 | website
Visit their website for pricing information and requirements. Note: They do offer a Miller Ferry/Golf Cart Combo.

Erie Island Carts
1961 Langram Rd. and Put-in-Bay Airport, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419.285.5278 |  website

Island Transportation Train Depot & Bus Stop
154 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH
419.285.4855 | website
Open Memorial Day (5/29/2021) through Labor Day
The train offers a one-hour narrated, historical tour. Stop-off privileges are available at various locations.  Visit their website for tour prices.

Island Club Taxi Service
419.285.5466 | website

Boathouse Cart and Bike Rental
Hartford Avenue, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
419.285.2113 | website 

READ OUR MY OHIO FUN ROAD TRIP NOTES:

Escape During the Week to Put-in-Bay

#sponsored

“When is the best time to visit Put-in-Bay?” 

Weekdays!  I especially like the middle of the week.  There are plenty of things to do and you avoid the weekend crowds. Allowing for more relaxing days of #islandtime.

CLICK HERE to read more.

AN OHIO ISLAND NATURE & WILDLIFE ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE

Did you know Put-in-Bay has many Nature Preserves? These include the gravel beaches & reefs of the Scheeff East Point Preserve, spring wildflowers at the Jane Coates Wildflower Trail, rocky cliffs at the Massie Cliffside Preserve, hiking trails at Cooper’s, Morrison and Duff Woods Preserves, a StoryWalk Trail in Dodge Woods Preserve & more. If you’re looking to birdwatch, skip rocks, search for beach glass or just hike & take in the peaceful scenery, this is the road trip for you!

How do I get to Put-in-Bay?

Miller Ferry is the only passenger/vehicle service to Put-in-Bay. You have the option to bring your vehicle or park it in one of their five free parking areas & walk on the ferry. You can rent a golf cart upon arrival at E’s Golf Carts. You also have the option to bring your bicycle aboard the ferry for $2.50 round trip with this coupon (normal rate $5.00). These are all great ways to explore nature & wildlife at Put-in-Bay.

Learn more: MillerFerry.com

CLICK HERE to print coupon.