September 7, 2015

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Affiliate links means if you click on my link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you. Read my Disclosure Policy.

Visit the Lake Erie Island of Put-in-Bay aboard Miller Ferry #Ohio #sp #lakeerielove #putinbay #familyfun #travel

Looking for a fun family weekend getaway, but don't want to spend hours in the car?  Hit the Lake Erie Shores and Island and travel to Put-in-Bay with the family.   There is so much to see and do and it is right here in Ohio!

Miller Passenger & Vehicle Ferries to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) & Middle Bass Island from Catawba, Ohio are the perfect mode of transportation to the islands.   Established in 1905, this family owned &  operated ferry company went from an ice business to major transportation to Put-in-Bay. 
Transit time for Put-in-Bay is under 20 minutes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view, listen the water and feel the wind in your hair!  They offer the lowest fares and most frequent service to the Lake Erie Islands.  There are more specifics on car rates, so please check here for that info.
Adult $7.00
Child (6-11yrs.) $1.50
Child (under 6yrs.) Free
Bicycle $2.00
Once you get off the boat, the best mode for transportation is renting a golf cart!  Where else can you rent a golf cart with the family to sight see?  So cross the street and stop in at Island Bike & Cart Rental at Miller Ferry Dock, Put-in-Bay.

Island Bike & Cart Rental is the largest, all-electric fleet of golf carts on Put-in-Bay. Carts are quiet, clean, "green," and are a great way to explore the island on your own.   We had a four passenger cart for the day and it was so much fun.  My husband drove and the kids took turns sitting in the back with me.   It was such a fun way to travel and the kids LOVED it.  Make sure to visit their webpage to check out any coupon offers they might have as well!

One of the most visible sites on the island is the Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. It commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie that took place near Ohio's South Bass Island, in which Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led a fleet to victory in one of the most significant naval battles to occur in the War of 1812. Climb 37 steps to the lower landing, then pay you admission fee to ride an elevator to the tallest open air observation deck in the National Park Service. It was 352 feet high, we were told by a park ranger it was taller than the Statue of Liberty! The view is breathtaking and totally worth the small fee.

Adult Daily Fees: $3.00
(Age 16 and over)
Children Daily Fees: Free!
(Children 15 and under, must be accompanied by an adult)

Make sure to also visit the Visitor Center, it is free and open to the public. It offers a 15 minute film over the history of the battle, artifacts, art and more!

If you are traveling with kids, then it is a must to visit Perry's Cave Family Fun Center!   Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is home to Perry’s Cave, Butterfly House, Miniature Golf, Fort Amaze’n, Gemstone Mining, Climbing Wall, Antique Car Museum, and DanDees Snack Shack.


First up was the cave, we were the only ones on the first tour of the day.  Don't let the looks of the young tour guide foul you, he was so knowledgeable.  Climb 44 steep steps down (watch your head) and find a beautiful cave awaiting.  It was a much larger cave than I expected.  It was  208 feet long by 165 feet wide,  and lies 52 feet below the surface of South Bass Island in Lake Erie.    It has an underground "lake", a nice cool temperature and stalagmites and stalactites.   Your guide will point out fun animal creations, the "eye" and more on your journey into the cave as well as give you a brief history lesson!

The Butterfly house was so amazing that we went back for a second time!  You get to walk around hundreds of butterflies of various species.  There are approximately 50 species in there at a time.  There paths that wander through the gardens, butterfly themed benches to sit on surrounded by flowers, water fall display and  gazebo to relax in. Walk slowly and be aware of where you step, but do not touch! Touching them can deeply damage their wings.  If one lands on you, let it be, it won't hurt you at all!

You can stay as long as you like and even come back during the day with the hand stamp.  We visited twice and I would of gone back again if we would of had time.  It was so peaceful and beautiful!


Fort Amaze’n is Put-in-Bay’s only giant maze challenge. Purchase a maze passport then punch your start time as you race to locate and mark special stops along the way. Continue racing to find the exit and punch your finish time.   If you come in under 5 minutes you get a prize.  Even if you don't, you still get a prize!  It is a win/win! The kids had fun getting lost and then helping each other find the last punch each on was looking for.  It was hot, but they did not care.  Parents can join in the fun or stand at the observation deck and watch your children.

Are you adventurous enough to climb a 25-ft. tall rock wall? The trained staff will make sure your kids are securely attached into the harness and if they don't weigh enough like my son, they will tie a rope on to them  The rope is to pull them down when done, as they are not heavier enough to repel down, they kind of just dangle.  The staff was so kind, they let my son do the easy one 2x and my daughter the easy and medium level.  She would of attempted the hardest level if we would of let her.  She made it up both times without issue.  Our son was not able to make it up all the way, but gave a valiant effort!

There was also a free antique car museum, miniature golf, a snack bar and gemstone mining available!
Sundays there is an car show and parade around the island.  This is at about 2pm.  The kids loved it!


Restaurants, treats, snacks and more fill the island.  You can not go hungry!   We grabbed a bite to eat at Mr. Eds and were greeted with fast and friendly service!   Make sure to check out their specials too.  I had the sloppy joe special and it came with two heaping sandwiches and chips for under $6!    We also let the kids have their choice of candy and the Candy Bar!  This store featured so many unique candies and chocolates.  We finished the day with shakes at one of the local ice cream places and on last jaunt around the island on our cart.

Whether you spend the night locally or make it a day trip, you kids will love a trip to Put-in-Bay.  There is something for everyone and so much more to see and do then I featured here.  There was more we wanted to do, but ran out of time. So when you are planning your trip make sure to look to Miller Ferry for friendly service and a great way to get you to the island.

I received  free passes to the Miller Ferry, Perry's Cave and a free cart rental to facilitate this review, everything else featured in this post I purchased on my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Full Disclosure Policy

0 comments:

Post a Comment