2022 Best of Lake Erie: Outdoor Adventures
Check out three ways to connect with Lake Erie's great outdoors.
High Tyed Ski School and Parasailing
Parasail over Lake Erie and get a true bird’s eye view — or take advantage of High Tyed’s range of watersports, from wakeboarding and waterskiing to tubing. If you’d prefer to cruise in a boat rather than flying high above it or traveling at high speeds behind the stern, check out High Tyed’s sunset cruises and fishing charters with complimentary food and refreshments.
Fredonia, New York, 716-680-0397, tourchautauqua.com/destinations/high-tyed-ski-school-and-parasailing
Kelleys Island AdvenTours
Tour Kelleys Island by bike, winding through state parks and along beach trails. “I show you all the fun spots on the island,” says Dawn Soldner, owner of Kelleys Island AdvenTours, which offers excursions in the woods, quarries and on Lake Erie by kayak. You don’t need the gear. AdvenTours takes care of the details while you explore nature.
“Our Treasure Tour goes from preserve to preserve by kayak,” Soldner describes. “We get out, explore … and we also offer sunset tours that go from the state park to the North Shore and end at West Bay.” Kayakers get a ride back from Soldner’s crew for this one-way kayak trip.
Soldner also offers a two-hour private golf cart Eco-Tour that is guided. You’ll learn Kelleys Island history, the development of winemaking and how the island has evolved over the years.
Kelleys Island, Lake Erie Islands, 419-708-4228, kelleysislandadventours.com
Sky Sail Balloons
Book a private balloon ride for parties of two to four people with Sky Sail Balloons, and float 500 to 1,500 feet above ground. Locals might know Sky Sail for one of its characteristic Easter-themed “He Is Risen” balloons emblazoned with a Jack Jewell portrait of Christ. Daily, Sky Sail’s vibrant-colored “envelopes” (the name for the balloon, or bag) dust across the Chautauqua landscape, making the experience a memorable family adventure or special occasion affair. Sky Sail has seen its fair share of wedding proposals and anniversaries.
Ashville, New York, 716-782-2280, skysail.org
