It's Island Time
You don’t need anything but a ferry ticket — or a boat — to enjoy the islands in July. But here are 10 additional incentives to make the trip.
As ferries churn north across Lake Erie, you can see passengers start to relax, leave daily burdens behind and anticipate escaping to a place where life proceeds at the pace of a golf cart. Ohio’s trio of Bass Islands — South, Middle and North — are like sisters whose personalities change from sprightly to subdued the closer you get to Canada. Their cousin — Kelleys Island — has the laidback vibe of a small town where folks spend summer afternoons playing checkers on screened-in porches., and wWith the entire island on the National Register of Historic Places, Kelleys is in a class by itself. So, what should you do after your ferry docks? Here are 10 quintessential experiences.
Kelleys Island
1. Behold the Glacial Grooves
The Glacial Grooves are the most impressive evidence you’ll ever see of the powerful forces that shaped Lake Erie and its islands. The 400- feeoot-long gashes occurred when colossal ice sheets scoured the bedrock, and elevated walkways afford an over-the-top perspective on a Nnational Nnatural Llandmark 18,000 years in the making. “They’re the largest and best examples of glacial scarring anywhere in the world,” says Jordan Killam, director of the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. kelleysislandchamber.com
2. Make a Splash on the Kelleys Island State Park Beach
The park’s 100-foot stretch of sand is one of Lake Erie’s prettiest beaches and family-friendly too, thanks to a gentle slope that lets seniors and preschoolers alike ease into the water. Tip: nearby Nearby trails loop through a waterfowl-rich wetland and an alvar nature preserve where rare plants thrive on glacier-exposed rocks. ohiodnr.gov
3. Sip and See at the Monarch Winery and Butterfly Box
One of Ohio’s most spectacular airshows occurs every autumn when millions of Monarch butterflies fly across Lake Erie on their way to Mexico. Thanks to one of the island’s newest attractions, however, you no longer have the to wait for the fall migration. The Monarch Winery and Butterfly Box exhibits them all summer long in a walk-through greenhouse where you can get up-close-and-personal with the orange-and-black beauties. And since adult Monarchs are attracted to fruit, how sweet is it that the winery specializes is flavorful fruit wines that are made on-site? monarchki.com
North Bass Island
4. Get Away from It All at North Bass Island State Park’s Lake House
Want seclusion, privacy and plenty of downtime? The Lake House is the place. North Bass is accessible only by private boat or airplane, and since the Lake House can accommodate 12 people, guests often outnumber the island’s three year-round residents. Everyone, however, gets to enjoy the splendid lake views and inky night skies studded with stars. ohiodnr.gov
Middle Bass Island
5. Tour Lonz Winery’s Relics
George Lonz fancied himself Ohio’s Wine King and, in the 1940s, he built a landmark winery that resembled a castle. Today, the winery’s roofless — but still regal — façade is Middle Bass Island State Park’s answer to the Colosseum. Its patio hosts everything from impromptu picnics to the rollicking Middle Bass Music Fest (July 17), and Lonz’s cellars have been repurposed into a museum featuring century-old winery equipment and giant wooden barrels. ohiodnr.gov
South Bass Island and the Village of Put-in-Bay
6. Visit Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Boasting an observation deck higher than the Statue of Liberty’s torch, the towering Perry Memorial is the granddaddy of island attractions and centerpiece of a national park that not only salutes the fledgling American Navy’s history-changing victory over the mighty British fleet during the War of 1812, but also celebrates two centuries of goodwill beetween the United States, Canada and Great Britain. “It’s a fantastic place, and the visitor center tells the story of Oliver Hazard Perry’s winning the Battle of Lake Erie,” says Wendy Chambers, executive director of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. Tip: take advantage of the eclectic and entertaining programs presented by the park rangers. They give talks on topics that include the Perry Memorial’s construction and the park’s flora and fauna, and on Carronade Weekends, you’ll have a blast watching them fire the big guns. nps.gov/pevi
7. Ride the Tour Train
This narrated train ride delivers an entertaining crash course on the island. “I always recommend the tour train to first-time visitors,” says Jill Bauer of Lake Erie Shores and Islands. “It’s a great way to get acquainted with South Bass because it goes to Put-in-Bay’s downtown, the Perry Memorial, natural areas and even residential neighborhoods where you see summer cottages and get a sense of the island’s lifestyle.” putinbaytrans.com
8. Eat Your Way tThrough Put-in-Bay on the Foodie Trail
Since every restaurant on the Foodie Trail is independent, its 20- plus stops are the ultimate opportunity to savor true island flavor. Think Frosty Bar’s meatball pizza, The Boardwalk’s lobster bisque, Mossbacks’s perch and pierogies dinners and Heineman Winery’s Concord and Catawba catawba wines ( andor grape juice for little ones) at Heineman Winery. visitputinbay.com
9. Go Fish at the Aquatic Visitor Center
Learn about Lake Erie’s ecosystem at a research center where fish displays and fun activities introduce families to the natural wonders of the world’s 12th largest freshwater lake. Kids under 16 can even borrow gear and fish for free on the center’s pier. Tip: Iif you catch a goby, the invasive species can be fed to the fish inside the center’s tanks. ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/avc
10. Try Your Hand at Paddle Tourism
Water trails provide kayakers, canoeists and other paddle sports enthusiasts a novel way to experience the islands. While designated water routes also encircle North Bass, Middle Bass and Kelleys islands, South Bass’s blueway has multiple launching and landing spots that range from the pristine beauty of Massie Cliffside Preserve to the hustle, bustle and convenient creature comforts of downtown Put-in-Bay. And the island’s incredibly varied vistas — including a lighthouse, sandy bathing beach and historic Cooke’s Castle — are a beautiful bonus. For more information, check out the Lake Erie Island Water Trails guide at shoresandislands.com.
Kelleys Island
1. Behold the Glacial Grooves
The Glacial Grooves are the most impressive evidence you’ll ever see of the powerful forces that shaped Lake Erie and its islands. The 400- feeoot-long gashes occurred when colossal ice sheets scoured the bedrock, and elevated walkways afford an over-the-top perspective on a Nnational Nnatural Llandmark 18,000 years in the making. “They’re the largest and best examples of glacial scarring anywhere in the world,” says Jordan Killam, director of the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. kelleysislandchamber.com
2. Make a Splash on the Kelleys Island State Park Beach
The park’s 100-foot stretch of sand is one of Lake Erie’s prettiest beaches and family-friendly too, thanks to a gentle slope that lets seniors and preschoolers alike ease into the water. Tip: nearby Nearby trails loop through a waterfowl-rich wetland and an alvar nature preserve where rare plants thrive on glacier-exposed rocks. ohiodnr.gov
3. Sip and See at the Monarch Winery and Butterfly Box
One of Ohio’s most spectacular airshows occurs every autumn when millions of Monarch butterflies fly across Lake Erie on their way to Mexico. Thanks to one of the island’s newest attractions, however, you no longer have the to wait for the fall migration. The Monarch Winery and Butterfly Box exhibits them all summer long in a walk-through greenhouse where you can get up-close-and-personal with the orange-and-black beauties. And since adult Monarchs are attracted to fruit, how sweet is it that the winery specializes is flavorful fruit wines that are made on-site? monarchki.com
North Bass Island
4. Get Away from It All at North Bass Island State Park’s Lake House
Want seclusion, privacy and plenty of downtime? The Lake House is the place. North Bass is accessible only by private boat or airplane, and since the Lake House can accommodate 12 people, guests often outnumber the island’s three year-round residents. Everyone, however, gets to enjoy the splendid lake views and inky night skies studded with stars. ohiodnr.gov
Middle Bass Island
5. Tour Lonz Winery’s Relics
George Lonz fancied himself Ohio’s Wine King and, in the 1940s, he built a landmark winery that resembled a castle. Today, the winery’s roofless — but still regal — façade is Middle Bass Island State Park’s answer to the Colosseum. Its patio hosts everything from impromptu picnics to the rollicking Middle Bass Music Fest (July 17), and Lonz’s cellars have been repurposed into a museum featuring century-old winery equipment and giant wooden barrels. ohiodnr.gov
South Bass Island and the Village of Put-in-Bay
6. Visit Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Boasting an observation deck higher than the Statue of Liberty’s torch, the towering Perry Memorial is the granddaddy of island attractions and centerpiece of a national park that not only salutes the fledgling American Navy’s history-changing victory over the mighty British fleet during the War of 1812, but also celebrates two centuries of goodwill beetween the United States, Canada and Great Britain. “It’s a fantastic place, and the visitor center tells the story of Oliver Hazard Perry’s winning the Battle of Lake Erie,” says Wendy Chambers, executive director of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. Tip: take advantage of the eclectic and entertaining programs presented by the park rangers. They give talks on topics that include the Perry Memorial’s construction and the park’s flora and fauna, and on Carronade Weekends, you’ll have a blast watching them fire the big guns. nps.gov/pevi
7. Ride the Tour Train
This narrated train ride delivers an entertaining crash course on the island. “I always recommend the tour train to first-time visitors,” says Jill Bauer of Lake Erie Shores and Islands. “It’s a great way to get acquainted with South Bass because it goes to Put-in-Bay’s downtown, the Perry Memorial, natural areas and even residential neighborhoods where you see summer cottages and get a sense of the island’s lifestyle.” putinbaytrans.com
8. Eat Your Way tThrough Put-in-Bay on the Foodie Trail
Since every restaurant on the Foodie Trail is independent, its 20- plus stops are the ultimate opportunity to savor true island flavor. Think Frosty Bar’s meatball pizza, The Boardwalk’s lobster bisque, Mossbacks’s perch and pierogies dinners and Heineman Winery’s Concord and Catawba catawba wines ( andor grape juice for little ones) at Heineman Winery. visitputinbay.com
9. Go Fish at the Aquatic Visitor Center
Learn about Lake Erie’s ecosystem at a research center where fish displays and fun activities introduce families to the natural wonders of the world’s 12th largest freshwater lake. Kids under 16 can even borrow gear and fish for free on the center’s pier. Tip: Iif you catch a goby, the invasive species can be fed to the fish inside the center’s tanks. ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/avc
10. Try Your Hand at Paddle Tourism
Water trails provide kayakers, canoeists and other paddle sports enthusiasts a novel way to experience the islands. While designated water routes also encircle North Bass, Middle Bass and Kelleys islands, South Bass’s blueway has multiple launching and landing spots that range from the pristine beauty of Massie Cliffside Preserve to the hustle, bustle and convenient creature comforts of downtown Put-in-Bay. And the island’s incredibly varied vistas — including a lighthouse, sandy bathing beach and historic Cooke’s Castle — are a beautiful bonus. For more information, check out the Lake Erie Island Water Trails guide at shoresandislands.com.
Story:
Damaine Vonada
2021 July/August