Situated on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, Put-in-Bay is a small village and a popular Ohio summer resort destination. It played a significant role in the 1812 Battle of Lake Erie and is named after the 18th-century schooners that would “put in” while waiting out bad weather on Lake Erie.

Begin your visit at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum to learn about the region’s maritime history and the local winemaking traditions. Admire Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial, which commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie and celebrates the peace that prevailed following the war.

Travelling with kids? Head to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, which is home to a natural limestone cave, giant maze and an 18-hole miniature golf course. Get up close to rare Model-T Fords at the Antique Car Museum or escape to the stone swimming beach and wooded hiking trails of South Bass Island State Park.

Getting there

Put-in-Bay can be accessed by regular ferries from Port Clinton, Sandusky and Lorain or by flights from Erie/Ottawa Regional Airport. Golf carts and bicycles can be rented at the ferry port for getting around the island.