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Take a Visual Tour of our Area Attractions by clicking the picture below:
About the area
For those of you that have never visited
the Lake Erie Islands region before … WELCOME! And, for those
tens of thousands of you that visit us year after year … WELCOME BACK
WE’RE HAPPY TO SEE YOU AGAIN! Whatever your experience level is with
this region of the Great Lakes there is always something new and
exciting to explore, see and do. Thanks to the folks at the Ottawa
County Visitors Bureau your job of planning a weeks worth of activities
is made easy. Take a look at what they have planned …
DAY 1
History Comes Alive
Tour the oldest, continuously operating
lighthouse on the Great Lakes; the Marblehead Lighthouse. Step back in
time to the Civil War era on Johnson’s Island. Experience the historic
Chautauqua village of Lakeside. Shop the quaint nautical village of
Marblehead for those one of a kind finds.
DAY 2
Island Adventures
Hop aboard a ferryboat for an island
adventure. The village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island invites you to
explore underground caves, discover the nation’s third tallest national
monument and learn about the island’s history. Sample some island wine,
rent a bike or golf cart, browse the wide variety of shops, tour the
Aquatic Visitors Center, stop for a delicious meal, enjoy the live
entertainment or take the island tram for a tour. Looking for a slower
pace? Why not head to Middle Bass Island for some ideal bird watching
and hiking opportunities?
DAY 3
Beach Bummin’
Relax along our 107 miles of beautiful
shoreline. Take a dip in Lake Erie, pack a picnic lunch, build a
sandcastle or two, or simply catch some rays. The choice is yours. Feel
like more adventure? Consider a "walk-on" head boat or book a fishing
charter with a licensed guide and you’ll increase your chances of
pulling in a trophy-sized catch!
DAY 4
Amusement Park Thrills
Ready to race, spin, splash, twist,
tumble and roll? Then head to Cedar Point Amazement Park or Six Flags
Worlds of Adventure. Get ready for some heart-pounding adventure,
blockbuster shows and more fun than you thought possible, all packed in
to one great day.
DAY 5
A Walk on the Wild Side
Did you know that Ottawa County was named
one of the hottest bird watching areas in the Midwest? Get back to
nature with a walk through Magee Marsh and Ottawa National Wildlife
Refuge in the western part of the Lake Erie Islands Region. Enjoy
beautiful gardens? Be sure to explore Schedel Arboretum & Gardens in
Elmore. This 27-acre garden features approximately 20,000 annuals
planted each year to compliment the many wonderful permanent displays,
such as an Oriental garden with an authentic pagoda, graceful bridges,
stone lanterns, and a Torii (gate).
DAY 6
Family Fun
Grab the kids and head for Monsoon Lagoon
Waterpark and Family Fun Center for some wet and wild adventures. Or how
about going on safari at the African Safari Wildlife Park? Dinosaurs
your thing? Step back in time at Prehistoric Forest and Mystery Hill.
Day 7
Beat the "End of the Vacation" Blues
Wind down your trip with visits to local
farm markets. You’ll find all kinds of goodies to take home, from the
freshest homegrown produce and wine made from local grapes to a huge
selection of cheese at Cheese Haven.
Now that’s a full weeks adventure!
However, that’s only the surface of what there is to see and do. Here
are some activities they could not fit in to their week of adventure …
relaxing by the pool, playing tennis, reading a book, getting away from
your workplace, getting reacquainted with your family and friends,
building a sand castle, scuba diving a shipwreck, taking a soak in a hot
tub, creating the ultimate margarita, or just plain old doing nothing
for a change!!!!
From beaches and trails to shopping and nightlife,
rods and reels to grapes and history, the south shore of Lake Erie has
it all! Check out just some of the must see attractions while visiting
this region.
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African Safari Wildlife Park |
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Description: The
Midwest's ONLY drive thru safari. View rare animals from all
over the world, over 300 in all. Experience the animals from the
comfort of your own car or in our walkthru area. Open rain or
shine !
Hours of Operation: Call for hours of operation
419-732-3606 |
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Description: More
thrill rides than any other park in the world! More roller
coasters than any other park in the world! New in 2003 – Top
Thrill Dragster – 420 feet tall and 120 miles per hour!
Open May - October
Hours of Operation: cedar point for details
Web Address:
www.cedarpoint.com |
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Crane
Creek State Park and Magee Marsh |
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Description: Located on
the scenic shore of Lake Erie, Crane Creek State Park offers a
vast freshwater marsh and spacious sandy beach for enjoyment.
This coastal environment is home to more than 300 species of
birds. Herons, waterfowl, warblers, gulls and the magnificent
bald eagle make this park one of the best bird watching areas in
the country.
Hours of Operation: not published |
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Description: Located on
the shores of Lake Erie, East Harbor State Park has unlimited
opportunities for outdoor recreation. Boating, fishing,
swimming, picnicking and camping are popular while nature
enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of waterfowl, shorebirds
and other species of wildlife found in the park's scenic
wetlands
Hours of Operation: not published |
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Description: "The
Fastest Way To Put-in-Bay!", the Jet Express is North America's
Fastest Ferry boat. In just 22 minutes, you'll pass seven Lake
Erie islands, catch up on the lake and island histories with a
narrated tour, and travel shore-to-shore from downtown Port
Clinton to downtown Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie's most popular island
destination and family fun spot. The Jet Express is a safe,
ocean-approved catamaran offering passengers a choice of
all-weather protected, indoor seating or a refreshing open air
ride. Traveling at speeds in excess of 40 mph, it offers the
smoothest, fastest ride across the lake. Operating daily May-
September and weekends April and October.
Hours of Operation: Call for hours of operation
1-800-245-1JET
Web Address:
www.jet-express.com |
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Description: The former
site of a Civil War Prison. Johnson's Island is now the final
resting place for over 120 Confederate Officers and soldiers.
Johnson's Island is accessible year round via a drivable
causeway.
Hours of Operation: Accessible year round |
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Description: The
village of Kelleys Island is the center of island life, shopping
and activity. But, Kelleys Island is know for it abundance of
undisturbed natural habitats. Six miles of scenic trails take
visitors to Kelleys Island State Park's outstanding natural
features. The Kelleys Island State Park also includes a swimming
beach, fishing piers, picnic area and launch ramps. Island is
accessable year round - many merchants are closed October -
April
Hours of Operation: Accessable by ferry or plane year
round
Web Address:
www.kelleysisland.com |
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Description: Lakeside
is a place where the mission remains the same today as it was
more than a hundred years ago. A place to foster traditional
Christian values, to strengthen the quality of family life, and
to nurture fellowship by providing programs and services that
offer opportunities for enrichment and growth...spiritual,
intellectual, cultural, and physical...in a restful setting,
while preserving the timeless quality of Lakeside's heritage.
The waterfront with its pavilion and open verandas, 700 foot
dock, sail boats,and children's pool remains a center of
activity, as it has been throughout several generations.
Opportunities to meet new people at Lakeside surround you when
you are on the grounds; it is just a friendly sort of place for
people of all ages. There is everything from handmade crafts,
consignment shop, to an antique store to men's and women's
clothing stores to several gift shops, a bookstore and much more
in the downtown business district of Lakeside. Gate fee charged
from June - September
Hours of Operation: Gate Fee May - Sept
Web Address:
www.lakesideohio.com |
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Description: Miller
Boat Line is a passenger and vehicle ferry service to Put-in-Bay
(South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island from Catawba Point.
We travel the shortest route (only 18 minutes!) to Put-in-Bay
where you can explore Lake Erie's famed historic island and
waterfront village. You can also take a 40 minute scenic cruise
to Middle Bass Island where you can fish, and relax. Miller Boat
Line offers the lowest fares for passengers, tour and school
groups. You'll find we schedule the most frequent trips--less
waiting time for passengers. Ferries depart every half hour
during the summer beginning as early as 7:00 a.m. We have four
open deck "drive-on/drive-off" vessels capable of carrying 450
to 500 passengers or 18 to 20 vehicles per trip. Miller Boat
Line is the only ferry service that transports both passengers
and vehicles to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island. On board
you'll find indoor and outdoor seating and luggage stowage. The
lower decks are wheelchair accessible. We encourage our
customers with special needs to ask our employees for any extra
assistance you may need. Operates year round (weather
permitting)
Hours of Operation: check for posted times at Miller Boat
Line
Web Address:
www.millerferry.com |
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Perry's
Victory and International Peace Memorial |
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Description: The 3rd
tallest monument in the U.S. National Park Service, Perrys
Monument, stands as a memorial to the Battle of Lake Erie in the
war of 1812. It also serves as a reminder to the years of peace
and friendship between the United States and Canada. Take an
elevator ride to the open air platform which is over 300 feet
above Lake Erie. From there you can see the battle site
approximately 12 miles away, the beautiful harbor of Put-in-Bay
and, on a clear day, the skyline of Cleveland over 65 miles
away. The grounds are open year round. Tours to the top and
visitors center open May - October.
Hours of Operation: not published. |
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Put-in-Bay, OH (South
Bass Island) |
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Description: Put-in-Bay
invites you to discover an island in Ohio. The deep blue waters
surrounding this small resort island in Lake Erie's western
basin are a recreational paradise. Whether you plan to enjoy a
day of fishing, or a night on the town, relax for a weekend or
bask in our sun for the season; once you visit Put-in-Bay,
you'll be hooked for life. Accessible Year Round - Many
merchants closed October - April.
Hours of Operation: not published.
Web Address:
www.Put-in-Bay.com |
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The Village of
Marblehead |
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Description:
Once a tiny, bustling quarry town, the Village of Marblehead
today offers a glimpse of history distinctly different from
other Ohio villages. The quarry is still very much in operation
here, with conveyor belts running over the highway to load huge
freighters docked on the shores of Lake Erie. In downtown
Marblehead, however, a New England-like community of quaint
shops and art galleries has sprung up. Tour buses stop here
regularly, year round, before visiting the famous Marblehead
Lighthouse just beyond the downtown district. The drive "around
the horn", as the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula is called,
offers a spectacular view of both Lake Erie, and historic
Johnson's Island in Sandusky Bay. Alexander Pike Road also cuts
through the quarry, which occupies the center of the peninsula.
In May, the Lakeside Daisy blooms here, one of only three
locations in the world. Some shops and many restaurants open
year round.
Hours of Operation: not published.
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