Best Things to Do in Put-in-Bay: A Perfect Lake Erie Getaway
If you’re looking for a charming island escape without hopping on a plane, Put-in-Bay, Ohio, might be exactly what you need. Nestled on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, this lively little village offers history, natural beauty, adventure, and just the right amount of old-fashioned fun.
We have visited the island several times, and want to share our favorite experiences — along with a few honest thoughts to help you plan your own visit.
Getting There: The Ferry Ride
Half the fun is getting to the island.
We rode the Miller Ferry from Catawba, and the 20-minute ride across Lake Erie immediately felt like the start of vacation. Watching the shoreline fade behind you while the open water stretches ahead is wonderfully refreshing.
The ferry is smooth, affordable, and well-organized. You can bring your car, but honestly, you won’t need it. Finding parking can be a challenge, especially in the summer, and parking is no longer free.
There is a better alternative for getting around the island: a golf cart.
Explore by Golf Cart (The Very Best Way!)
The BEST way to see Put-in-Bay? Rent a golf cart.
The island is only about 3.5 miles long, and golf carts are everywhere. Driving one around is not only practical — it’s incredibly fun. You can explore at your own pace, stop whenever something catches your eye, and easily reach spots that are farther from downtown.
You can rent a golf cart next to either of the ferry ports. If you take the Miller Ferry, you will get dropped off quite a distance from the center of town. Unless you want a very long walk, you’ll need to rent a golf cart. It’s such a fun way to get around town that I would highly recommend it.
It quickly became one of our favorite parts of the trip.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Put-in-Bay is more than just a summer destination — it played an important role in American history.
In 1813, during the War of 1812, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led U.S. forces to victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. That triumph secured control of Lake Erie and became a turning point in the war.
Today, that victory is commemorated at the impressive Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. The monument also honors the lasting peace between the United States, Great Britain, and Canada.
Enjoy the View from the Top
Take the elevator to the observation deck. The 360-degree views of Lake Erie and the surrounding islands are spectacular. On a clear day, you can even see Canada. Standing at the top gives you a real sense of how significant this location was historically.
It’s peaceful, meaningful, and surprisingly moving.
You can purchase tickets at the monument, and you will be given a time slot to ride up on the elevator. If you have time to kill, you can enjoy the beautiful park around the monument. Sit on a ledge overlooking the lake, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Then, head up to the top and enjoy the view.
If you want to experience an even more spectacular view, consider taking an airplane ride over the island.
An Airplane Ride Over the Island (AMAZING!!!)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, consider a small airplane ride over Put-in-Bay. This short flight was the highlight of our trip. We were fortunate to have a beautiful day with blue skies and light winds. It was the perfect day to fly over the island.
There are a few things to know about this excursion.
First, the plane is quite small. We were fortunate to be the only passengers on our flight, which made it feel private and comfortable. However, the aircraft can hold up to six passengers, which, in my opinion, would feel quite tight.
If you are tall or larger in build, you may want to consider paying for a private flight to ensure you’re comfortable.
It’s not an inexpensive activity, but for us, it was absolutely worth the price. The prices are higher in the summer season, so consider visiting the island in the off season.
Seeing the island from above is breathtaking. The water stretches endlessly, and the surrounding islands look like tiny emeralds scattered across Lake Erie.
Flying over the islands is definitely something we will never forget.
Crystal Cave & Heineman’s Winery
One of the most unique stops on the island is Crystal Cave.
Inside is the world’s largest geode, lined with stunning celestite crystals. It’s unlike any cave experience we’ve had before. I’m not a huge fan of caves because I don’t enjoy climbing through tight spaces. This cave was small but open. You don’t have to squeeze through rocks or duck to get through a short cave. You do have to climb down stairs into the cave, so those with mobility issues will need to skip this activity.
Your admission also includes a tour of Heineman’s Winery, one of Ohio’s oldest family-owned wineries, established in 1888. The winery tour and tasting add a lovely historical and cultural element to the visit.
If you have kids with you or you don’t drink wine, you can sample their grape juice instead. We chose that option and were impressed with the flavor of the juice.
Peaceful Trails at Oak Point
For a quieter side of the island, visit Oak Point State Park.
The trails are peaceful, beautifully maintained, and far less crowded than downtown. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy nature, and take in the beauty of Lake Erie.
If you’re someone who appreciates a calm moment away from the buzz, this is a lovely stop.
Perry’s Cave Family Fun
At Perry’s Cave, there’s something for everyone:
- Guided cave tours
- Miniature golf
- Gemstone mining
- Rock climbing
The cave itself features an underground freshwater pool and is both educational and fun. It’s a great stop, especially if you’re traveling with family.
The Butterfly House (Be Prepared for Heat!)
The Butterfly House is filled with beautiful, colorful butterflies fluttering freely around you.
It’s visually lovely and makes for nice photos. However, it was extraordinarily hot inside. We started sweating the minute we walked inside. Jim lasted about 5 minutes before he had to leave, and I made it less than 15 minutes. Had I not been filming the butterflies, I would have left sooner. I honestly felt we didn’t get our money’s worth.
If you love tropical temperatures, you may find this a fabulous activity, but know that the price is high for what you experience.
A Sweet Stop: The Chocolate Museum & Café
If you enjoy a bit of nostalgia, make time for the Chocolate Museum & Cafe.
We stopped in for a quick visit and were pleasantly surprised by how much there was to see. The museum is filled with vintage candy boxes, old tins, classic advertisements, and retro signage that bring back memories from decades past. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself saying, “Oh, I remember that!”
In addition to the displays, they sell chocolates and desserts, making it a sweet little treat stop during your day of exploring. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply enjoy nostalgic Americana, it’s a fun and charming addition to your Put-in-Bay itinerary.
Dining on the Island
We enjoyed lunch at The Goat Soup & Whiskey Tavern and chose to sit on the patio, which made for a very pleasant midday break.
Jim ordered the Reuben and absolutely loved it. It was hearty and flavorful — exactly what you’d hope for. I chose the BLT. While it was generously portioned, it was a bit too salty for my taste. However, our Greek salad was fresh, crisp, and very tasty — a bright and refreshing addition to the meal.
The restaurant has different desserts available daily, and several lunch specials, too.
Overall, it was a relaxing and enjoyable stop during our day of exploring.
The Boardwalk & Beach Time
Downtown Put-in-Bay has that classic summer vacation feel. The Boardwalk area is perfect for shopping, casual dining, grabbing ice cream, and watching boats in the harbor.
You’ll find plenty of souvenir shops, clothing stores, and more. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll find plenty to do in the charming downtown area.
And yes — there’s even a beach. While Lake Erie isn’t the ocean, the shoreline offers a peaceful place to sit, walk, or dip your toes in the water. It’s a wonderful way to wind down after a full day.
Final Thoughts
Put-in-Bay blends history, natural beauty, adventure, and small-town charm into one memorable getaway. From ferry rides and golf cart cruising to cave tours, winery visits, peaceful trails, nostalgic candy displays, and breathtaking flights over Lake Erie — there’s something here for everyone.
Whether you want excitement or relaxation, Put-in-Bay delivers.
And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of escape we need.
