Lake Erie Islands
Day Trips.
Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island, and Middle Bass Island — everything you need to plan the perfect island day trip from Northeast Ohio, including ferry options, what to do, and what it costs.
One of the most surprising things about living in Northeast Ohio is that you're within an hour's drive of an actual island archipelago. The Lake Erie islands — Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island, and Middle Bass Island — sit just off the north coast of Ohio in the western basin of Lake Erie, reachable by a 20-minute ferry ride from the Marblehead Peninsula. For families in the Medina, Akron, and Cleveland suburbs, these islands are a day-trip destination that rivals anything you'd fly to — turquoise water, island villages, historic landmarks, and the kind of relaxed pace that makes you forget the mainland entirely. Here's everything you need to plan your first (or next) island day trip.
Three Islands, Three Personalities.
Each of the three main Bass Islands has its own distinct character. Put-in-Bay is the lively one, Kelleys Island is the quiet one, and Middle Bass is the remote one. Here's what makes each worth visiting.
Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island)
The Lively One
Put-in-Bay is the most popular and developed of the Lake Erie islands — a vibrant waterfront village packed with restaurants, shops, bars, and attractions. It's the island most Northeast Ohio families think of first when planning a day trip, and for good reason: there's more to do here than anywhere else in the archipelago. The centerpiece is Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial, a 352-foot Doric column honoring the Battle of Lake Erie, with an observation deck offering panoramic views of the island, lake, and distant Canadian shoreline.
What to Do
- Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial — 352-foot column with observation deck ($10 adults, free for kids under 16)
- Perry's Cave — a natural limestone cave beneath the memorial grounds
- Crystal Cave — home to the world's largest geode, with celestite crystal-lined walls
- Downtown village with waterfront restaurants, ice cream shops, and boutique shopping
- Island wineries and craft beverage tasting rooms
- Biking the island's flat, paved roads on rented bikes or golf carts
- Jet ski, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at the harbor
Kelleys Island
The Quiet One
Kelleys Island is the largest of Ohio's Lake Erie islands at 2,800 acres, yet it feels more like a nature preserve than a tourist destination. With a year-round population of just a few hundred, the island has a quiet, unhurried atmosphere that appeals to hikers, history buffs, and anyone who prefers a slower pace. The island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its most famous attraction — the Glacial Grooves — is a National Natural Landmark carved into limestone by Ice Age glaciers over 18,000 years ago.
What to Do
- Glacial Grooves — massive Ice Age grooves carved into limestone, a National Natural Landmark
- Inscription Rock (North Shore Limestone Quarry) — Native American petroglyphs dating back centuries
- Kelleys Island State Park — 677 acres with hiking trails, a beach, and camping
- Scheele Preserve — a 35-acre nature preserve with a stunning coastal hike
- Monarch Winery and local dining in the small downtown district
- Scuba diving and snorkeling at the underwater preserve
- Golf cart rentals for leisurely island exploration
Middle Bass Island
The Remote OneMiddle Bass Island is the least developed of the three main Bass Islands — a true escape from the mainland. With no traffic lights, minimal commercial development, and a laid-back state park as its anchor, Middle Bass appeals to visitors who want to disconnect. The island's historic Lonz Winery building, a Castle-like structure built in the early 1900s, has been partially restored and serves as a reminder of the island's wine-making heritage.
What to Do
- Middle Bass Island State Park — camping, hiking, and a small beach
- Historic Lonz Winery building — a Castle-like landmark with a fascinating history
- Fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in calm island waters
- Birdwatching — the island and surrounding waters attract migratory species
- Secluded feel with very few visitors compared to Put-in-Bay
Ferry Guide.
Every island visit starts with a ferry ride. There are three main ferry services, each serving different islands and departure points. All three run seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with reduced schedules in spring and fall. Here's what you need to know.
The ferry crossing takes 15–20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the western Lake Erie shoreline.
Miller Ferry
The main workhorse of the island ferry system, Miller Ferry departs from the tip of Catawba Island every 30 minutes from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The crossing to Put-in-Bay takes under 20 minutes. This is the only ferry that carries vehicles to the islands.
2026 Fares
Jet Express
A fast, passenger-only catamaran that gets you to the islands in about 20 minutes from Port Clinton. The Jet Express also provides inter-island service between Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island — useful if you want to island-hop in a single day.
2026 Fares
Kelleys Island Ferry
The only daily auto and passenger ferry to Kelleys Island, departing from Marblehead. The crossing takes about 20 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day during peak season. This is your best bet for a Kelleys Island day trip with a vehicle.
2026 Fares
Plan Your Day.
Not sure where to start? These four day-trip itineraries cover different styles of island visiting — from the classic Put-in-Bay experience to an ambitious island-hopping adventure.
The Classic Put-in-Bay Day
Take the Miller Ferry from Catawba Island, explore Perry's Memorial, rent bikes or a golf cart, visit Crystal Cave and Perry's Cave, have lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and browse the downtown shops. Catch a late afternoon ferry back. Total cost for a family of four: roughly $100–$150 including ferry, attractions, and lunch.
The Nature Day on Kelleys
Take the Kelleys Island Ferry from Marblehead, rent a golf cart, hike to the Glacial Grooves and Inscription Rock, visit the Scheele Preserve, swim at the state park beach, and have a relaxed lunch downtown. Finish with wine tasting at Monarch Winery. A full day for about $75–$120 per family.
The Island-Hopping Day
Take the Jet Express from Port Clinton to Put-in-Bay in the morning, spend 3–4 hours exploring, then catch the inter-island Jet Express to Kelleys Island for the afternoon. Return to Port Clinton on the evening ferry. It's a packed day but an incredible way to experience both islands in a single trip.
The Peninsula & Island Combo
Drive to Catawba Island, visit the Catawba Island State Park and its marina in the morning, then take the Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay for the afternoon. This option lets you experience the lakeside charm of the Marblehead Peninsula along with the island energy of Put-in-Bay.
Which Island Is Right for You?
Each island suits a different kind of day trip. Here's a quick guide based on who you're traveling with.
Best for maximum activities
Put-in-Bay has the most attractions, restaurants, and things to do. If your group wants caves, memorials, wineries, shopping, and nightlife all in one place, Put-in-Bay delivers.
Best for nature & history
Kelleys Island offers the Glacial Grooves, Inscription Rock, state park trails, and a nature preserve — all in a quieter, more walkable setting. It's the island for people who want to explore.
Best for families with young kids
Both islands work well for families, but Put-in-Bay's walkable village, bike rentals, and cave tours tend to be hits with elementary-age kids. Kelleys Island is great for older kids who enjoy hiking and history.
Best for couples
Kelleys Island wins for a romantic day trip — the quiet beaches, winery tasting, and scenic hikes create a more intimate atmosphere. Put-in-Bay is fun too, but louder and more crowded.
Practical Tips.
A few things to know before loading up the car for your island adventure — from budget planning to what to pack.
Best time to go
Peak season runs from late June through Labor Day. Weekdays are dramatically less crowded than weekends. Early morning ferries (before 10 AM) have the shortest lines and the best parking availability on both the mainland and the islands.
Budget expectations
A family of four can expect to spend $100–$200 for a full day trip, including round-trip ferry fares ($36–$80 depending on ferry and vehicle), island attractions ($10–$30), golf cart or bike rentals ($20–$60), and meals ($30–$60). Kids under 6 ride most ferries free.
What to bring
Sunscreen is essential — there's less shade on the islands than you'd expect. Bring a refillable water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and a light jacket for the ferry crossing (it can be breezy on the water). Pack beach gear if you plan to swim.
Getting there from Northeast Ohio
Put-in-Bay and the Catawba/Marblehead ferry terminals are about 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes west of Medina via I-71 and SR-2/SR-53. Kelleys Island ferry (Marblehead) is a similar drive. Most families leave by 8–9 AM to make the most of the day.
Check ferry schedules
Ferry schedules vary by season and day of the week. Check the Miller Ferry, Jet Express, and Kelleys Island Ferry websites before you go for current departure times and any schedule changes. Holiday weekends often have extended service.
Island tips
Most island businesses are cash and card, but some smaller vendors and bike rental shops prefer cash. ATMs are available on Put-in-Bay but limited on Kelleys Island. Cell service is reliable on both islands.
Island Access and Quality of Life
Proximity to the Lake Erie islands is one of those lifestyle perks that Northeast Ohio residents often take for granted — until they mention it to friends in other states and realize how unusual it is. The ability to wake up on a Saturday morning, drive an hour west, and find yourself on an island in the middle of the Great Lakes is a genuine quality-of-life advantage. It's the kind of detail that makes relocating families say, "Wait, there are islands?"
For families evaluating communities in Medina, Cuyahoga, Summit, and Lorain Counties, the islands are part of the broader picture of what makes this region livable. You're not just buying a house — you're gaining access to Lake Erie beaches, national parks, farmers markets, free concerts, and yes, actual island day trips. These are the experiences that turn a house into a home and a community into a lifestyle.
If you're considering a move to Northeast Ohio and want to understand what daily life looks like here — from the neighborhoods to the school districts to the weekend adventures — I'd love to help. As a Certified Relocation Professional® (CRP®) and Military Relocation Professional® (MRP®), I specialize in helping families find the right community match, not just the right house. Schedule a free consultation and I'll share everything I know about living here.
Ready to explore Northeast Ohio?
From island day trips to community events to the perfect neighborhood — I know what makes this region special. Let me help you find your place in it.
Jamie Steinbacher is a Certified Relocation Professional® (CRP®) and Military Relocation Professional® (MRP®) with Century 21 Transcendent Realty.