Get ready for an unforgettable season in Shores & Islands Ohio, where 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling years yet. From record-breaking roller coasters at Cedar Point to new water park attractions, museum experiences, and lodging options, the region is buzzing with fresh energy and excitement. Whether you're a coaster enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a relaxing lakeside getaway, there's something new for everyone to discover. Let's dive into the latest and greatest additions making waves along Lake Erie this year.
Experience Thrills Fathoms Below
Cedar Point Amusement Park cements its reputation as The Roller Coaster Capital of the World® once again with the introduction of Siren’s Curse – the tallest, fastest, and longest “tilt” roller coaster in North America – making its debut summer 2025. Siren’s Curse hearkens to the legend and lore of mysterious creatures living beneath the surface of Lake Erie. Riders will hear the echo of the siren’s chilling melodies as they ascend an old 160-ft. Lake Erie shipping crane tower, then their fate will hang in the balance as they encounter the coaster’s signature “tilt,” eventually landing at a 90-degree angle and peering straight down with the hope that the train reconnects to the twisted track below. The coaster features 2,966-ft. of track, 13 weightless airtime moments, two 360-degree, zero-gravity barrel rolls, and more, along with integrated audio and signature LED lighting on the train cars.
New Slides, New Eats, and More
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions offers newly renovated guest rooms for 2025 along with a number of new adventures for guests. The main lobby will debut a refreshed look, offering faster check-ins and more fun. Ohio’s 
largest indoor water park will introduce the Dawn Breaker waterslide, an exhilarating two-person slide featuring a heart-pounding “boomerang” effect. Two new eateries will open – MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop and Cinco Niños Modern Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria. A new souvenir hot spot, Marrakesh Market, will open as well. Stay tuned for even more ways to stay and play at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Sandusky.
Stay in the Mansion of Winemaker George Lonz
Part of the former Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island, the Lonz Mansion has undergone extensive renovations facilitated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources who operates the Middle Bass Island State Park where the mansion now resides. The historic winery once produced more than half a million gallons of wine a year. Now, it’s part of the state park and experiences new life as an event venue with a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar on site. The $4 million restoration of the Lonz home will include a first-floor historical museum and four second floor guest rooms, each with water views and available for overnight stays. Plans call for opening summer 2025.
Back and Better Than Ever – Aquatic Visitors Center
A family-fun and educational attraction at Put-in-Bay will reopen in 2025 after undergoing a $6.2 million renovation. The Aquatic Visitors Center has long been a main stop for families visiting the island to learn all about Lake Erie and its ecosystem through hands-on displays. The facility will be updated with interactive displays and exhibits that showcase Lake Erie’s historically significant commercial and sport fishing industries for species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The building will now also include an ADA-accessible ramp and entrance, allowing even more people to enjoy the facility. The Aquatic Visitors Center will continue to offer free admission, along with its free, hands-on fishing experience for children under the age of 16, when it reopens this summer.
Miller Ferry Celebrates 120 Years of Servicing the Lake Erie Islands in 2025
Founded in 1905 as a fishing and water taxi company in the summer and an ice harvesting business in the winter, Miller Ferry has grown to be the biggest ferry service on Lake Erie. This family-owned business runs ferries to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island in spring, summer, and fall.
Ohio’s Oldest Dairy Celebrates 125 Years
Toft Dairy, a local dairy and ice cream legend, turns 125 years old in 2025! Sourced from local dairy farms, this operational dairy also boasts an adorable ice cream parlor, serving up more than 50 flavors of their signature sweet treat! Guests of Toft Dairy will confirm the serving sizes are huge, and the flavor is phenomenal. Toft Dairy has a few locations in the Shores & Islands Ohio region, but the flagship location on Venice Rd. in Sandusky is iconic.
New Animal Experiences
Introduced last year, African Safari Wildlife Park now offers two up-close-and-personal animal encounters. In addition to the Giraffe encounters available, you can now schedule an encounter where you can meet and feed the park’s brand-new Capybaras, the world’s largest rodent. Or step inside the attraction’s indoor sloth habitat, where you get a look and give a snack to Cayenne the Linnaeus’s
Historic Hotel is 150 Years Old
The lovely and historic Hotel Lakeside, located at Lakeside Chautauqua, celebrates 150 years in 2025. In honor of the celebration, the hotel will debut lobby 
and fountain courtyard renovations and Lakeside Chautauqua will host a summer-wide celebration, including history educational experiences.
A New Wave
Formerly the Lighthouse Hotel, The Wave at Marblehead is a transformed modern boutique hotel experience that brings a sense of relaxed luxury to this lakeside paradise. The original hotel has been reimagined into a contemporary retreat offering expanded family-friendly amenities, beautiful lake views, and inspired on-site dining. Guests also enjoy seamless access to the water, a refreshing pool, outdoor games, a fitness studio, Pickleball, and a variety of on-site amenities designed for all ages.
Lake Side Sculpture in Vermilion
Main Street Vermilion and its partner, Public Arts Vermilion, introduce a new piece of public art located at Main Street Beach. “Aboard” is a sculpture of a schooner representing the coastal community’s history of shipbuilding. It is both an educational and beautiful addition to the recently renovated park, adjacent to the beach.
Two New Ways to Play
New family fun centers are open in Sandusky! Tilt Studio is located inside the Sandusky Mall. Tilt Studio features an arcade, mini golf, mini bowling, laser tag, small rides, virtual reality, snack bar, and party room for groups. Adventure Play, located in the Park Place Plaza on Milan Rd., bills itself as Ohio’s largest indoor inflatable park. Designed for all ages, Adventure Play offers obstacle courses and bounce zones, along with glow-in-the-dark, LED lights, and lasers. Plus, they are the only facility to offer an inflatable DJ booth and a three-tier soft play structure with LED slides. Another great location for groups and parties.
Discover a New Local Winery
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm, an organic herb and vegetable farm for more than 30 years, recently expanded their offerings by opening Mulberry Creek Winery. With family ties to Germany, where their ancestors grew wine grapes, the family business now creates exceptional wines in the heart of the herb farm. Visit the European-inspired tasting room to sample their wines and enjoy a glass as you stroll the farm and green houses.
Hampton Inn & Suites Port Clinton/Catawba
Kelsey Lodging LLC offers a new hotel in the Port Clinton/Catawba area. Hampton Inn & Suites Port Clinton is a newly-constructed, five-story hotel opening in the spring of 2025. The new hotel is located on the northeast corner of SR 163 and SR 53. The building is designed to maximize waterfront with an open-concept two-story lobby, floor to ceiling windows, and spacious gathering areas.
Fantastic Dining Possibilities
A number of new restaurants have opened in the Shores & Islands Ohio region recently. Pipe Creek Wharf, a casual restaurant with an outdoor waterfront patio, opened in Sandusky near Pipe Creek and SōlSTAY lodging. The Beach Glass Lounge, a steak, seafood, and cocktail bar, opened in Marblehead adjacent to Ferguson Gallery. This elevated dining experience features views of the art studio and beautiful pieces of art glass throughout the décor.
New Café and Event Venue
The former First Federal Savings and Loan of Lorain branch in downtown Sandusky will find new life as a multi-use business by Korobkin Hospitality Group. The new venture, created in part by the current owner of two other Sandusky businesses, Sweet Potato Catering and Venue 634, will combine these two passions. The new concept will include a café with prepared foods, grab-and-go items, meal kits, specialty grocery items, a lounge, event space, offices, and more in an historic building overlooking Washington Park.
Coffee and Music
A new performance café has opened in the Sandusky Plaza on Cleveland Rd. in Sandusky. Sound Grounds combines coffee, music, and technology in a cozy space. The business serves expertly brewed coffee, baked goods, and snacks, and plans to host live performances and open mics. The studio space can also be used to record live podcasts and other entertainment, making each visit a unique experience.
Clubhouse Expansion
A popular downtown entertainment venue, Clubhouse No.3 SportSocial, has partnered with Archie’s Pizza Truck to incorporate a permanent St. Louis-style pizzeria inside the location and will now serve this popular pizza treat year-round while guests enjoy sport simulators, darts, and other indoor games. This fun location has also recently expanded to an entire second floor which features fully-immersive racing simulators, another bar, and even more event space.
Time to geek out
A new candy store like no other will be a brand-new addition to the Sandusky Mall this summer. Sweets & Geeks offers a unique mix of candy, collectibles, and pop culture! The collectibles you can browse run from casual finds to niche items. Plus, there is an onsite Collectible Specialist who helps curate the collection. Plushies and international candies are also offered.
Popular eatery reopens under new ownership
Margaritaville in Sandusky is under new ownership. Benny Vito, proprietor of the popular Zuppaman sandwich shop, has re-opened the restaurant off Fremont Ave. It offers both indoor and outdoor dining, an outdoor bar, and an iconic waterfall view. Signature margaritas are a feature on the new menu and are sure to delight. Vito brings his unique spin on flavor combinations and offers daily specials.
Wheeling around downtown Sandusky
A new type of shuttle will be wheeling around downtown Sandusky this spring. Just Cart ‘N Around is a golf cart shuttle service offering food deliveries, taxi, and cart rental services. The rentals will have hourly, daily, and full weekend options. Be ready to buckle up for a good time, their fleet of carts are brand new and luxurious!
Get the latest scoop on the Sandusky dessert scene
A new downtown ice cream shop offers over 20 flavors of hard dip ice cream, along with milkshakes and classic sundaes. Sandusky Scoops, located on Columbus Ave., have partnered with a Wisconsin based creamery, The Chocolate Shoppe, to bring in the flavors that honor adventurous taste buds and local favorites alike. A trove of souvenirs can be shopped while enjoying the frozen confections.
Pay homage to the history of Cedar Point
Explore over a century of Cedar Point history at the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum. Large glass cases hold items for display ranging from post cards to pieces of various rides! The collection sprouted from a love of the park with saving old ticket stubs and photos. Pay a visit to this new historical showcase to que up for a nostalgic ride through the evolution of the peninsula property to the world-famous Cedar Point Amusement Park. This historical and unique exhibit is in downtown Sandusky and included at no additional cost with your admission to the Merry-Go-Round Museum.
Creativity, Commerce, and Community
The Emporium is a new marketplace housed within the iconic Sandusky Register building, offering pop-up shops, artist tables, and a farmers’ market for local entrepreneurs and artists. Stroll through to enjoy this new hub, seasoned with local flavor and flair!
Party bike through Sandusky
Explore and enjoy downtown Sandusky on a 14-seat party bike with Sandusky Pedal Company! The bike rolls through downtown, stopping at bars and restaurants. It is a great option for everyone from families to wedding parties, as you can customize your own tour as well. Located on Hancock St. your group of up to 14 people can ride rain or shine. Local couple Derrick and Brittany Arbogast are the operators and can’t wait to make your group adventures memorable!
Same Famous BBQ, New Location
Famous Dave’s is moving from the Cedar Point Marina to its new location inside the former Quaker Steak and Lube restaurant on Cleveland Road, attached to Castaway Bay. There will be substantial renovation completed in the space to tailor it for the eatery. The restaurant will be open year-round, offering cuisine options to dine in, take-out, or catered.
XD Theatre Ride Redux
Fresh fun this year at Ghostly Manor is the new XD Theater Dark Ride. The ride offers immersive experience in a 7-D theatre where riders will move, feel wind effect sensations, and up to 2 G’s of acceleration. There are 8 state-of-the-art motion technology seats with a large viewing screen. Riders may choose their film adventure including exploring the ocean’s depths or a space journey. The future of immersive interactive entertainment is here and now!
Island Greetings with Coffee
Noddi’s Java, a downtown Put-in-Bay staple, is expanding and opening a new, second location next to the Miller Ferry Lime Kiln Dock. This will be right next to where passengers disembark the ferry, making it easy to grab a coffee or drink coming or going! Their original downtown location on Hartford Ave. will continue to operate as well. They also offer pastries and generously sized breakfast sandwiches to nosh on.
Time for Tea
Open for tea, dessert, and shopping, Annie’s Closet & Tea Room is new to Huron! The venue has a small-town feel, and it is perfect to book for a special event or small party. Located in the heart of Huron, this tearoom is nothing short of adorable. There are packages available to select to customize your experience or event. If you haven’t been to a good tea party in a while, there’s no excuse now! The shop proudly serves Tea Forte brand tea, which is often featured at luxury hotels and resorts.
Ohio Bike Week 25th Anniversary
Gear up, it’s Ohio Bike Week’s 25th anniversary in 2025! From May 30th – June 7th the Midwest's Largest Motorcycle Rally returns to Sandusky. With organized rides, charity runs, and vendors galore, there is no question why it draws such a following. The HQ rally is located at Mad River Harley-Davidson, music entertainment featured at the Barrel House Saloon, and attendees can browse vendors at the famous block party.
Ottawa County Parks’ New Digs
The Ottawa County Parks Department will have an up close and personal experience with Shores & Islands Ohio! The department has entered into an agreement to construct offices within the S&IO West Welcome Center. It gives a chance for community collaboration to meet resource creation! Stay tuned for construction updates, photos, or announcements!
Downtown Donuts in Port Clinton
Lake Donuts opened March 2025 in downtown Port Clinton. Located on Jefferson St. near Subway, the shop offers creations made from scratch that are baked fresh daily. The menu boasts coffee and several types of donuts and fritters. The owner of the shop is Jim Barton, and he was originally a devoted weekend- visitor to the area. Deciding to settle permanently in PC, he brought his passion for baking with him. The shop opens fully stocked with goodies but closes upon selling out. Plan to get there early and see why the shop is making waves!
New Oak Harbor Café
New to Oak Harbor, Riverside Roost is a café offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The café has catering options, along with its daily menu. If you are in the mood for a scrumptious breakfast or a savory soup lunch the Riverside Roost will have you covered. It is located on Mill St. and has worked to partner with other local businesses to be able to offer catering, creating a sense of community in the small town.
Riverside Cantina
Formerly Mr. Ed’s, Riverside Cantina is Mexican cuisine bought fresh to Port Clinton by local Michael Drum. Boasting tequila, tacos, and tunes, it is a can’t miss! The eatery also features a from-scratch kitchen, meaning no frozen or fake ingredients in their food, and hand-crafted cocktails. Customers can enjoy happy hour, daily specials, and a few pool games on the two billiards tables inside. There are darts and other arcade style games to top off your visit with some family friendly fun!
Newport Clothing and Gear Opens Second Location
A popular local retailer known for its nautical flair, Newport Clothing and Gear has announced that it will open a second location in the heart of downtown Lakeside! The women’s clothing store was opened in 1987. The original store was located on Catawba Island at Midway Marina and is now located in the Knoll Crest Shopping Center in Port Clinton. It is known for its upscale and high-quality clothing brands and is a great place to find a treat for your wardrobe!
New and Notable at Lakeside
Lakeside Chataqua is getting ready for the 2025 season with some notable new businesses! The Fine Print at Millie Magoo’s will sell books in the new location. Other things on shelves include games; puzzles for all ages; cornhole, pickleball equipment; fun items to take to the pool and art supplies. The new shop Allison’s Thrifts and Gifts will be located on Second Street in Lakeside’s business district. It will be a mixture of handmade goods, items from other small business owners, jewelry, customized picture frames, seasonal ornaments, Lakeside-themed board tokens and thrifted items from garage or estate sales. Docky’s Mercantile will be a new retail space in the pavilion in the former Info Center. This shop will market beach items like sunscreen, towels, and chairs. The waterfront experience at Lakeside is already legendary, get excited about these new additions!
