TAKE A ROAD TRIP TO A PLACE THAT FEELS FAR AWAY.

June 3, 2026 MyOhioFun

EXPERIENCE A PUT-IN-BAY RECHARGE.

From scenic Lake Erie views to unique attractions, local foodie favorites, unforgettable sunsets, and golf cart adventures, Put-in-Bay has everything you need for the perfect island getaway. Time to plan your island escape.

LET’S GO!

The first steps to planning your island recharge is to head over to MillerFerry.com and purchase your ferry ticket(s) and book your E’s Golf Cart. You can purchase tickets when you arrive, but it is easier to do it all ahead of time. Golf cart rentals normally require a days notice. (If you are a U.S. Military personnel or Veteran you can save $2 off a round trip fare. You will need to buy your tickets in person at the ticket booth. Please present your Military I.D.)
Additional questions? Contact Miller Ferries: 800.500.2421

WHAT TO EXPECT.

Arriving at Miller Ferries dock.

📍5174 E. Water St., Port Clinton, OH 43452

🔷Park for free in any of Miller Ferries parking lots. Locations can be found on their website.
You will find a Passenger and Luggage drop-off location across from the ticket booth.

🔷 After you have parked, walk towards the ticket window. If you purchased online go to the kiosk to redeem. Or head to the window to purchase. Don’t forget to grab a return ferry schedule. You can view it also online. Public restrooms are available directly across from the ticket booth. There are no restrooms on the ferry.

🔷 When you are ready head down to the ferry waiting area. It doesn’t take long until the next ferry arrives. The ferry lets off all travelers first and then starts loading cars and riders. It goes fast.

🔷 Once on board, take the short (18-minute) ferry ride to the island. The best views can be seen from the top deck, but there is an area on the main deck for those who opt out wanting to climb the steps.

🔷 Upon arrival go directly to E’s Golf Carts to secure your island transportation. Then you are off on your days adventure. There is a incline from the dock to the top of the hill where you will go for your golf cart. If you need assistance, please let the staff at Miller Ferry know when exiting or contact E’s Golf Carts.

Time to explore the island.

Whether it’s your first time or you are a returned visitor, one or more of the following stops should be added to your days itinerary.

🔷Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center Learn about North American wildlife, view live animals, and learn about the rich island animal history. There is even a Nature Trail. Admission.
📍255 Meechen Rd., Put-in-Bay

🔷Learn about the history of the island at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum. The museum is a wonderful resource of island history. I learned a lot about prior inhabitants as well as how the island has changed over the years. The gift shop also sells “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flags. Make sure you check out their Heritage Resale Shop, located around back. There is a small museum admission fee.
📍443 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay

🔷Crystal Cave and/or Heineman’s Winery Tour – Find the world’s largest geode when you head down under in the Crystal Cave. After your cave adventure, relax and enjoy one of the many wine selections. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. There is an admission fee for the Crystal Cave. Don’t forget to take a selfie in the big chair.
📍978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay

🔷The Butterfly House – Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center
This fun stop allows you to get up close to butterflies as they fly all around you. There is also a nice gift shop filled with lots of butterfly items. Gardeners beware. Admission.

In addition to The Butterfly House, at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center you will find Perry’s Cave, Gemstone Mining. War of 18 Holes mini golf, Fort aMAZE’n and the Antique Car Museum.
📍979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay

🔷Visit the Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial – Visitor Center
No admission.
Find interactive exhibits, a film about the park and gift shop. A great place to learn the history of The Battle of Lake Erie, which was fought during the War of 1812 on September 10, 1813, and took place just a few miles from Put-in-Bay. Don’t forget to get your National Park Passport stamped.
Please note: “The Plazas, Rotunda, and the Observation Deck of the Memorial will be inaccessible for the 2026 and 2027 seasons due to the Upper and Lower Plaza Rehabilitation.”
📍 93 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay

Aquatic Center - Media pic — *Photo credit Aquatic Visitor Center*

🔷 Check-in at the Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center. Learn about the life cycle of a walleye, how fish hatcheries were used, the ice age, Lake Erie water snakes, and so much more. Open to the public Tuesday–Sunday, June 1 through October 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. No admission.
📍360 W. Shore Blvd., Put-in-Bay

🔷 Enjoy a golf cart ride out to the South Bass Island Lighthouse. Explore the grounds. On Fri.–Sat. through the summer, you can climb the stairs to the top of the tower (11 a.m.–4 p.m.). Check website for details.
📍2368 Langram Rd., Put-in-Bay

🔷 Take a pic with the Put-in-Bay sign located in South Bass Island State Park. You can’t miss it. It’s also a great place to capture an Island sunset.
📍 1523 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay

FOODIE OPTIONS

Put-in-Bay will not leave anyone going hungry.
Below are just a few of my favorite foodie stops when I visit the island.

🌭 Head to “The Dog House” (located behind the Round House Bar).
Try any one of their “Street Meat” hot dog or sausage selections. Round it out with a side of their Tater Rings, fried green beans, or funnel cakes. Well-behaved pups are invited to also enjoy the patio. Free golf cart parking nearby.
📍324 Loraine Ave., Put-in-Bay

🦞 If you love a delicious bowl of lobster bisque, head over to The Boardwalk, Upper Deck. A nice place to enjoy waterfront dining.
📍 341 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay.

🐔 It’s hard to pass up one of the wine-basted grilled chicken dinners from the Chicken Patio. The smell of them cooking will entice you in. Enjoy your selection on The Park Hotel patio.
📍234 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay.

☘️ Hooligans – Request a seat on their porch. It’s a perfect spot to people-watch while you enjoy a plate of their Fish & Chips or Shepherd’s Pie.
📍421 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay.

$Pasquale - PIB \ My Ohio Fun$

🍳Pasquale’s Café – In the mood for breakfast or brunch? This café serves a nice breakfast sandwich and a tasty cup of coffee.
📍 240 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay.

🍺The Roundhouse Bar – You are going to want to step inside and look all around Put-in-Bay’s oldest tavern. It’s like stepping inside a carnival tent. Looking for a cold one? Get one of their signature ice buckets filled with ice-cold beer. Home of the “Whiskey Light”. Check their website for upcoming live musical performances. 21 and over.
📍 228 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay.

🍪Sweet Siblings – Calm your sweet tooth with a stop at this sibling-owned little gem. Find fresh-baked cookies, savory bakery items, and delightful ice cream options. A perfect stop to curb that afternoon craving.
📍 258 Toledo Ave., Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456.

MY OHIO FUN ROAD TRIP NOTES

🔷 Purchase your Miller Ferry tickets and reserve your E’s Golf Cart in advance.

🔷 Swing by the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau office in town and grab an island map. If they are not open, look for the outside self-serve box. During the season public restrooms are available.📍148 Delaware Ave.

🔷 Make sure to allow time to return your golf cart and catch the ferry back to the mainland. Weekends can get busy.

🔷 Dress for the weather. Weather on the island can sometimes be a cooler than on the mainland if the north wind is blowing. Don’t worry about getting there and find you forgot a jacket or sunscreen. There are plenty of souvenir shops that sell Put-in-Bay clothing and island supplies.

🔷 Go during the week if you like less of a weekend crowd. My favorite days are Tuesday or Wednesday.

🔷 Well behaved four-legged friends are welcome to visit the island and they ride for free on Miller Ferry. Dog leashes are required.

🔷 Be aware of golf cart parking fees. Downtown you will need to have a phone to scan and purchase time.

🔷 Before taking the last ferry back, visit Dockside Gifts located right before the boarding area. They always have beautiful nautical decor, jewelry, and Put-in-Bay souvenirs. Public restrooms are available.

I hope you find time this year to explore the island. Everyone deserves a recharge, even if only for a day. If you still need more reasons to make a trip to Put-in-Bay just watch the Put-in-Bay Live web cam. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

For overnight accommodations on the island Visit Put-in-Bay Tourism Bureau.

For the mainland visit Shores and Islands of Ohio.

Keep on exploring!
~Diane

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank Miller Ferry, E’s Golf Carts and Shores & Islands Ohio for hosting my recent Put-in-Bay excursion. As always, my opinions are my own.

Photos, unless noted are the property of My Ohio Fun. Permission required for use.