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Put-in-Bay, Ohio

The Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau’s Official Island Guide & Tourist Information Center

Providing you with all of the necessary information for planning your trip to our little Put-in-Bay, Ohio Island.

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Visit Put-in-Bay, Ohio

The Key West of The North

Hotels & Resorts

Get the lowest rates on Put-in-Bay hotels rental homes and resorts by booking directly on the hotels website! Comfortable accommodations await, so book today, and enjoy your stay.

Put-in-Bay Upcoming Events

Get information about upcoming Put-in-Bay events here. Starting in April and running through late October, the island plays host to a ton of fun events. Experience them for yourself!

Put-in-Bay Attractions

Put-in-Bay offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do—many of are free & easily accessible, with no advance reservation required. Explore our fantastic attractions & start planning your trip!

Golf Cart Rentals

Find out where to rent the best and newest golf cart rentals in Put-in-Bay! Golf cart rentals are the most fun and cost-effective and preferred way to traverse the island. Golf Carts are driven like cars!

About Our Put in Bay Ohio Island

The Crown Jewel Amongst The Bass Islands

Richly Entrenched in History

Put-in-Bay is a little Ohio village on South Bass Island in Lake Erie that’s about 2.5 by 5 miles wide and is the crown jewel amongst the Bass Islands. The huge column you see in the photos is the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial which commemorates the 1812 Battle of Lake Erie.

Put-in-Bay is a true island in that you will need to take the Jet Express or the Miller Ferry to reach us. Our island is about 2 X 5 miles long with an elevation of 595′.

Once on the island, you will enjoy a wide variety of dining options, from casual to upscale, shopping, island adventure, and a slew of other things to see and do. Our Lake Erie Island walking trails and nature preserves are perfect for nature walks and sightseeing. For more detailed information check out the Put-in-Bay History Page.

The Brig Niagara Ship at port in Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Hotels, Resorts & Rental Homes

From our well-appointed Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel to the large comfortable Put-in-Bay Villas, you’re sure to find the hotels to meet your family’s needs. We don’t have a lot of hotels or resorts on the island, but we have some great ones!

Our Hotels, Resorts, and Home Rentals book up quickly, so early reservations are strongly recommended far in advance.

Most propertiesPhoto of the Put-in-Bay Resort offer online booking, where you will almost always find your lowest rates by booking directly with the rental of your choice.

South Bass Island, offers the young and the old incredible experiences all found on Lake Erie Island. No other vacation destination offers you the ability to explore a cave, tour a winery, soar 800 ft in the air with a parasail, fly across the water on a Jet Ski, land a trophy size walleye, and play a round of golf all within 10 minutes of travel on a Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals! Just so many things to do in put-in-bay!

Discover your ideal home away from home on the island! Explore the gem of the Lake Erie Islands. Great food, fun activities, and unique lodging choices make the island a great choice for a local staycation. There are many things to do for kids during the week and great weekend entertainment.

Call The Central Reservation Center At (833) 742-2827 For Lodging Deals, Packages, & Discounts.

You’ll be impressed by your visit to South Bass Island when you disembark at the Miller Ferry or Jet Express docks. Explore our website to locate rental homes, events, attractions, Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals, restaurants, and more on the island. This is the ultimate island guide for everything to do on the island! a favorite small-town vacation destination.

 

Photo of Put-in-Bay at night

Things To Do At Put-in-Bay

Our Perry’s International Peace Memorial and its visitors center offer tours, including a ride up an elevator to an observation deck with a stunning view, a narrated tour,and historical reenactments. On a clear day, you can see Detroit, Toledo, and the Cleveland skyline from the observation deck high above the Harbor.

Our state park is excellent for a cookout or swims in Lake Erie. Relax along the pebble beach or enjoy a picnic lunch with food from one of our fine restaurants. Stop at the airport for a ride around the island in a vintage Waco open-cockpit airplane or hover high in the sky with a helicopter tour.

Lake Erie fishing for perch and walleye is some of the best in the United States, and anglers flock to put in bay from all over the Midwest to catch daily limits of these highly prized delicious fish. In the winter months, the ice fisherman and their shanties can be seen for miles on the ice harvesting their catch. Boaters enjoy modern and ample docks with daily and overnight rates. Fuel service and mooring balls are also available. Our put-in-bay golf cart rentals are a fun way to tour the island and reach all our attractions.

Still not enough adventure? Our local Ferry offers inter-island service to Kelly’s Island and Sandusky, Ohio, home of Cedar Point. The Sonny S Ferry transports passengers to Middle Bass Island, where another historic winery awaits your visit. So what are you waiting for? Please browse our website, plan your Lake Erie Vacation, and Visit South Bass Island!

 

Planning Your Trip To Put-in-Bay

We enjoy assisting guests in getting the most out of an island getaway vacation. It can be hard to know where to start with many places to shop, dine, and enjoy on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island. We’ve created a Put-in-Bay Island Guide to help you plan the complete island vacation. Local suggestions for must-see attractions and dining. There is an endless number of possibilities that await! So, the earlier you book, the earlier you can get on a put in bay ferry to Put-in-Bay!

Some Say The Travel To Reach The Island Is Part Of The Excitement!

Visitors have several alternatives on how to make their way to Put-In-Bay, Ohio. For those using GPS, the zip code is 43456. One of the most traditional ways is to become a Lake Erie boater, and Put-in-Bay offers a large selection of docks to accommodate vessels of all sizes. Some take reservations, and some are first come, first served.

The Miller Ferry departs from thephoto Of The Miller Ferry Put-in-Bay Catawba Island dock every half hour in the peak summer season. This ferry is the island’s primary method of transporting freight and goods to South Bass Island. While bringing a car to the island is not needed or recommended, they are the only ferry capable of getting a vehicle to the island. They operate from Mid March to late December, depending on weather conditions and Lake Erie Ice formation.

The Jet Express Ferry is designedPhoto of the Jet Express to Put-in-Bay around passenger comfort and departs from Port Clinton, Ohio, and Sandusky near Cedar Point. Your trip to the island will include a narrated tour with unbelievable views of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, the Benson Ford Ship House, surrounding the Lake Erie Islands, and more. When arriving by “The Jet.” you will disembark right in the downtown area and will not need a taxi or to ride a bus to get into the downtown area. Also, you can enjoy the benefit of the late-night ferry service. Visitors can have an entire day of fun, including the fabulous nightlife, by selecting the Jet Express Ferry.

With so many spots to dine, shop, and explore on South Bass Island, knowing where to start can take a lot of work. We’ve created a Put-in-Bay Destination Guide to help you plan the perfect island getaway. We enjoy assisting visitors in getting the most out of their island vacation. Local guidance and endless possibilities await! So, the sooner you book, the sooner you can get on a ferry to come visit us!

VISIT THE PUT IN BAY ATTRACTIONS

There are unlimited things to do in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. On your golf cart, moped, or bike rental, cruise around the island or enjoy a stroll through the village. You’ll see stunning preserved parks and our South Bass Island State Park. The Perry International Peace Memorial invites visitors to enjoy a spectacular view from the observation deck over 300 ft in the air.

Photo Of The Boardwalk Restaurants Put-in-BaySpend an afternoon recreating with the kids at DeRivera Park, learning about the Battle of Lake Erie and how it changed the history of the United States, or tour a winery or one of our local caves. Rent a Jet Ski Rental and see the island as Oliver Hazard Perry did upon his approach. There’s no lack of unique adventures and family delight on the island. Once it gets near dinner time, check out our local Put-in-Bay Restaurants! And did we mention a vibrant Key West atmosphere at our Put-in-Bay Bars & Pubs? There are plenty of options for everyone!

Put-In-Bay: A Close-to-Home Ohio Vacation Getaway

The Bass Islands are found near many Midwest United States metropolitan areas. We welcome guests from Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and more each year!Photo on the Contact Us and FAQ Page of Frosty Pizza At Night Fortunately, there are things to do in put in bay something for visitors of every age to be discovered. Whether it’s participating in the famous nightlife, touring Perry’s Cave, or enjoying a program from the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, great times await.

Come for a visit and enjoy an ideal home away from home in put in bay Ohio, the jewel of the Islands of Lake Erie Islands. Great food, fun activities, and unique lodging choices make the island excellent for a regional staycation. Our put-in-bay hotels are comfortable and located right in town!There are so many things to do on put in bay for kids during the week and incredible weekend entertainment.

The island has been host to many visitors throughout the years. The economy on the island has only one industry: tourism. With so much to do and see, South Bass has been and continues to be fan favored. Come and see what the talk is all about and put an island in your life

Put-in-Bay Frequently Asked Questions!

If You Don’t See The Answer To Your Questions, CONTACT US HERE  & A Representative Will Respond!

How much does it cost to go to Put-in-Bay?

There is no “fee” to visit the island! You select your choice of ferry boats to get here, and each individual attraction may have a small fee to enjoy. Some attractions are free. Typical travel expenses such as hotels, meals, and drinks are expected. Booking a Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rental in advance here is suggested.

What Is The Best Place To Stay At Put-in-Bay?

There are many! The put-in-bay hotels are the Edgewater Hotel, Put-in-Bay Resort & The Bay Lodging Resort. Well-informed travelers know being in the downtown area is the most desirable and eliminates the need for expensive taxis during your trip.

What Is The Best Place To Rent A House?

The most sought-after lodging on he island is the rental homes that are located right in town. Aside from the inconvenience & expense of taxis if you are not downtown, it allows you more time to enjoy your vacation. We suggest the All Star Ohio House or the Put-in-Bay Villas. Remeber to reserve your put-in-bay golf cart rentals.

What Should I Pack For a Trip To Put-in-Bay?

We suggest bringing whatever items you may need for a typical summer vacation or visit—things such as sunscreen, drinks, snacks, and sunglasses. We also recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket as evening can be cool and breezy at times. There are several stores downtown to purchase items you may have forgotten.

Is it True There Is A Tunnel To Put-in-Bay?

HA HA! That was a viral Aprils Fools article we wrote a few years ago, but that would sure make it even more uncomplicated to get to the Island! So many people believe there was a tunnel to Put-in-Bay that we still get phone calls about it! There are even “Tunnel Permit” stickers sold for vehicle windows. Nevertheless, the primary way to get to the Island is still a Ferry.

What time does Put-in-Bay Open And Close?

Put-In-Bay is always open, just like any other municipality in Ohio! Our Put-in-Bay Bars generally close at either 1:30 to 2:00 am. In the winter, the Island becomes less active as the ice forms in Lake Erie, preventing the boats from operating. Still, guests can use air transportation. Otherwise, a ferry boat is the primary way to get to the Island.

What does Put-in-Bay Mean?

Put-In-Bay, Ohio is a town on South Bass Island in Ohio. Some believe the name emanates from the Native Americans “putting in at the bay” ceremonially. People also believe it was designated as such because it offered secure shelter for boaters to “put in at the bay.” It has even been a school of thinking that the name originated as such because the port looked like a “pudding bag.”

How Do We Get to Put-in-Bay?

There are two ferry boats that service Put-In-Bay from the mainland: the Jet Express and the Miller Ferry. The Jet Express departs from downtown Port Clinton, Ohio, and Sandusky, Ohio, and while it is slightly more expensive, it is also way more comfortable and offers late-night service. The Miller Ferry is located in Port Clinton, Ohio, on Catawba, and is the only option if bringing a car (not recommended). The ferry runs daily in season, weather permitting.

Where is the Best Place To Rent A Golf Cart?

We recommend Put-in-Bay Golf Carts. They are the largest rental agency on the island and have the lowest rental rates and the newest golf carts. They rent hourly, daily & overnight. put in bay golf carts are driven as cars all all of the same traffice laws apply!

Where is Put-in-Bay Located

Put-in-Bay is a village found on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. Moreover, the Island is situated in Ottawa County, Ohio, in the northwest portion of the state, halfway between Cleveland and Toledo and near the celebrated Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky. GPS coordinates for the island are: Latitude: 41.6518, Longitude: -82.8172.

Is Put-in-Bay Family Friendly?

Unquestionably! There are numerous Things to Do in Put-In-Bay for kids and families. From caves to mini golf and rock climbing walls to go-carts, there is something for everyone of all ages. Enjoy Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, local and state parks, and wildlife. With so many great Island Attractions, it makes the Island a favorite destination for families.

What is there to do in Put-In-Bay Ohio?

There are so many things to do in Put-In-Bay for kids and families.  We have a complete list of Put-in-Bay Attractions here. Generally speaking, it is best to allow two or more days on the island to experience the island fully!

Do You Have To Be 21 To Go To Bars At Put-In-Bay Ohio?

Not necessarily! Notably, each of the bars & pubs is independently owned, and each sets its policy regarding the age of admission. Some permit under 21 during daylight hours or when escorted by parents. All bars and pubs strictly implement Ohio a law which states you must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol.

How Long Does It Take To Get To Put-in-Bay?

The Miller Ferry boat passage takes 18 minutes to get to the island. Along the way, riders will see Kellys Island, Mouse Island, Rattlesnake Island, & other Lake Erie Islands if it’s a clear day. The Jet Express Ferry is just a few minutes longer but offers a narrated tour & arrives downtown where everything is, & offers late-night service. The short trip is relaxing & enjoyable.

Put in Bay Shopping & Other Interesting Things To See

Discover put in bay! Plan a relaxing stay at one of our put-in-bay hotels, your ideal home away from home on Put-in-Bay, Ohio, the gem of the Lake Erie Islands. With this many things to do at put in bay you will likely need one of our popular put in bay golf cart rentals! put-in-bay golf carts are what we use as cars to get around the Island!

Most put in bay restaurants, and shopping venues have parking for golf carts however, bringing a car to the Island is discouraged. Put in Bay Bars become destination points as the evening hours arrive and are one of the popular things to do on put-in-bay on weekends!

Great food, fun activities, and unique lodging choices make the Island an excellent choice for a local staycation. There are many things to do for kids during the week and great weekend entertainment!

Interesting Local Facts!

Annual Visitors

Yearound Population

acres of fun

Elevation

Visit The Put-in Bay Island

Put-in-Bay Is A Quaint Ohio Village Accessible By The Put-in-Bay Miller Ferry or The Jet Express —Experience The  Jewel Of The Lake Erie Islands!

From The Put-in-Bay Blog

Alice H.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Know when to go! We stayed at Put-in-Bay Bay for over 20 years, up until a couple of years ago, always by ship. We treasure the island and appreciate shopping and the great Put-in-Bay Restaurants yearly. We've decided to come on a Monday or Tuesday and be off the island by Friday morning. We try to hit all the Put-in-Bay Attractions early before the crowds arrive. Weekends are an endless spring break party, suitable for families with young children if you go to the attractions and stay out of the nightlife.

Elania L.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
A 20-minute ferryboat ride, automobiles, and motorcycles are allowed but discouraged. We went as pedestrians. You then lease a golf cart, or bicycle, or take the big bus downtown. A tour tram is available that gives an excellent expedition of the island with recounted history and stops at a few of the more prominent locations, like Perry's Cave. You must rent a golf cart if you don't take the tram. The downtown consists of pubs, Put-in-Bay restaurants, the harbor, bars, a few t-shirt places, and ice cream shops. The place to go if you want to see all the Put-in-BAy Attractions. Downtown has a beautiful park for families.

William B.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
A fine family-oriented trip on weekdays, especially! Lease a golf cart ($60 for the entire day--way more affordable than Kelley's Island) and journey the island. The only thing that needs to be added to the island is the lack of real lovely beachfront. There are some respectable pools and a waterpark, and the State Park Beach is great, just not as large and sandy as you'd anticipate. There are enough Put-in-Bay Attractions to keep bust for several days. A beautiful July Wednesday was a wonderful trip. We really enjoyed the Put-in-Bay Restaurants a big plus is the last Ferry out to Catawba on a weekday is 9 pm most days, so you can enjoy a nice restaurant dinner before departing.

Sheryl V.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Islanders are a sociable bunch, as are most of the employees in restaurants and shops. Lots of quiet roads to ride along, a few nature preserves to walk through, and one is on the water. There is a vast harbor to check out, Perry's Monument, Perry's Cave, a par-three golf course on the water, a trip to Stone Laboratory on Gibraltar Island, and too many shops and Put-in-Bay attractions to hit in 1 day.

Larry L.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
The island has changed--but for the better for families. Many more Put-in-Bay Attractions than there have been in the past. This is an excellent step for tourism and fun for families. Residents and the working attendants watch out for children and families, and most of the tourists are families buzzing around on golf carts. The police also maintain things in line for the most part

Patty S.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Perfect Day at Put-in-Bay! We just finished a great day with two 12-year-olds, an 11-year-old, and 8-year-old grandkids at Put in Bay on South Bass Island. We weren't 100% sure the kids would appreciate it there, but we tried it. First of all, they adored the Jet Express Ferry, which was such a delight. We had a fine lunch at the Boardwalk, one of the best Put-in-Bay Restaurants. The perch baskets were tremendous, and the kids loved their cheeseburgers. There are numerous Put-in-Bay Attractions to experience. Tooling all over the island in a 6-seat golf cart rental was entertaining and breezy on a hot day. Despite their "advanced ages," the kids enjoyed the playground in the downtown park by the waterfront so much that we had to stop three times for them to play. They had a terrific time running through the maze at Perry's Cave, and we appreciated watching them from above the activity. They also had miniature golf there. We were having so much fun with the attractions that we missed the 7:00 Jet-Express and had to wait till 9:15, so we had chow at Mossback's, another excellent meal. All in all, a wonderful day.

Randy G.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island. We have been visiting here for 20+ years and have had a home on Middle Bass Island for 15 years. There is something for everyone, history, family, and plenty of Put-in-Bay Attractions. There are quieter places and golf carts, and bicycle rentals. There are jet ski rentals and kayak rentals, swimming beaches, and a little golf course. If you are still looking for something to do for fun, you must have stayed within the boat that got you there. And even then, you still would have found something fun, depending on what you utilized.

Melvin F.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Not many people know about South Bass Island in Lake Erie. Unless you have a vessel and can navigate tricky waters, take the Jet Express ferry. A danger zone from the nuclear power plant to the west stretches to a national guard camp. All along the way are reefs, and you must have a satisfactory GPS and map to evade them. The most significant danger, though, is inexperienced boaters. Only bring a car if you have a hotel or cabin to park it at. Parking is minimal and useless on such a tiny island laden with golf carts and bike rentals. The drawback to Miller's Ferry is that you arrive somewhere other than downtown, but for 4 dollars or so a person, you can grab a bus taxi. The Jet Express is a better value and runs later in the evening, and it gets you into downtown. Timing is everything on the island. If this is a family vacation, go in the morning for the first opportunity possible. Even by noon, you will see it starting to get very busy. The island is filled with many great Put-in-Bay Attractions like the crystal cavern, go-karts, and a nice bicycle ride. If you are going with friends, I suggest staying at the Edgewater Hotel on the main strip. The hotel rooms on the island are pretty nice and large!

Ted C.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
We had a wonderful time, and the kids really liked all of the Put-in-Bay Attractions and water sports. We should have planned to stay a few days. We will know better next time we visit!

Dallas C.

☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
Our second visit to Put-in-Bay and this time we were able to enjoy more of the attractions. We learned last time to reserve a Put-in-Bay Golf Cart rentals before we go. We arrived last year and they were all sold out. We used Put-in-Bay Golf Carts online booking platform and it was a great experience.