A Slice of History
South Bass Island
Put-in-Bay is located on South Bass Island, just three miles north of the Ohio mainland. It is part of a cluster of fourteen islands grouped together in Lake Erie’s western basin broadly known as the Lake Erie Islands. The island is accessible by ferry, boat, or small aircraft.
The Village of Put-in-Bay has a distinctive blend of Victorian, early industrial, mid-century modern, and nautically themed buildings. The vibrant downtown contains many shops, taverns, sports bars, and restaurants for all to enjoy. The island’s rich history and culture has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to Put-in-Bay and the Bass Islands since the 1860s when Jose DeRivera firmly established the island’s grape growing and wine making business. Visitors enjoy the island’s unique golf courses, historical markers, wineries, outdoor amenities, and caves.
Put-in-Bay is well known for Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Managed by the National Park Service, this 352-foot tall monument continues to commemorate 200+ years of peace between the USA, Great Britain, and Canada. Located off the shores of the island is Commodore Oliver H. Perry’s historic naval victory during the War of 1812.
The island is also home to several impressive collections of island history, artifacts, and nature at the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum, the Nature and Wildlife Center, the Antique Car Museum, and the Aquatic Visitor’s Center. Additionally, Put-in-Bay is the second home of Perry’s ship, the beautiful Brig Niagara which sails out of Erie, Pennsylvania.
For those looking for adventure, Put-in-Bay offers a wide variety of outdoor opportunities including fishing, biking, parasailing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Explore the island’s shoreline at Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve, enjoy sunsets at Massie Cliffside Preserve, or hike the Jane Coates Wildflower Trail and the new trail at Dodge Woods. Family-friendly festivals and many special events attract visitors throughout the summer.
Put-in-Bay is a welcoming place that is one of the most award winning vacation spots on the Great Lakes and is consistently listed as one of the region’s top summer destinations by TripAdvisor and Yelp!
