Put-In-Bay Ohio's Island Guide

SOOOO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO AT PUT-IN-BAY!

Put-in-Bay Ohio – The Crown Jewel Of The Lake Erie Islands

Who Are We At Put-in-Bay?

Some say no matter where, once you’ve slept on an island, there is nothing else quite like it. We want to think so too! Put-in-Bay, to us is home, and most of us who live on the island make it our focus to make your Ohio Vacation the best it can be.

Put-in-Bay In The Winter Months

While most of the state pauses thru the long winter, South Bass Island Residents are busy planning the upcoming seasons’ events.  Booking entertainers, planning events, and expanding to meet the growing demand each year are just a few of the things that happen over the Winter. Fewer than 700 people make Put-in-Bay, Ohio, their home on a year-round basis.

In the long cold winter months, residents depend on local airplane service to get on and off the island after the ferry boats stop. Islanders must carefully plan for the lack of ferry service. Meat orders are placed, canned goods are stocked, and things we take for granted daily are forgone. There is no Mcdonald’s, Dominos Pizza, or Longhorn Steaks, and we like it that way!

Our gas station may open a few days a week, and the bank just one. But that’s just fine as we know just around the corner, thousands of you will return each year to enjoy the island.

When we thaw out, the birds return, the trees sprout new leaves, and we welcome a new season. Just about every year, there is something new at Put-in-Bay. It might be an attraction, restaurant, shop, hotel, or ferry boat. It’s always better than when you last saw it, and still worth another trip!

The Put-in-Bay Season

The first weekend in April, the Put-in-Bay Hotels open to receive guests, who come in droves. Birdwatching is especially popular this time of year, and birders see hundreds of species of birds migrating annually. The bars open with refreshed menus, a few new faces, and many of the same entertainers. Mike Mad Dog Adams has been performing here for over 40 years, and each year the crowd gets bigger!

For Seven fun-filled months, Put-in-Bay transforms into a vacation playland that offers something for everyone, regardless of age. The island is a safe community with a local police department, Modern EMS with Lifeflght Care, and a Fire Department. No stoplights, trains (well, other than a tour train), or highways to disturb the day. When was the last time you sat by the lake, and the only thing you heard was crickets?

Put-in-Bay has been nicknamed the “Key West of the North” and offers an exciting nightlife with live entertainment to satisfy all generations, young and old alike. Strolling Barbershop singers, bagpipers, and steel drums are just a few of the ats you will see!

Things To Do At Put-in-Bay

Rare is a place where there are so many attractions in such a small area. The 2.5 by 5-mile island packs an attractions menu that few places on earth can rival. From soaring high above the ground in a Parasail, Helipcoter, or Bi-Plane to being underground in one of our mystical and historical caves. The Perry Peace Memorial reaches over 300 feet above the ground with an elevator and observation deck. On a clear day, you can see the Toledo & Detriot Skylines while learning about the battle that shaped the United States as we know it today.

We discourage motor vehicles on the island; we don’t need them. Instead, we drive Golf Carts, and you can too! These specially equipped golf carts seat 2-4-6 & 8 people and are rented by the hour, day, or overnight. Put-in-Bay Golf Carts Should Be reserved online here: Our attractions don’t end with just a little adventure! Many of the Put-in-Bay Attractions incorporate learning into the experience (hey, the kids don’t have to know!), and we hear time and time again how these experiences have stuck with children for years. Many of our returning guests were here as children and still remember the experience vividly!

Getting To Put-in-Bay

Many people say half of the fun is getting here! We are an actual island, so you have to take a Put-in-Bay Ferry to get here! The Jet Express Ferry offers a narrated tour with comfortable inside and outside seating. The trip is a scant 20 minutes or so, depending on which ferry you take. These are large ocean-certified vessels inspected by the United States Coast Guard annually and generally offer a smooth, comfortable ride. You’ll leave your car on the mainland side; you won’t need it at Put-in-Bay.

Things To Do At Put-in-Bay

Sailing, Swimming, hiking, and biking are convenient, and our trails are abundant. Our Lake Erie Islands Historical Society has an extensive collection of artifacts that show how island life has evolved over the years.

There are endless things to do on Put-in-Bay, which can be as simple as a stroll through town. Visit our stunning state parks, Perry International Peace Memorial, and lakeside pebble beaches on your journey. Spend the afternoon playing with the kids at the Put-in-Bay Resorts heated pool and swim-up bar! Rent jet skis and see the island from a boater’s perspective! There’s no shortage of unique experiences and family togetherness on the island. Once it gets close to lunchtime, check out the local Put-in-Bay restaurants! There are plenty of options for everyone!

Let’s Not Forget The Shopping!

No, we don’t have a mall, but you will be reminded of a simpler time when the village square was filled with specialty shops. The excellent service levels at Put-in-Bay seem to be something lost in time on the mainland. Browse the storefronts. Many are packed with locally created goods. Our local “Candy Bar” pumps out homemade fudge by the pound in various colorful flavors. Their extensive candy selection often includes childhood favorites like Red Hots, Lemon Heads, and Pop Rocks. Freshly made hand-dipped ice cream is served in many locations on the island and is quite popular.

Many of the island restaurants also have gift shops where they sell their specialty sauces, clothing items, and popular food selections to go! Be sure to grab some Lobster Bisque for the trip home! It’s one of the island’s best sellers. Local craftsmen and women create artwork and jewelry, some made with locally sourced beach glass. Local wineries sell gift boxes loaded with their award-winning wines and grape juice. An excellent gift for a friend or family member who appreciates wine!

Put-in-Bay Dining!

We all have a little “Foodie” in us, and Put-in-Bay does not disappoint when it comes to great food. From barefoot casual to picnic, resort casual to fine dining, we’ve got you covered! On a warm summer day, the simplicity of an old-fashioned picnic has never been more accessible. Mother Nature has created some fantastic dining spots in our parks, nature trails, and shorelines. Many Put-in-Bay Restaurants will prepare your order to go for your enjoyment. In the center of town, De Rivera park has numerous picnic tables and even a few BBQ grills that you can cook out on with supplies from the local grocery.

Local Chefs have creative and delicious ways to serve up Lake Erie’s prized Yellow Perch and Walleye. A good steak always hits the spot, and we have plenty of them! Several of our Put-in-Bay Restaurants offer stunning waterfront dining with views of the shoreline, local harbor, and docks. While most of the restaurants are located in town, there are several hidden gems situated on the interior of the island, such as the Goat & Joe’s Bar. Be sure to peruse our restaurants’ page for a complete restaurant-by-restaurant breakdown of menus and service styles.

Sometimes, dining in the comfort of your hotel room or poolside is appealing. Everyone loves Pizza, and the Put-in-Bay Pizza Company delivers to all major hotels, resorts, and island rental homes. The Put-in-Bay Resort is the island’s most extensive, newest, and most modern hotel, with a pool open to the public. The Blue Marlin Restaurant on-premises offers some of the most affordable dining on the island poolside.

The Put-in-Bay Nightlife!

Our entertainment venus rivals any big city setting. Many of the entertainers you would see in surrounding major cities play their summer gigs at Put-in-Bay! The Beer Barrel Saloon is our largest venue, seating over 1200 people and home to the world’s longest bar. Nationally known touring acts are frequently seen there. Our Put-in-Bay entertainment page details the most up-to-date information on who’s playing where. Many venues have several different entertainers performing throughout the day! There are over 30 places to enjoy an adult beverage, and all are within a 5-minute walk from each other.

Many of our nightlife hotspots are popular restaurants by day that convert to dancing and nighttime fun sometime near 9 pm. Late-night options include pizzas, sandwiches, and new 2020 Lesters Authentic Street Tacos in front of the Edgewater hotel on the main strip. Many late-night options are open long after the bars close, so there is no excuse to go hungry!

Put-in-Bay Conventions And Meetings

For over ten years, Corporate groups have been hosting their meetings at the Put-in-Bay Resort & Conference Center. It is the islands’ only full-service meeting facility with all amenities and rooms located on-site. Over 800 different companies have enjoyed productive, fun meetings on the island. Imagine a corporate meeting where everyone is excited to go!

All the conveniences of a big city meeting without many of the significant city expenses! In many cases, meeting rooms are complimentary, and the ferry ride is less than parking at most major city hotels. Did we mention things to do AFTER the meeting? Our planners can assist in fishing charters, golf, meal planning, and many other team-building events. With five meeting rooms, on-site AV & Catering, and a reasonably priced menu, Put-in-Bay is an obvious choice!

Family Reunions, And Social Functions

Family groups have been planning reunions for decades at Put-in-Bay. It’s so easy to please everyone with activities, shopping, and dining option on the island. Large Villas Syle Rental homes are located right downtown and are the perfect choice for families. The island has hosted bowling leagues, church groups, school field trips, teachers’ getaways, and more! Anything that involves friends and fellowship is an excellent match for Put-in-Bay! Our Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau is available to help plan all aspects of your Put-in-Bay Vacation!

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