Newsletter Sign-Up

Get the latest on Lake Erie Shores & Islands attractions, events and offers!

Shore Savings Card

Take advantage of great discounts and offers.

Kelleys Island Kelleys Island
  
Both kids and kids at heart are sure to find an abundance of activities, sights and experiences that will keep them coming back to this nationally recognized "Top-10 Healthiest Beach and Lake Getaway" (Health Magazine, July 2009).

Twelve miles from Sandusky. Kelleys Island is the largest American freshwater island in Lake Erie. Take a scenic ride around the island's more than four square miles on a rental bike or golf cart, setting your own pace and enjoying the many shops and restaurants along the way.

Kelleys Island State Park provides visitors with a beautiful setting for fishing, hiking, swimming and camping along the Lake Erie shore. Rent a kayak and explore 17 miles of coastline - and get a workout, too.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the island is lined with historic home and buildings. Check out the world famous Glacial Grooves National Landmark or visit the Kelleys Island Historical Association. Nature lovers will enjoy viewing monarch butterflies and waterfowl in a beautiful, serene setting. The island is also known as a haven for migrating birds, making it an amazing location for bird watching, and scuba enthusiasts come to Kelleys to enjoy diving at several shipwreck sites.

Stop by the local winery for a bit of refreshment, explore island boutiques and relax on the warm, sandy beach. Kelleys Island is sure to deliver a real taste of island living, no matter what you're looking for. See lodging charts for overnight accommodations.


Middle Bass Island
  
One of the three Bass Islands, named for the abundance of smallmouth bass in Lake Erie's western basin, this 750-acre island is home to about 30 year-round residents - although that number tops 1,000 between May and October. Originally named "Island of Flowers" by the French, Middle Bass Island is a naturalist's paradise with outstanding bird watching opportunities especially at the Keuhnle Wildlife Area. Middle Bass Island State Park includes a 180-slip marina, new harbor master facility and visitors center, and primitive campground. There are a small number of shops and restaurants available. See lodging for overnight accomodations.

Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island Put-in-Bay/South Bass Island
  
The Victorian era village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island has been attracting visitors for nearly 150 years. Hundreds of thousands travel here annually to enjoy family fun activities, outdoor recreation and a large variety of special events.

Many start out with a narrated tour on the Island Tour Train. For those wishing to go at their own pace there are golf carts, scooters and bicycles to rent. Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained including a butterfly house, miniature golf, gem mining, cave tours, arcades, a carousel and go-kart racing.

History enthusiasts won't want to miss Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. The National Park Service manages this site that includes a visitors center and frequent interpretive programs offered by park rangers. Many other historical offerings document island history and heritage.

Outdoor recreational activities include charter fishing, boat/personal watercraft rentals, a nine-hole golf course, kayaking and parasailing. There are numerous shopping spots and art galleries on the island along with a wide selection of restaurants and pubs to please every taste and budget. There are even two wineries and a microbrewery.

Of course, Put-in-Bay is also known for its exciting and varied music scene and more than a dozen establishments offer daily entertainment.

A range of lodging opportunities are available; see lodging charts for options. Many properties specialize in accommodating large groups for family reunions, company meetings, weddings and other events.


My Itinerary
loading

Welcome to the Lake Erie Shores and Islands itinerary builder!

Explore the large list of Shores and Islands attractions, including waterparks, beaches, fishing, and more! Find attractions you want to visit during your stay throughout the website, and click on the ADD TO ITINERARY button to build your itinerary and view it on the map. And once you register on the builder, you will be able to save and share your itinerary on Facebook, email and mobile phone.