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
Both kids and kids at heart are sure to find an abundance of activities, sights and experiences that will keep them coming back to this nationally recognized “Top-10 Healthiest Beach and Lake Getaway” (Health Magazine, July 2009).
Twelve miles from Sandusky, Kelleys Island is the largest American freshwater island in Lake Erie. Take a scenic ride around the island’s more than four square miles on a rental bike or golf cart, setting your own pace and enjoying the many shops and restaurants along the way.
Kelleys Island State Park provides visitors with a beautiful setting for fishing, hiking, swimming and camping along the Lake Erie shore. Rent a kayak and explore 17 miles of coastline – and get a workout, too.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the island is lined with historic homes and buildings. Check out the world famous Glacial Grooves National Landmark or visit the Kelleys Island Historical Association. Nature lovers will enjoy viewing monarch butterflies and waterfowl in a beautiful, serene setting. The island is also known as a haven for migrating birds, making it an amazing location for bird watching, and scuba enthusiasts come to Kelleys to enjoy diving at several shipwreck sites.
Stop by the local winery for a bit of refreshment, explore island boutiques and relax on the warm, sandy beach. Kelleys Island is sure to deliver a real taste of island living, no matter what you’re looking for. See lodging charts for overnight accommodations. More Information
Middle Bass Island
Middle Bass Island blends nature and serenity with spirited island fun. Visitors find beautiful lake views, historic buildings, a wildlife refuge and special events. Ferry boats offer island hopping excursions and lodging is available at bed & breakfasts, rental condos and villas. For food, fun, sun and live entertainment, there is a Caribbean-themed resort and a microbrewery. Middle Bass Island State Park offers primitive camping and is currently developing a marina, hiking trails and other amenities. More information
Put-in-Bay / South Bass Island
Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island has been attracting visitors for nearly 150 years. Hundreds of thousands travel here each year to enjoy the wide variety of activities. Bring the kids for an exciting ferry boat ride and fun island entertainment including a butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, cave tours, a chocolate museum, arcade games, bumper boats and go-kart racing. Outdoor enthusiasts will find bicycle, kayak and wave runner rentals, charter fishing, parasailing, a nine-hole golf course and hiking trails.
History buffs won’t want to miss Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. It’s the nation’s third-tallest memorial structure at 352 feet. The on-site visitor’s center and frequent interpretive programs given by park rangers round out the experience. History can also be found at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum and at century homes including Stonehenge Estate and the Doller House.
The many historic buildings on South Bass Island exist in harmony with modern restaurants and nightclubs. Food for every taste and budget is available and those looking for exciting nightlife can choose from more than a dozen places filled with people, music and fun. There is even a winery and microbrewery on the island.
Getting around is easy and most people choose to rent golf carts, bicycles or scooters. Taxi services are also available. Lodging opportunities range from campsites to hotels, bed & breakfasts, family cottages & cabins, rental condos and resorts. Many properties specialize in accommodating large groups for family reunions, company meetings, weddings and other events. Come “Celebrate Island Style” at Put-in-Bay. 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
Enjoy a relaxing day on Lake Erie aboard the Goodtime I. Visit Kelleys Island and Put-in-Bay. Live narration and a full-service snack and cocktail bar. ADA accessible. Memorial Day–Labor Day, Tues–Sat. Boat departs from Sandusky at 9:30 am.
Jet Express
3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton
101 W. Shoreline Dr., Sandusky
419.732.2800 or 800.245.1JET (538)
jet-express.com
Experience the ride – with fast, passenger-friendly and comfortable ferry service to Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island. Discover the sights and sounds of two islands by island hopping. The ferry departs from Port Clinton and Sandusky. ADA accessible. Complete schedule information available at jet-express.com. Ferry service to Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island May–Oct. 8:30 am–12 am (or later during peak season). Charters and excursions available Apr–Nov.
Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line
510 W. Main St. (SR 163), Marblehead
419.798.9763
kelleysislandferry.com
The only passenger and automobile transportation to Kelleys Island from Marblehead, departing every half-hour during peak times. There is a nominal parking fee. Available daily year-round, weather permitting, with late boats on weekends.
Miller Ferries
Departs Catawba - end of SR 53N
, off SR 2
419.285.2421 or 800.500.2421
millerferry.com
Passenger and vehicle transportation from Catawba Point to the Lake Erie Islands
of Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island. Vacation value fares, free parking, Put-in-Bay summer trips every half-hour and group discounts. See website for island coupons, events, maps and ferry schedules. Trips daily in spring, summer and fall; winter operation is weather permitting.
By Plane
Erie Ottawa Regional Airport Authority
3255 E. State Rd., Port Clinton
419.734.6297
A full-service facility with 400 foot and 5,650 foot crossing runways. Jet A and 100LL fuel is available. Terminal open 8am-6pm.
Griffing-Sandusky Airport and Flying Service
3115 Cleveland Rd. (US 6), Sandusky
419.626.5161
griffingflyingservice.com
Twenty minute sightseeing rides, service to the Lake Erie Islands and long-distance charters are available. Price quotes upon request. Open daily 7:30 am–5:30pm; closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The airport code is SKY.
GETTING AROUND THE ISLANDS
Kelleys Island
Caddy Shack
115 Division St.
419.746.2808
Bicycle and golf cart rental. May, Sept, Oct: weekends only, 10am – 8pm, Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend: daily, 10 am–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. (Across from Kelleys Island State Park)
419.746.2462
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
South Bass Island/Put-in-Bay
Bay Cart Rental
185 Toledo Ave.
419.285.5785
Buzzards Bay Golf Carts
Bay View Ave., Put-in-Bay
419.573.2555
E's Cart Rental
at Miller Ferry Dock
419.285.5553
Edgewater/Delaware Cart Rental
266 Delaware Ave.
419.285.2724
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
Harbor Village Golf Cart Rental
216.898.9951
Island Bike & Cart Rentals
at Jet Express & Miller Ferry docks
419.285.2016
Bicycle and golf cart rental.
Park Bike & Cart Rental
419.285.2113
