South Bass Island
"Put-in-Bay"
South Bass Island is located in western Lake Erie, is a lively island community known for its distinctive history, natural landscapes, and waterfront setting. Home to the Village of Put-in-Bay, the island welcomes visitors from across the Great Lakes while supporting a close-knit community of year-round and seasonal residents. Its parks, historic sites, local businesses, and community organizations reflect the unique opportunities and challenges of island life.
This resource directory brings together helpful information about transportation, services, government, education, recreation, and community resources, providing a starting point for residents, visitors, and anyone interested in learning more about South Bass Island.
The comprehensive "Visit Put-in-Bay" website is a production of the Official Put-in-Bay Tourism Bureau, with a focus on visitor experience, tourism, hotels, events, and other resources. Another website (putinbay.com) is published by a local independent media group, and provides similar comprehensive information. A third hub of information can be found through Shores & Islands Ohio, the regional destination and tourism brand for Erie and Ottawa counties.
Quick facts
Population: 152 (2020 Census)
Total Area: 2.5 sq mi (6 sq km)
Lake: Erie
Distance to mainland: 2.6 Miles
Country: USA
State: Ohio
County: Ottawa
Townships: Village of Put-in-Bay
Transportation
Ferry
Ferry lines · Multiple ferry lines serve South Bass Island providing seasonal passenger, freight, and car ferry services. Sonny's Boat Line provides service between Middle Bass and South Bass Islands.
Air Transit
Airlines
Airport
On-island Transportation
Rentals
Taxi Service and other Public Transit
Marina & Docks
Boat Docks and Marians · South Bass Island has a variety of public and private options for boat dockage. Some require a reservation or membership and others are first-come first-served.
Island Life
Tourism
Chamber of Commerce · Comprehensive information about South Bass Island businesses and more.
Travel Guides
Municipal
Village Government
Police & Emergency Services
Community Resources
Grantmakers · Funding for charitable and professional local projects, resources for legacy giving.
Put-in-Bay Recreation Committee · Funded through a public levy, the PIB Recreaction Committee funds activities, events, and other community oriented requests. Contact PIB Fiscal Officer through the Village website.
Housing information
Traditional Real Estate
Short Term Rentals
Essential Services
Education
Public School · K-12
Higher Education
Healthcare & Human Services
Hospitals & Health Centers
Other Health Resources
Environment & Conservation
Natural Resources & Organizations
Conservancies, Parks, etc.
Culture & Lifestyle
Festivals & Events
Annual Events, Calendars, etc.
Recreation
Village Parks & Recreation · Locations and resources for leisure and outdoor activities
Arts & Culture
Historical Societies, Museums, etc.
Library
COMING SOON
Great Lakes Islands Navigator
The Great Lakes Islands Navigator is a physical print and electronic document publication that provides single-page layout information and graphics on each island in a concise, easy-to-read format. It's a great way to share information about islands. Navigator pages can be easily downloaded to print at home and/or publish online.


See anything that should be added, updated, or corrected? Reach out to us!
Contact Philip Rice, Communications Specialist, to submit changes, corrections, and suggestions for the resource directory. price@stewardshipnetwork.org
