It’s hard to imagine just how “away from it all” you’ll feel after a brief boat ride to one of the Lake Erie Islands until you experience it firsthand. Most of the two dozen land masses that make up the Bass Island Archipelago are privately owned and undeveloped; however, Kelleys, Middle Bass and South Bass islands eagerly welcome visitors. They offer varied sightseeing and entertainment opportunities sure to please any age and taste.
The excitement begins as soon as you leave the mainland and heightens once you arrive and find the preferred methods of travel throughout the islands are golf carts, bicycles and motorized scooters. While some prefer to walk, many choose to rent their choice of “wheels” to explore the entire island and enjoy educational and historical sites, natural areas, wineries, shopping, dining or just plain sightseeing. Once the sun settles into the lake, the downtown establishments “light up” with a wide variety of entertainment and numerous lodging choices offer just the right room to go with your island getaway.
Kelleys Island
The largest of Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands is dominated by natural areas. It appeals to nature and bird lovers as well as those looking for a relaxing, quiet getaway. Its rocky shorelines, pristine beach, lush forests, fragrant vineyards, historical homes and friendly hospitality are inviting. Islanders welcome visitors to share in their laid-back lifestyle. Rent a golf cart or bicycle and encounter the world’s largest, most spectacular glacial scoring, find Native American pictographs carved into a limestone boulder, hike miles of trails at the state park or build fairytale sandcastles at the beach. Downtown is the pulse of the island where clothing and gift stores, miniature golf, karaoke, restaurants, adventure rentals and live entertainment bring rhythm to the island pace. More Information.
Middle Bass Island
Middle Bass blends nature and serenity on this small, secluded island getaway. Originally named Ile de Fleurs or Island of Flowers, visitors can find beautiful lake views, a historic district, a wildlife refuge, and an Ohio state park. Spend the night at a bed and breakfast, rental cottage, or even a Caribbean-themed resort. Access is by public ferries, private boats and planes. More information.
Put-in-Bay / South Bass Island
Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island began its history as a visitor destination in 1864 and today more than a million people a year enjoy the small town quality, Victorian Era buildings and quaintness of this island resort community.
Put-in-Bay offers a wide variety of activities for the entire family. Most tour the island by bicycle or golf cart and take in attractions including: Perry’s Monument, museums, family fun spots, a winery, outdoor recreation, shopping, and much more. When the sun goes down the village of Put-in-Bay lights up with exciting nightlife. Dozens of restaurants and pubs dot the village offering a wide selection to please every taste and budget. Lodging opportunities range from campsites to hotels, bed & breakfasts, family cottages & cabins, rental condos and resorts. Access is by public ferries, private boats and planes. More Information.
GETTING TO THE ISLANDS
The Lake Erie Islands can only be reached by boat or plane. Cars are permitted on all three islands; however, you’ll have greater freedom to discover each island’s natural beauty by bicycle or golf cart. Rental shops are located within walking distance of the islands’ ferry docks.
By Boat
Goodtime I
Lake Erie Island Cruises, LLC
Jackson St. Pier, Sandusky
419.625.9692 or 800.446.3140
goodtimeboat.com
The Goodtime I’s day long island-hopping cruises depart downtown Sandusky and include layovers at Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. Also enjoy popular evening party cruises to Kelleys Island on Friday nights; reservations suggested. The Goodtime I is a 365-passenger vessel with a full-service bar, dance floor and snack bar. May-Oct; call for cruise schedule. Available for private charters and groups.
Jet Express
3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton
101 W. Shoreline Dr., Sandusky
419.732.2800 or 800.245.1JET (538)
jet-express.com
High-speed passenger ferry from downtown Sandusky and Port Clinton to downtown Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. Enjoy the scenic routes! Island-hopping packages available with frequent departures allowing you to come and go as you wish. Experience the island night-life with late-night service (midnight or later most nights) and special evening discounts. Children five and under ride free! Group tours and private charters available. May-Oct, schedule is available online or call for more information.
Kelleys Island Ferry
510 W. Main St. (SR 163), Marblehead
419.798.9763
kelleysislandferry.com
Daily passenger and automobile transportation to Kelleys Island from Marblehead, departing every half hour during peak times. Available year-round, weather permitting.
Miller Ferries
SR 53 N. (off SR 2), Catawba
419.285.2421 or 800.500.2421
millerferry.com
Passenger and vehicle transportation from Catawba Point to the Lake Erie Islands of South Bass (Put-in-Bay) and Middle Bass. Family-friendly fares, free parking, Put-in-Bay summer trips every half-hour and group discounts. See website for events, maps and ferry schedules. Trips daily spring, summer and fall; winter operation is weather permitting.
By Plane
Erie Ottawa Regional Airport
3255 E. State Rd., Port Clinton
419.734.5926
Griffing Sandusky Airport
3115 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky
419.626.5161
GETTING AROUND THE ISLANDS
Kelleys Island
Caddy Shack
115 Division St.
419.746.2664
Bicycle and golf cart rental. May, Sept, Oct: weekends only, 10am – 8pm, Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend: daily, 10am - 10pm.
Kelleys Cove
108 W. Lakeshore
419.746.2622
Golf cart rental.
Portside Marina & Gifts
116 W. Lakeshore
419.746.2668
Bicycle and golf cart rental. Daily: 9am - 9pm.
Seaway Marina
240 E. Lakeshore
419.746.2506
Golf cart rental. May 1 - Oct 31.
Uncl Dik's
833 Division St.
419.746.2462
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
South Bass Island/Put-in-Bay
Bay Cart Rental
185 Toledo Ave.
419.285.5785
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
Edgewater/Delaware Cart Rental
266 Delaware Ave.
419.285.2724
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
Island Bike Rental
2071 Langram Rd. & Hartford Ave. (at Jet Express & Miller Ferry docks)
419.285.2016
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
Put-in-Bay Bike & Cart Rental
419.285.8007
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
