Fun in the Sun in Put-In-Bay, Ohio: An Amazing Midwest Vacation Destination

Jun 23, 2024

On South Bay Island on Lake Erie in Ohio is a gem of a local island getaway, the resort village Put-In-Bay! Locals recommend checking out the numerous wineries, historic buildings, gourmet culinary fine dining, beautiful nature preserves and hiking trails, as well as swimming or boating in the bay. When you’re done with all that excitement, i’ll be time to kick back, relax, and enjoy some of the wonderful live music and entertainment around the island. In short, Put-In-Bay Island is a 397 acre Summer vacation coastal paradise. Secluded and only accessible by small plane or boat, this island is picture-perfect! So let’s hit the road and check out this amazing midwest vacation destination!

Fun in the Sun for Families

Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center – This is an all encompassing family fun destination: nature, mini golf, mining, and so much more! Explore the 208 foot long limestone cave, hidden 52 feet below the surface. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the caves, and fun facts about the location itself. There’s also a mini golf course, a maze, and a rock climbing wall!
Butterfly House at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center – located inside the Family fun center, this aviary is home to beautiful butterflies and gorgeous flowers, all set to soothing music. You’ll get an up close and unforgettable experience with them in person. It’s 4000 square feet of space with more than 50 species of butterflies from around the world!
Crystal Cave – Located nearby Perry’s Cave and the Butterfly house, this houses the world’s largest geode with crystals up to 3 feet wide! This cave is located on the grounds of the Heineman Winery, which offers a combination tour ticket of the caves and the family-run winery and its history.
The Chocolate Museum – One side of the venue is a cafe and the other side is a museum dedicated to the history and craft making of chocolate and candy treats! The cafe offers 32 flavors of Toft’s Ice Cream, numerous pastries and cakes, and of course, incredible chocolates and candies! They also offer signature coffee drinks to pair with the chocolates, and an extensive hot chocolate menu!
Put-In-Bay Tour Train – This charming train will take you on a one hour guided tour of the area and give you plenty of time to take in the scenery whilst learning about local history and fun facts! You’ll see about 80% of the island, and make little stops along the way. It’s a great bite-sized view of the whole area in a family friendly environment.
Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center – This wonderful location features interactive nature and wildlife exhibits, plus optional events, workshops, and guided tours! Check out their summer programming and year round efforts to promote conservation and education about the local nature and wildlife of Lake Erie and the bay. Lots of family friendly fun and photo opportunities, as well as a chance to explore the turtle pond, fox snakes, a live bee hive, and so much more.
Kayaking Rentals around the bay – There are numerous rental venues along the bay, but the most popular is “Kayak the Bay”. Take your family out onto the water for an exciting new look at the island and beaches, and enjoy some time in the great outdoors!
South Bass Island State Park Beach – An all encompassing area offering camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing and boating with breathtaking views of the Bay and lake! You’ll find this retreat accessible by the local ferry, with opportunities to bring your own boat or kayak to the boat launch, a small beach for sunbathing and play, and other outdoor fun. Entry to the park is free, and it spans 33 acres of shoreline and nature. Plus, beach access for the kids to enjoy some swimming and sand!

Other family-friendly activities and destinations of note:

War of 18 Holes Miniature Golf
Put-In-Bay Historical Museum
Aquatic Visitors Center
Antique Car Museum
Adventure Bay Amusement Park
DeRivera Park Downtown
Kimberly’s Carousel
Put-In-Bay Candy Bar
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

A Bay of Fun for Adults

Put-In-Bay Winery – Is a wonderful romantic day out for couples, and relaxing day out with friends for a group! This winery is small, intimate, and picturesque, and the ultimate experience for wine aficionados. You’ll enjoy a tour and tasting room experience, as well as tours of the estate grounds and house.
Heineman Winery – In operation since the late 1800s, this is a long-standing staple of the Put-In-Bay community. The facility offers cellar tours and tastings, and also hosts an impressive geode on site for viewing, one with crystals that are up to 18 inches long! Wines range from dry to sweet, making it easy to find the perfect match suited to your tastes, and you may also opt to enjoy the specially selected snack pairings while you enjoy the sunshine and wine.
Rent a Put-In-Bay Golf Cart – Renting a golf cart that holds 2,4, 6, or even 8 passengers is a very fun way to explore and see the island! Day rentals and longer-term rentals are available, and the town allows Golf Carts to ride along the regular roads. It’s a great option since the island recommends not bringing a car to the small island during your stay.
Hike the Scheef East Point Nature Preserve – This beautiful area sprawls across 8 acres of land and one of the last natural settings for travelers along the Lake Erie Islands. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the map of native flora and fauna, and avian aficionados will love bird watching along the 2,205 foot looped trail along the shores. There’s also lots of opportunities for shoreline fishing for the anglers in your midst.
Put-In-Bay Brewery & Distillery – This seasonal brewpub offers craft-brews made on site, creative spins on the usual bar food, and transforms into a very energetic dance club in the evenings and night time. It’s the bay’s first brewery, and specializes in stouts and wheat beer, but does offer specialty cider as well as a selection of fine spirits.
Saucy Brew Works Tiki Bar – This poolside oasis is open 7 days a week and is located inside the Bayshore resort. The Brew Works offers tropical cocktails, specialty brews, frozen drinks, late-night eats, and even a coffee bar. They also offer a range of non-alcoholic beverages and drink specials.
Pasquale’s Cafe – A casual, intimate setting with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options for allergy sensitive visitors. Locals rave about the eggs benedict, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, breakfast pizza, french toast! It’s a small intimate setting offering all-day menus, but with their stand-out hits being Breakfast and Brunch menus. They also offer a limited drink menu of brunch cocktails, non-alcoholic cocktails, signature cold-brew coffee, and cold-pressed lemonade.
The Shops at Compass Pointe – Perfect for a little day-time stroll and shopping! Island Hardware and Market offers a charming one-stop shop for fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, and desserts like donuts and coffee cakes; a great choice to stock up on some picnic supplies before you head out on the boat or to the beach. HomePort Gifts and Accessories offers nautical themed interior design accents and household gifts, perfect for taking home a memento of your time at the bay! The Little Store offers a wonderful carefully curated selection of jewelry and fine goods. Dock 421 offers seasonal and nautical themed resort wear to keep you cool and comfortable in the island weather.
Take the Jet Express Ferry to Kelleys Island to Charles Herndon GAlleries & Gardens, Kelley Island Brewery etc – Just a few miles offshore from Put-In-Bay is Kelleys Island! Full of even more fun activities to enjoy, such as the incredible paintings, prints, sculptures and rotating exhibits of local artists at the Charles Herndon Galleries and on-site sculpture garden. While you’re on the island, you’ll also want to stop by to partake in some beverages at the Kelley Island Brewery!