Put-in-Bay, Ohio

What to Do

There is a lot to do on this little island and it’s easy to get around. Golf carts, bikes, and taxis are always accessible and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. The main downtown harbor area, just over a mile from the airport, is lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. Average highs during the tourist season are in the 80s with evening temperatures dipping to about 65° F.

To orient yourself, you can start with a ride on the Put-in-Bay tour train, a narrated historical “choo-choo ride” that stops at most island attractions. Hop on the yellow train at the downtown depot located behind the chamber of commerce for a relaxing one-hour tour of most of the island, tours run daily (summer only) 10:15 a.m.–5:15 p.m., adults $10, children $4, 419-285-4855, www.perryscave.com/public/island_transportation/train.cfm.

A beautiful wooded drive down Langram Road leads you to the 1855 Stonehenge Estate, which is representative of the family wine growing farms that prospered on the island. Stonehenge is now a family preservation project open to visitors from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A 20-minute self-guided audio tour takes tourists through historical highlights of the estate including a farmhouse built of dolomite and grout and a wine press cottage with a hand dug solid rock wine cellar. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While on the tour, you will walk a portion of the seven acres of landscaped grounds, passing by rows of wine barrels and vineyards. After your tour, browse the gift shop for unique gifts like handmade jewelry, kaleidoscopes, and aviation memorabilia. You may also want to take some extra time to talk with owners Ken and Catherine, or daughter Lisa about their involvement with their EAA chapter and its Ford Tri-Motor restoration project. Shuttles from the airport can be arranged, open 11 a.m.–5 p.m., adults $7, children $3, 808 Langram Rd., 419-285-6134, www.stonehenge-put-in-bay.com.

One block from Stonehenge, put your wine growing knowledge to work at Heineman’s Winery and Crystal Cave, the oldest family-owned winery in Ohio. The Crystal Cave is a large deposit of celestite crystals forming the world’s largest known geode, or cavity, lined with crystals. It was discovered in 1897 while workers were digging a well for the winery. After taking a tour of the cave, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or grape juice in the tasting room or on the outdoor wine garden patio. More than 15 wines and grape juices, including their best seller, the Pink Catawba, are available, open Apr–Oct, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun 12–5 p.m., tours run 11 a.m.–5 p.m. (May 5–Sep 25), adults $7, children $3, 978 Catawba St., 419-285-2811, www.heinemanswinery.com.

Across the street from Heineman’s Winery, you’ll find activities galore at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. The 4,000-square-foot Butterfly House is a popular attraction, featuring 50 different species from around the world. Enter the gift shop filled with colorful souvenirs such as bird feeders, wind chimes, nature gifts, and handcrafted souvenirs, and then visit the indoor garden room to walk among hundreds of exotic butterflies, fountains, fishponds, and flowers. An expert educates visitors about the exhibit. Miniature golf, mazes, and a rock-climbing wall are also available.

Known as the deepest, darkest secret on the island, Perry’s Cave is a natural limestone cave 52 feet below the surface. It was discovered in 1813 by Oliver Hazard Perry, hero of the War of 1812’s Battle of Lake Erie, and tours began in 1870. This Ohio natural landmark, with an underground lake, remains a cool 50 degrees. A guided tour lasts about 20 minutes, adults $8, children $4.50. Youngsters and those young at heart can try their luck at gemstone mining. Purchase a bag of rough mix at the shop ($6–$10) and pan for real gems at the outdoor mining sluice. Look for minerals like emeralds, quartz, blue calcite, and moon stone, and even fossils, Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (May–Oct), 979 Catawba Ave., 419-285-CAVE, www.perryscave.com.

Once you make your way to the downtown harbor area, get a grand view of the island at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Built between 1912 and 1915, it honors those who fought in the War of 1812 and celebrates peace between Canada and the U.S. From the 317-ft. observation deck, visitors can see the site of the Battle of Lake Erie, as well as Canada and Cleveland on clear days. The visitor’s center has historical models, educational displays, and a free 20-minute presentation on “The Battle of Lake Erie” that covers the history of the monument. There is a charge to take the elevator to the observation deck (after climbing 37 stairs to reach the elevator), open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (May–Oct), ages 16 and over $3, children free, Bay View Ave., 419-285-2184, www.nps.gov/pevi.

For an active adventure or just to cool off, Kayak the Bay Ltd. rents single and double kayaks, and offers both sit-on-top and sit-in models. Kayak among the boats in the downtown bay area or island hop to nearby Middle Bass Island, just over a mile away. During your excursion, get up close to the rugged rock shoreline and view the lush island greenery. For good fun and great exercise, try the newest addition to the watercraft fleet, the hydro bike, or relax on a float. Floats and ski tubes are $10–$25 for a half day; kayak rates for up to two hours are $20 single, $40 double, 10 a.m.–dark weather permitting (Jun–Oct), Bay View Ave. next to Oak Point State Park, 419-967-0796, www.kayakthebay.net.

Often called “Key West of the north,” Put-in-Bay has an active bar scene and a tradition of live musical entertainment. With over twenty bars and taverns to choose from, you won’t have any trouble finding a nightcap. You’ll be amazed at the selection of genres, entertainment, and atmospheres to choose from. In the spirit of Mardi Gras, visitors are often greeted to the bar scene with brightly colored beads tossed around their necks or thrown at their feet while others base their "party boy" status on how many sets of beads they can earn. This tradition has long been associated with good times and celebrations and those that take part in this island bar scene certainly know how to celebrate! Of course, you must be able to say that you visited the home of the world’s longest bar, all 405 feet of it, at the Beer Barrel Saloon, which has live music all day and night during high season, noon–1 a.m. (May–Oct), 324 Delaware Ave., 419-285-BEER, www.beerbarrelpib.com.

The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce has more information on activities, dining, and lodging, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., 148 Delaware Ave., 419-285-2832, www.visitputinbay.com.