Summer is here and there is one place that I especially look forward to visiting- Put-in-Bay!
Located on South Bass Island, this Lake Erie destination offers fun for singles, couples, groups, and families. If the island doesn’t offer something for everyone, it sure seems like it does. You’ll find historical attractions, museums, outdoor activities, wineries, top-notch restaurants, shopping, a range of lodging options, and nightlife in a laid back island setting.
There’s so much to see and do on the island that you may find it hard to know where to begin. If you’re visiting Put-in-Bay for the first time, I suggest the Put-in-Bay Tour Train. This narrated train ride offers passengers a fun way to get around the island while providing an overview of many of the island’s top tourist attractions. Passengers can relax and ride through the entire loop or use it as a trolley and hop on and off at the stops that appeal to you. The train makes regular stops and pickups at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, Heineman Winery & Crystal Cave (the world’s largest geode), Perry’s Victory & Int’l Peace Memorial, Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, and the Doller House & Museum of Island Life.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center offers miniature golf, the Butterfly House, a fun maze, a tour of Perry’s Cave, and an antique car museum.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find plenty of water sports- you can boat, kayak, canoe, paddle board, snorkel or swim. You’ll also find two state parks. South Bass Island State Park offers a boat launch, stone beach, and camping options. Oak Point State Park is Ohio’s smallest park but provides picnic tables, restrooms, and a great view of Gibraltar Island and Perry’s Memorial. Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve provides a quiet place for a quick hike. Who knows? You may spot one or more of the island’s water snakes that are counted, collected, and studied by OSU’s Stone Lab & Aquatic Center. No need to fear them- they’re harmless.
Downtown Put-in-Bay offers a blend of family-friendly attractions and establishments for grownups. You’ll find the longest bar in the world and the historic Round House Bar, serving the island since 1873.
Families can relax at the playground in De Rivera Park, shop in the PIB Candy Bar that sells nearly every type of candy you can imagine with vintage brands and mega sizes before enjoying a ride on the historic carousel.
I’ve only shared a sampling of things you can do on South Bass Island. You can learn more about Put-in-Bay and plan your island escape with these interactive maps that are perfect to help you plan your getaway.
Transportation to the Island
Miller Boat Line, located in Port Clinton, transports passengers from the mainland to South Bass Island via ferry. Miller Boat Line offers the lowest fares to the island and a large, free parking area for vehicles you leave behind. If you choose, you can take your vehicle to the island as well. Miller Ferry will transport cars, trucks, bikes and motorcycles.
From May until mid-September, ferries depart from Catawba every half hour beginning at 6:30 a.m. and head back at 7:00 p.m. with additional hours offered on the weekend.
The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes and costs $7 one way per adult.
© 2015, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Dru says
May 29, 2015 at 12:08 pmAfter seeing Crystal Cave for my daughter, it would be nice to visit at least one of the wineries.
Vicki G says
May 29, 2015 at 6:01 amRenting a golf cart is our favorite way to see the island. When we are there, we jam as much activity into our day as our schedule will allow! 🙂
Kristin @ THe Touring Camper says
May 28, 2015 at 10:21 pmWe are headed to Put in Bay later this summer! We can’t wait to visit Perry’s Monument 🙂 So glad I found your website before our trip…it will be great for planning!
Dru says
May 28, 2015 at 1:26 pmMy daughter would love Crystal Cave so much.
Jeffrey says
May 27, 2015 at 5:44 amA helicopter ride would be amazing!
Jeffrey says
May 26, 2015 at 7:22 amI’d like to visit the many parks, wildlife centers and preserves on the island. My boys are really into those sort of things!
Jeffrey says
May 25, 2015 at 2:09 amI think renting some jet skis would be a blast, its been awhile since we’ve rode some and the kids never have before.
Angela Johnson says
May 24, 2015 at 8:04 amI wanna go!!
Jeffrey says
May 24, 2015 at 5:34 amMy wife and I would love to parasail, that’s on both of our bucket lists!
Jeffrey says
May 23, 2015 at 5:54 amI bet my kids would love to camp there, not really my thing but I would do it for them. I like the amenities hotels offer like a shower!
Jeffrey says
May 22, 2015 at 6:00 amMy wife and I could do some shopping, take is some of the local seafood fare and maybe even enjoy some of the crazy nightlife!
Jeffrey says
May 21, 2015 at 5:29 amBoth my kids actually like tour trains so that is something we could put on our list especially it its raining…we’d be covered!
Jeremy Kuznicki says
May 20, 2015 at 11:37 amNever knew about the Miller boat service. Looks pretty dang cool, hope i get to use it one day
Teresa says
May 20, 2015 at 11:22 amRent bikes and bike around the island!
amy guillaume linderman says
May 20, 2015 at 10:23 ami showed this to my kids and they would love to rent a golf cart to explore with!
Jeffrey says
May 20, 2015 at 6:09 amPerry’s Cave and Family Fun Center would have to be on the itinerary, wonder if it’s anything like the caves in Hocking!
Maggie Smith says
May 19, 2015 at 2:09 pmI would love love to tour the South Bass Island Lighthouse!
Jeffrey says
May 19, 2015 at 5:35 amThe Historical Society and Museum would definitely be on my list of places to check out.
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:05 pmI’ve not been to this museum yet, but hoping to check it out on my next visit.
Jeffrey says
May 18, 2015 at 5:43 amPerry’s Monument would be a great site to see and a learning experience for the kids.
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:04 pmPerry’s Monument offers a great learning component and it’s so affordable to go to the top of the monument. Just hold on to your hat- it’s windy up there!
Jeffrey says
May 17, 2015 at 4:31 amMy kids and I would all love to go to the Antique Car Museum. There is so much there that I didn’t know about!
Jeffrey says
May 16, 2015 at 4:11 amWell, be a chocoholic the Chocolate Museum would have to be a stop for me!
Jeffrey says
May 15, 2015 at 5:34 amWe’d like to rent bikes, or take our own and check out the sites.
Danielle Brooks says
May 14, 2015 at 4:56 pmI would luv to check out the lighthouse, visit the state park, and gets some ice cream.
SUSANNA Raftery says
May 14, 2015 at 4:46 pmThe Miller Ferry has the most pleasant & helpful employees. When I took my 81 year old mom to “Christmas in July” last year, they offered her a golf cart ride up that ‘steep hill’ and you all know that hill…. before I could even ask for assistance!!! They are the best!
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:29 pmI really appreciate you sharing your experience, Susanna! Yes, I know that hill! It’s good to know they can offer assistance for those who need/want it.
Mike McBride says
May 14, 2015 at 4:12 pmTaking wife for the 1st time here in June. We r so excited! ! Cant wait to have a blast! !
Lisa karohl says
May 14, 2015 at 1:14 pmLove to spend time with friends at the pubs!
Bea Brugge says
May 14, 2015 at 11:45 amI cannot wait to visit the island. We are visiting there this Summer so that we can scout out the location we are filming in October. We will be filming an episode of WPI Seeking The Truth at the Park Hotel. It has been recommended to us that we use Miller Ferry to get over to the island with the cast and crew.
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:32 pmSounds interesting! I recently heard of the Park Hotel- I had not idea of the “inhabitants” until now. Enjoy your trip!
Jennifer oehler says
May 14, 2015 at 10:16 amI love taking golf carts around the island with my family!
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:33 pmThe golf carts are what my kids most look forward to!
Kathryn herdman says
May 14, 2015 at 10:05 amI am coming to PIB May 29th for the weekend. We are staying at the PIB resort and would really appreciate winning the Miller Boat passenger tickets. We are celebrating my daughters upcoming wedding in June!
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:33 pmCongratulations to your daughter!
Cindy T. says
May 14, 2015 at 9:44 amI want to relax and read a book (or two)!
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:34 pmAhhh…me too! That sounds lovely.
Rachel Krych says
May 14, 2015 at 9:14 amWe’d rent a golf cart and explore the island with the kids!
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:34 pmThe best way to get around Put-in-Bay and the rest of the island!
Chrystal says
May 14, 2015 at 8:56 amI would love to do a family vacation and stay in one of the cabins on the island.
Kelly says
May 14, 2015 at 8:43 amI’d love to rent a golf cart, eat lobster bisque, shop, and explore the island!
Charlene Hall says
May 14, 2015 at 8:32 amPut in Bay is one of my favorite places in the world to visit, I try to go several times a year and our family spends a weeks vacation at the Put in Bay Resort and Conference Center every year. Believe it or not my favorite part of the Island life is driving around in a golf cart and exploring every inch of the Island, and of course we love to go to the Roundhouse Bar!!
Tonya says
May 19, 2015 at 3:35 pmI love the golf carts too. And I would imagine so do many of the other visitors to the island from the looks of it! 🙂
Jeffrey says
May 14, 2015 at 6:54 amI’d love to do the South Bass Island Lighthouse Tour, my kids would really like it too!
Beth ann Chiles says
May 13, 2015 at 4:48 pmI LOVE renting bikes and biking around the island, stopping for ice cream, seeing the winery, the monument—I love it all!!!
Linda R. says
May 13, 2015 at 1:53 pmI would love to go to Put-In-Bay. It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go to, but never made it there yet.
Tyjanna Lehman says
May 13, 2015 at 10:02 amI haven’t visited that area since I was a teen! Planning on going this summer.
amy guillaume linderman says
May 13, 2015 at 9:42 amwould love to do the tour train…and i know that my boys would love it if we rented a golf cart!