Lake Erie Islands Guide (2026)

The Lake Erie islands are located about 60 miles west of Cleveland near Sandusky and Port Clinton. From Cleveland, the drive to the ferry docks takes about an hour via the Ohio Turnpike or Route 2. The Miller Ferry and Jet Express operate regular service from Port Clinton and Catawba Island to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. The Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line departs from Marblehead. Ferries run frequently from May through September. Reservations are recommended if you are bringing a car, but foot passengers can generally walk on. Most visitors leave their cars on the mainland and rent golf carts on the islands.

Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island is the livelier of the two main islands, known for its bars, restaurants, and party atmosphere on summer weekends. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, a 352-foot Doric column, is the centerpiece and offers panoramic lake views from the observation deck. The downtown strip along Delaware Avenue is packed with bars, including the Boardwalk and Mr. Ed's. Beyond the party scene, Put-in-Bay has legitimate attractions: Perry's Cave, Crystal Cave (home to the world's largest geode), and the Butterfly House. Rent a golf cart to explore the whole island in a few hours.

Kelleys Island is smaller, quieter, and more nature-focused. Glacial Grooves State Memorial preserves massive grooves carved into limestone bedrock by glaciers 18,000 years ago, and it is one of the most impressive geological sites in Ohio. The island has several small beaches, including the sandy North Shore, and Kelleys Island State Park offers camping and hiking trails. The downtown area is quaint, with a handful of restaurants, a winery, and shops. Biking is the best way to get around since the island is only about four miles long.

The islands are a seasonal destination. Full ferry service and most businesses operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. June through August is peak season with warm water, full event calendars, and the biggest crowds. For a more relaxed trip, visit on a weekday or in early to mid-September when the weather is still warm but the crowds thin out. Some businesses open in May and stay open through October, but hours are limited. The islands are essentially closed from November through April.