Put-in-Bay: Wait, This Place is in Ohio?
How much do you know about the Great Lakes?
Maybe you know that they straddle the border between the U.S. and Canada. Perhaps you know that there are 5 of them. Maybe you can even rattle off their names: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, Erie.
But did you also know that the Great Lakes have islands? Because they do. Thousands of little ones, in fact, and a handful of larger ones that are actually inhabited.
I was actually just recently riding a bike on the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario, but I have to admit that I'd never really had much interest in the islands closer to home. Lake Erie – which borders my home state of Ohio to the north – has some fantastic islands just a few miles off the mainland. But I had only ever been to one.
So, before I waved goodbye to Ohio for an extended period, I decided I had better get at least one more Lake Erie Shores and Islands visit under my belt.
And what better place to finally visit than Put-in-Bay?
Introducing: Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay is a village on South Bass Island, with a permanent population of right around 150. During the summer months, however, the population swells by 10- or 20-fold as young twenty-somethings and retired couples alike flock to Put-in-Bay to party and relax in equal measure.
Now, usually I wouldn't be interested in a place known for its party-resort atmosphere; I'm not a fan of being around people who are so drunk that they can't even form coherent sentences.
But Put-in-Bay is so much more than just drunk college kids.
It's got yacht clubs and crepe restaurants. It's got more golf carts than cars. It's even got a national memorial to commemorate a naval battle that took place on Lake Erie in 1813 (yes, really).
And yes. IT'S IN OHIO.
Despite being small, there's actually quite a bit to do on the island, especially in the summer months.
Things to do in Put-in-Bay
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial
You can't miss this 352-foot tower – it's one of the first things you'll see as you approach South Bass Island from the mainland, and can be seen from various points around the island. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie, one of the most significant naval battles to occur in the War of 1812. The monument is dedicated to those who fought in the battle, and also celebrates the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada, and the U.S. (who were all involved in the War of 1812).
The monument is managed by the National Park Service, and the visitor center does a great job of explaining the Battle of Lake Erie.
But the real highlight is taking the elevator to the top of the tower, which gives fantastic views out over Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie. On a clear day, you can see Canada.
Visit The Boardwalk
If you're looking for a lunch spot overlooking Lake Erie, head to The Boardwalk. You can find good seafood dishes here (Lake Erie is known for its perch and walleye!), as well as great views.
Enjoy a winery
Yes, Put-in-Bay has wineries! Sip some delicious locally-bottled wines at either the Put-In-Bay Winery or Heineman's Winery.
Visit Perry's Cave Family Fun Center
Perry's Cave is exactly what it sounds like – a cave! You can go on underground tours of this limestone cave, or enjoy some of the other things the family fun center has to offer, including mini golf, gem mining, a rock wall, and a butterfly house.
Rent a bike
One of my favorite ways to explore the Lake Erie Islands is by bike! Several places in Put-in-Bay rent out bicycles by the hour/day, or you can bring your own over from the mainland.
RELATED: Biking the Lake Erie Islands
You can also ride an old carousel, go parasailing, rent a kayak, or just spend some time wandering around the town on foot.
A trip to Put-in-Bay doesn't have to be all about drinking and partying (though there are certainly plenty of places to do that, too).
I'm almost ashamed that it took me this long to finally discover Put-in-Bay. It's a really great summer getaway destination, and it's no wonder lots of people flock here on the weekends.
Practical info for visiting Put-in-Bay
Getting there: You can catch a ferry from either Catawba Island, Port Clinton, or Sandusky. You definitely do NOT need a car on the island, though you can technically pay to bring yours over on the ferry. People-only ferry tickets start at $7 each way on Miller Boat Line from Catawba Island, and that ferry takes about 40 minutes.
Where to stay: There are quite a few accommodation options considering the size of the island. I stayed at the Islander Inn, which has a Caribbean theme and a distinct slant towards the party crowd. (This probably has to do with the fact that the resort has 5 pools and swim-up bars…)
Other, less party-focused options include:
- Bay Lodging Resort (rated #1 in Put-in-Bay)
- Ahoy Inn (top-rate B&B)
Where to eat: Check out the Olde Forge Cafe and Creperie for breakfast, grab a fresh seafood lunch (perch and walleye are both local) on the Boardwalk, and have dinner at The Goat (a bit outside of the downtown area).
Where to drink: There are plenty of bars and clubs in Put-in-Bay. A lot of them can be fun, but also crowded. If you want to avoid the drunk crowds and go somewhere more “local,” check out Topsy Turvey's on the waterfront. Bring an extra dollar bill with you to staple to the wall.
Is Put-in-Bay a place that YOU would like to visit?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
I was raised summers Christmas vacation at Put In Bay my grandparents were the lighthouse keepers there for 20years .I know a lot of the kids I grew up with there .Had many good times there .Now Ohio State University owns the lighthouse and property it stands on .I have slot of fond memories of growing
Up there.
We only have one day. Is it worth the trip from Marengo?
To be honest, I have no idea where Marengo is! If it’s the town in Illinois (the first one that popped up when I Googled it), you would not be able to visit Put-in-Bay in one day from there. If you’re already in the Sandusky area, then yes you can absolutely visit for just a day. But I would not drive hours just to spend half a day there!
Marengo, Ohio is about 2.5 hours away.
Gotcha! Sounds like it would be a bit of a long travel day, but you technically could make it work if you don’t mind an early start! I of course can only speak for myself – you’d need to do decide for yourself if there are enough things to do on the island to make the trip worth it for you!
Spent allot of time here in my 20’s haven’t been there in 10 years but oh the memories! GOOD TIMES.. there def seems to be more going on now.. It really was a great party spot to head out to during the summer;) we’d come all the way from Jersey if that tells you anything! I’ve shared the “secret “with a few people:)
It’s still a great party spot, especially during the summer! 😉
My husband’s family has a house here and I’ve been wanting to visit! Love the photos.
Ooo you should definitely go!
Hi Amanda! I was just mentioning to Katie Aune that I’m headed here next week and she remembered that you loved it! I’d never heard of it until now. I’m kind of excited to go in fall. Any tips?! 🙂 Thanks!
Hey Lisa! Fall is a great time to head up to the islands – less drunken party crowds. Lol. I was just up there last weekend, actually!
Food-wise, try the perch tacos at The Goat (or actually anything there – it’s delicious). And make sure to have breakfast at the Old Forge Creperie. I’m not really into the bar scene up there, but Mojito Bay can be fun because they have swings instead of bar stools, and often have live music (though I’m not sure how hopping it’ll be in cooler weather).
You can also rent a bike or golf cart to get around the island if you want to explore a bit – there are a couple state parks that are nice.
I would also usually recommend going up Perry’s Victory monument, but it’s closed for the season now (I think they’re doing some repairs on it).
If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me an email!
[…] Victory and International Peace Monument (at Put-In-Bay on Lake […]
I have so many amazing childhood memories of Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island! I grew up in Cleveland, and we went every summer (along with Cedar Point, of course!). The summer camp I went to was on Kelleys Island, and I managed to spend most of my time out on the water tubing, skiing and sailing.
It’s such a gorgeous place to visit, and I love that it’s right on Lake Erie. That lake gets such a bad rap, but it has a ton to offer. 🙂 Thanks for the memories!
I agree – this whole area of Ohio often gets a bad rap, but there really is a LOT to do around here! I’m hoping to go back up to the islands again before the end of the summer!