Plan a Summer Vacation Getaway to Put-In-Bay, Ohio

Jun 6, 2025

Put-In-Bay on Lake Erie in Ohio is a gem of a local island getaway! This quaint and cozy village is located on South Bass Island, and it’s one of the top spots for locals. Put-In-Bay Island is a 397 acre playground and Key-West style paradise! With a rich and storied past in the War of 1812, there’s also plenty of historic sites to explore!

You can access the island via two Ferry services from Catawba Island, Kelleys Island, Port Clinton, Lorain, and Sandusky. The Jet Express Ferry will drop you off in the heart of downtown and also offers late-night services for those who wish to travel after the work day is done. The Miller Ferry is the local freight transport and the only option if you’re looking to take your vehicle with you on your getaway, but most residents and visitors travel by golf cart. If arriving by Ferry is not your speed, the island also makes provision for private boat travel and propeller-driven aircraft.

Here are some Great Things to Do in Put-In-Bay, Ohio!

Stonehenge Historic Estate is a preserved 1800s estate that encapsulates the history of Put-In-Bay. Schedule a historic home tour and explore the 7 acres of manicured grounds and gardens, and enjoy the local scenery and on-site gift shop.
Stone Laboratory on Gibraltar Island is a working freshwater field station since 1895, and is a part of the Ohio Stat University group. The Island is also home to the Aquatic Visitors Center and South Bass Island Lighthouse!
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center – This is an all encompassing family fun destination: nature, mini golf, mining, and so much more! Explore the 208 foot long limestone cave, hidden 52 feet below the surface. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the caves, and fun facts about the location itself. There’s also a mini golf course, a maze, and a rock climbing wall!
The Butterfly House – located inside the Family fun center, this aviary is home to beautiful butterflies and gorgeous flowers, featuring 4000 square feet of space with more than 50 species of butterflies from around the world.

The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum and Resale Shop has a wide array of rotating exhibits on the island’s history, local wine making history, Victorian architecture in the region, historic artifacts and souvenirs, and so much more! The Lake Erie Islands location is also the site of the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813.
Scheef East Point Nature Preserve encompasses more than 8 acres of land and one of the last natural settings for travelers along the Lake Erie Islands. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the map of native flora and fauna, and avian aficionados will love bird watching along the 2,205 foot looped trail along the shores.
South Bass Island State Park offers ample opportunity for outdoorsy activities like camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing and boating with breathtaking views of the Bay and lake! Accessible by the local ferry, with opportunities to bring your own boat or kayak to the boat launch, as well as a small beacn. Entry to the park is free, and it spans 33 acres of shoreline.
Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center features interactive nature and wildlife exhibits, plus optional events, workshops, and guided tours! Check out their summer programming and year round efforts to promote conservation and education about the local nature and wildlife of Lake Erie and the bay.

Put-in bay Tour Train will take you on a one hour guided tour of the area and give you plenty of time to take in the scenery whilst learning about local history and fun facts! You’ll see about 80% of the island, and make little stops along the way.
Jane Coates Wildflower Trail is a great opportunity to experience the great outdoors and have a magical jaunt through the woods with wildflowers all around you! This half mile loop is located on the southern end of South Bass Island, and affords you ample opportunities to do wildflower identification and observe local wildlife and birds.

Put-In-Bay Winery – Is a wonderful romantic day out for couples, and relaxing day out with friends for a group! This winery is small, intimate, and picturesque, and the ultimate experience for wine aficionados. You’ll enjoy a tour and tasting room experience, as well as tours of the estate grounds and house.
Heineman Winery – In operation since the late 1800s, this is a long-standing staple of the Put-In-Bay community. The facility offers cellar tours and tastings, and also hosts an impressive geode on site for viewing, one with crystals that are up to 18 inches long! Wines range from dry to sweet, making it easy to find the perfect match suited to your tastes, and you may also opt to enjoy the specially selected snack pairings while you enjoy the sunshine and wine.
Rent a Put-In-Bay Golf Cart – Renting a golf cart that holds 2,4, 6, or even 8 passengers is a very fun way to explore and see the island! Day rentals and longer-term rentals are available, and the town allows Golf Carts to ride along the regular roads.
Hike the Scheef East Point Nature Preserve – This beautiful area sprawls across 8 acres of land and one of the last natural settings for travelers along the Lake Erie Islands. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the map of native flora and fauna, and avian aficionados will love bird watching along the 2,205 foot looped trail along the shores.
Put-In-Bay Brewery & Distillery – This seasonal brewpub offers craft-brews made on site, creative spins on the usual bar food, and transforms into a very energetic dance club in the evenings and night time. It’s the bay’s first brewery, and specializes in stouts and wheat beer, but does offer specialty cider as well as a selection of fine spirits.

Saucy Brew Works Tiki Bar – This poolside oasis is open 7 days a week and is located inside the Bayshore resort. The Brew Works offers tropical cocktails, specialty brews, frozen drinks, late-night eats, and even a coffee bar. They also offer a range of non-alcoholic beverages and drink specials.
The Shops at Compass Pointe – Perfect for a little day-time stroll and shopping! Island Hardware and Market offers a charming one-stop shop for fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, and desserts like donuts and coffee cakes.
Take the Jet Express Ferry to Kelleys Island to Charles Herndon GAlleries & Gardens, Kelley Island Brewery etc – Just a few miles offshore from Put-In-Bay is Kelleys Island! Full of even more fun activities to enjoy, such as the incredible paintings, prints, sculptures and rotating exhibits of local artists at the Charles Herndon Galleries and on-site sculpture garden. While you’re on the island, you’ll also want to stop by to partake in some beverages at the Kelley Island Brewery!