Put-in-Bay is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s a tourist town on a small island in the middle of Lake Erie. Not only is the fishing great here, there are plenty of things to do and see. I highlight the good reasons you need to visit Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island.
Getting to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island
There’s a few ways to get to the island. You can take the ferry, Jet Express, fly, or take a private boat. I personally take the ferry because it is the only option to take my truck and boat to the island.
- Miller Ferry: A cargo ferry that can accommodate you, your luggage, and your vehicle/boat. It’s a slower ride, but costs less than the Jet Express. This is the only option if you are taking a vehicle. This is what I personally take.
- Jet Express: This is a fast ride to island for a day trip or overnight stay. If you don’t have a lot of luggage and plan on renting a golf cart or walking, this is the option you want.
- Airplane: This is a fast way to get to the island with limited luggage space. You can buy tickets ahead of time. Be sure to talk to the airline if you have questions about what you can bring.
- Private Boat: If you own your own boat, this is an option. You can dock in the bay on the North side of Put-in-Bay. You can call ahead or radio for a spot when you show up.
Best time to visit Put-in-Bay
Want to catch Put-in-Bay at its best? This depends on why you are visiting the island. Are you going to fish? If so you want to visit in the spring. May is great fishing around the island.
Are you visiting just to get away? All summer the island is hopping. Stay downtown and have access to all the restaurants and bars. If you rent a golf cart you can tour the whole island!
Attractions on South Bass Island
Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island has a lot to offer. Visit a piece of history by going to Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Wine lovers? Heineman’s Winery’s calling your name. And don’t miss Perry’s Cave or South Bass Island State Park.
Top attractions on South Bass Island include Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, Heineman’s Winery, Perry’s Cave, South Bass Island State Park, and the historic downtown area with shops and restaurants. My personal favorite is the state park.
Put-in-Bay History
Put-in-Bay has historical sites to visit all over the island. I like visiting the old war monuments and sites. Some of these include:
- Hienamen’s Winery
- Perry’s Victory Monument
- Perry’s Cave
- South Bass Island State Park
There are other historical sites to visit such as the Antique Car Museum and Lake Erie Island Historical Museum. There is also the lighthouse, which is significant to the battle of Lake Erie. The Mother’s of Sorrow Catholic Church is on the island as well. This church offers a walk back in time with its architecture and feel.
Lodging on Put-in-Bay
There are a lot of hotels, motels, nightly rentals, and bed & breakfasts to choose from on South Bass Island. You can even camp on the island. Some spots even have pools, bars, and restaurants.
I choose to camp most of the time when I visit. It’s just what I like to do. For others though, renting a house or hotel is the way to go. That way to don’t have to worry about taking care of a camp site.
Activities on South Bass Island
You need a whole weekend to explore Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. There is so much to do, you need a schedule. Families can enjoy a DIY tour of the island by renting a golf cart. This is a cost-friendly alternative to paying for tours. This also allows you to take your time at each site. On the beaches, there are plenty of activities for kids such as swimming, volleyball, and fishing.
Restaurants at South Bass Island
There are great places to eat on South Bass Island like The Boardwalk, The Goat, or The Village Bakery and Cafe. If I go downtown to eat after fishing, I choose the Boardwalk. The menu always has something new to try.
Themed restaurants offer seafood, steak, and bar food. Restaurants are located on the water where you can watch boats and the water while you enjoy your dinner. Most bars and restaurants are family-friendly and have something to eat for everyone.
Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rental
If you are not bringing a vehicle to Put-in-Bay, renting a golf cart is the way to go. It allows you to get around the island easily.
Right at the ferry exit, you will see the rental places. You can’t miss them. Prices vary based on model and length of time for the rental.
Events and Festivals on Put-in-Bay
I have been to the island during a festival, and it is always a good time. There are festivals throughout the year. You can check out their schedule here.
Most themed events can be enjoyed by the whole family. Some events do involve adult beverages, check before you go. The island offers bands almost every weekend during the summer.
Boating to Put-in-Bay
If you have a boat you can dock right at the island for a weekend of fun. I have done this a few times to go fishing up there. The marina is located on the North side of the island in a bay.
Be sure to call ahead for a spot if you are going in the summer. It gets busy. If it’s an off weekend, you might be OK just using the radio to get a spot when you get there.
Recreation on South Bass Island
Hiking, boating, fishing, and sports are all available at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. As you know, I’m a fisherman so that is what I choose to do. If you like all outdoor activities, check out some of the hiking trails and sporting events on the island.
Hiking on South Bass Island
I like the hiking trails on the outskirts of town. Around the State Park. On these trails you can see the water, deer, birds, and check out the plants while getting some exercise.
There are trails all over the island if you like walking and seeing the sites. Downtown is a great place to take a walk and people-watch. There are also miles of shoreline to explore on the island including some beaches.
Put-in-Bay Nightlife
When the sun sets, Put-in-Bay lights up. If you like to party, the nightlife on Put-in-Bay is for you. I would say the majority of summertime visits include going to the bars and restaurants at night.
There are virtually endless bars on the island. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties can often be seen bar hopping on the island. The island has themed parties that are like nowhere else. Themed parties add to an already fun nightlife on the island.
Put-in-Bay Ferry Schedules
Catching the ferry is a breeze, but schedules can change with the seasons. Check out Miller Ferry and Jet Express for the latest times and prices. And remember, faster isn’t always better (or cheaper). Ferry schedules and transportation options can vary by season and ferry company. It’s best to check the websites of ferry companies like Miller Ferry and Jet Express for the most up-to-date schedules and pricing.
Camping on South Bass Island
Prefer to camp just like me? Camping is available on South Bass at the State Park. There are a lot of sites to choose from. This is a friendly park with great staff. I choose to camp here when I’m on the island walleye fishing.
The state park campground offers hiking trails, a beach, clean restrooms, and plenty of sites. They offer all the amenities of a mainland state park with a view of the Lake Erie Islands.
Wineries and Vineyards on Put-in-Bay
Yes, Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave on South Bass Island offer wine-tasting tours and the opportunity to explore a cave. It’s a unique experience and a popular attraction on the island. I have not attend personally, but I have a few friends that have. They said it’s well worth the visit.
Shopping on Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay’s downtown has unique shops and all your essentials. If you are staying close to downtown, it’s worth a look at these shops. Plus, shopping locally helps support the year-round island community. Shopping options on Put-in-Bay include boutiques, gift shops, and stores selling island-themed merchandise.
Most of the shops on the island are owned by full-time island residents. They take pride in what they sell and have quality gifts for you to take home.
Rules on Put-in-Bay
While Put-in-Bay’s all about fun, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Respect the wildlife, and follow boating safety guidelines. Obey all traffic laws while driving a golf cart. Drive responsibly!
While specific rules and regulations can change, common guidelines include following boating and water safety rules, respecting wildlife and natural areas, and obeying local traffic laws, especially if you’re renting a golf cart. There are police present on the island to enforce Ohio laws.
Put-in-Bay Tours
Want the inside scoop? Book a guided tour. On my first fishing trip to the island I took a tour on a windy day we couldn’t fish. It was well worth it. I learned a lot from a local that knew the islands history and monuments.
Check with the Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau for recommendations and information on available tours.
Put-in-Bay Hotels
Put-in-Bay offers hotels all over the island. I have stayed in a hotel a couple times on non fishing trips. It is well worth it to not have to deal with a campsite.
Most hotels are within walking distance to downtown. That way you don’t have to go too far to the entertainment.
