Lake Erie Island Getaway Ideas

Kid-Friendly Activities
Put-in-Bay is a treasure trove of family fun. The Aquatic Visitors Center, reopened after two years of renovations, offers a free look at Lake Erie’s ecology and marine life, with hands-on fishing for children 16 and under. Similarly, Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center focuses on conservation and education, with new displays, a turtle pond and an easy trail for wildlife viewing, plus daily kids’ activities.

Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is a hub of excitement complete with a butterfly house, crystal cave, rock wall and giant maze. All ages will appreciate a trip to Kimberly’s Carousel, built in 1917, to ride on the original wooden horses and Pete the Perch.

Kelleys Island offers mini-golf, gemstone mining and plenty of ice cream shops. When it’s time to cool off, visit Kelleys Island State Park. The beach is known for its shallow, calm waters, making it ideal for families with young children.

Frenzy for Foodies
Put-in-Bay is home to over 30 dining destinations. The Boardwalk and The Keys are popular for waterfront dining and lobster bisque. Mojito Bay offers swings instead of bar stools, and Goat Soup & Whiskey has a charming biergarten. For a more intimate experience, visit The Red Moon, a speakeasy within the Park Hotel.

“What I find interesting about the foodie scene, particularly at Put-in-Bay, is that there’s literally everything, which you wouldn’t expect for such a small island,” Bauer says. “Everything is unique to this area — it’s all local.”

On Kelleys Island, The Village Pump is a beloved institution, known for its Brandy Alexanders. Kelleys Island Wine Co. provides a delightful setting to grab a pizza and sample local wines. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, head next door to KI Cantina for margaritas and tacos. If it’s a lake view you’re after, you can’t beat West Bay Inn. A highly anticipated new addition is the Villa Eatery and Bar, boasting a menu of finer fare, including oysters, mahi mahi wraps and steak. 

Middle Bass Island is also getting in on the action. Prohibition delights patrons with another island speakeasy experience, while Island Grind is the go-to spot for coffee. George’s Bar has a waterfront patio, and J.F. Walleyes is renowned for its walleye bites. Meanwhile, locals love the pizza at Middle Bass Island General Store, which has a full restaurant and bar.

History Buffs
On Put-in-Bay, you can’t miss the towering Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial and its observation deck. Beyond the monument, the lobby of the Park Hotel gives visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history with Victorian-era antiques. Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center also has a free Antique Car Museum, home to the island’s oldest automobile and other vintage vehicles.

On Middle Bass Island, the Lonz Mansion has been transformed, with the first floor serving as a museum showcasing what the mansion looked like when the Lonz family resided there, while the second floor can be rented by families or groups of up to eight people.

Nature Enthusiasts
Kelleys Island beckons with its rugged beauty and opportunities for exploration. The glacial grooves are a geological wonder, while the North Shore Loop Hiking Trail descends into an old quarry, providing a unique vantage point looking up at the grooves.

Middle Bass Island is also a haven for nature lovers, particularly the Kuehnle Wildlife Area and the East Point Nature Preserve, which features a trail leading directly to the water’s edge.

Even Ohio’s smallest and most developed island, Put-in-Bay, offers quiet natural areas. Cooper’s Woods is located behind the baseball diamond, while the Duff Woods Preserve, accessible from Mitchell and Put-in-Bay roads, provides a long, looped forest path ideal for birdwatching. For shoreline fishing and walking, Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve is a must.

Meanwhile, Kayak the Bay offers rentals so you can paddle to destinations like Gibraltar Island and Massie Cliffside Preserve.

“You can find whatever it is that you’re into at each place,” says Jill Bauer, public relations manager for Shores and Islands Ohio. “Take the time to explore because you’d never realize how close these things are that make you feel a world away.”

Stay the Night
All three islands’ state parks offer campgrounds, ranging from rustic tent sites to full-service RV and trailer spots, with some right on the shoreline.