If summer has gone by too fast and you haven’t made it to Shores & Islands Ohio yet – don’t worry! It’s never too soon to start planning your next group tour to Shores & Islands. Fall makes for a wonderful season to experience the region. Not only does autumn offer cooler temperatures and lower costs, but the season is bountiful with fall festivals, apple and pumpkin picking, experiences with spirits, and much more. Check out the events calendar to see the season’s offerings!
Take a scenic ride to Put-in-Bay on the Jet Express or Miller Ferry. The unique vantage point gives riders the chance to see the changing color of the leaves before spending a fun-filled day on the island. Plus, a well-timed return to the mainland creates a spectacular sunset view from aboard the boat. On the island, your group can explore via Island Transportation’s Tour Train with stops at popular attractions. Or they can participate in special events including Historic Weekend, Art in the Park, and Put-in-Bay Road Races.
Another perk of a fall visit is smaller crowds. At places like African Safari Wildlife Park, this can allow for a more personal experience. Less traffic means visitors can take more time to interact with the animals during the Drive-Thru Safari. The Walk-Thru Safari offers 
even more animals to see including the recently added capybaras. A great field trip option, African Safari Wildlife Park offers discounts for all kinds of groups. Plus, Dinosaur Takeover, which features more than twenty life-sized prehistoric creatures, will be on display until Labor Day.
Lakeside Chautauqua is a well-known oasis for family reunions, camps, and conferences during the summer months. The gated community provides numerous recreational activities, entertainment, and group accommodations for its visitors. After Labor Day, however, a slower pace allows visitors to enjoy the peace nature brings and to really connect with each other. Slow does not equal boring though; especially with the excitement over events like the Lakeside Marblehead Lighthouse Festival.
If a chance for a strong spiritual connection is what you are looking for, Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue may be the place for your group pilgrimage or day of recollection. This site has both the serenity of nature and options for prayer at the Shrine Chapel or the Stations of the Cross. Mass occurs daily with confession taking 
place an hour before. The Shrine Cafeteria is also available to groups with advance notice.
Fall under the charm of our Group Tour Co-Op Partners. These businesses enjoy welcoming groups to the area and giving the best experience possible. Looking for even more group ideas? Need help pulling together an itinerary for 2025 and beyond? Reach out to Joe Sugalski at joe@shoresandislands.com or visit shoresandislands.com/groups for itinerary development and more.
