Are you planning to visit Put-in-Bay soon? You won’t regret choosing this destination for your family getaway. Put-In-Bay offers lots of fun things to do and attractive places to visit. Located in Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay is one of the popular islands visited by over a hundred thousand travelers each year. Its colorful history and Victorian charm, nightlife make this island one of the most popular places to visit in Ohio.
Here are a few essential things you should know about visiting the Island to help you plan your itinerary.
Table of Contents
1) How to Get to Put-In-Bay
What is the best way to get to Put-in-Bay? No inbound roads are linking Put-in-Bay Island. Therefore, the only options are by water or by air. Here are some of the ways you can easily get to Put-in-Bay.
Jet Express Ferry
There is the passenger-only Ferry called The Jet Express Ferry, an innovative high-speed ferry service – it’s the fastest on the Island. The ride involves narrations and educational information about the Island. The Ferry features a comfortable enclosed cabin in the event of weather changes.
If you will also be connecting to nearby Islands such as Kelly’s Island and Cedar Point, the Ferry also offers interisland service from Put-In-Bay. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. Advanced reservation is not necessary with The Jet Express Ferry.
Miller Ferry
If you are bringing a car, then the Miller Ferry is your option – it’s the only passenger /vehicle ferry. Like Jet Express, the ride also involves narrations and educational information about the Island. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the Island from port Clinton, Ohio.
Docks & Marina
You can also get to Put-In-Bay via a private boat. There are several docks and marinas that can be hired out. The marinas accept reservations, but the docks operate on a first come, first serve basis. If you fear you will get lost, you can always depart at the same time with the ferries.
Commercial Plane
The last option is via a plane that takes about 7 minutes. Two commercial planes only fly during the day because there are no runway lights In Put-In-Bay.
Once you reach the Island you can rent a golf cart if you did not bring a car – actually you don’t need a car. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation. Taxi services is also available.
2) Put-in-Bay Reservations
When visiting the Island, it’s advisable to make a reservation for hotels and other accommodation options as they sell out fast, particularly during holidays. There are several hotels that offer the best amenities for tourists with great selection of rooms and suites.
Put-In-Bay Resort
The Put-In-Bay Resort is the Island’s largest hotel and home to the popular Blue Marlin Swim-up Bar. Put-In-Bay resorts fills up quickly due to its popularity with tourist.
It gets hot in Put-In-Bay and the swim-up bar will help you to cool off. Apart from the popular swim-up bar, the resort boasts of a large 44,000-gallon pool with a D.J. stand.
You can catch the latest game or news update from the monstrous 6 feet tall by 12 feet long Jumbotron T.V. screen at the resort.
Bird’s Nest Resort
Bird’s Nest Resort is a quiet secluded resort situated in an 8+ acre minutes from downtown Put-In-Bay. This resort has a golf cart to rent to help you while touring the Island. When it gets hot, you can jump into the pool, and the A.C. works perfectly. The staff are friendly and welcoming.
Edgewater Hotel
The Edgewater Hotel is located at the center of downtown Put-In-Bay. Popular attractions such as the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society and Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial are within walking distance from the resort.
The hotel offers plenty of amenities, including a mini kitchen with a full fridge and microwave. Rooms are designed with huge tiles and plenty of room, and shampoo plus body wash installed in the bathroom. The rooms are perfect for 4 to 6 people.
Since it’s located in the middle of the party (downtown Put-In-Bay), expect a bit of noise at night – very minimal.
Commodore Resort
Delaware Ave Street has only one resort there -That is, Commodore Resort
The resorts boast of a MIST swim-up pool bar, Caribbean style, offering cabana bottle service in downtown Put-In-Bay. It’s also the only one that provides smoking rooms. They also have golf carts for rentals. It is strategically located within Put-in-Bay Township.
Note that there are many resorts, hostels, condos, vacation homes, and hotels in Put-in-Bay. It is recommended to compare service quality and cost across different facilities and make the necessary reservations on time.
5) Put-in-Bay Attractions and Things to Do
Visiting Put-In-Bay guarantees no dull day – it is always a fun-filled adventure. This Island is ideal for a family getaway.
There are several tourist attraction sites, including:
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
This Monument is built 352 feet above Lake Erie to commemorate victory during the 1812 civil war. You can take an elevator to the observation deck top of the Monument and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the town. On a clear day, one can see Cleveland, Ohio, 60 miles away.
Perry’s Cave & Family Center
Perry’s cave is next to the butterfly house. You should wear comfortable shoes with traction when visiting due to steep steps. There is an underground lake. The temperature there is 50 degrees all year round.
Lake Erie Islands Historical Society
Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, which is centrally located within the Island, is full of the Island’s history, be it from military and local history artifacts. There are many antiques to see, most of them being donations from the locals for the preservation of the Islands’ history.
Butterfly House
Expect a humid temperature because the butterflies are housed in a greenhouse. The butterfly house is relatively big with a place to view many cocoons. The huge beautiful butterflies will land on you, but you are not to touch them- they are harmless.
There are also several fun things to do on this Island, including:
Put-In-Bay Parasail
This fun-filled water sport activity is a must-do for adrenaline junkies. However, even those inexperienced can enjoy parasailing with Put-In-Bay’s experienced boat captains who are accommodating and will readily guide you.
May not be available sometimes – ensure to check any notifications.
Kayak the Bay
Tourist can select from single or double sit-in to sit-on-top kayaks. This is a fun-filled activity that is great for both novice kayakers and well as experienced kayakers in downtown Put-In-Bay.
Sometimes with a flooded dock, this activity may not be open.
Put-In-Bay Tour Train
If you are going to spend a few days in Put-in-Bay, you should get on board this tour train and get a good overview of the Island. The tour guide is well narrated, and the driver is well educated.
Wrap Up
Whether you are coming as a couple or bringing the whole family, Put-In-Bay will not disappoint. Follow these simple tips and overview of what to expect, and you are good to go – enjoy your stay in Put-in-Bay.
