Looking for a fun family weekend getaway or just a day trip? You can head on over to Lake Erie Shores and Island and travel to Put-in-Bay with the family and it won't break the bank. There is so much to see and do and it is right here in Ohio! You can book a charter boat to fish, go parasailing, jet-skiing, and more. Not into water sports? There are tons to see an do as a family, museums, putt-putt, caves to explore, just to name a few!
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. There is even free parking areas near the Catawba Dock. 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.
Not only are the fares reasonable, but the folks at Miller Boat Line want to help you save while visiting the island! Head on over
here and check out all the great coupons and discounts they have to offer on their page!
Once on the island the best way to get around is by golf cart. On this trip to the island we used a cart from E’s Cart. With a cart from E's Cart you can explore Put-in-Bay at your own
pace. You can rent a 2,4,6 or 8 Passenger Golf Cart. E’s
Carts are conveniently located at the Miller Ferry Put-in-Bay Dock, at
the top of the hill and to the right. It is just a short walk less than 30 yards!
Want to save some money on this already reasonable rental? Find a $5 OFF Daily Rate Coupon on
EsGolfcarts.com or mention their ad in the Put-in-Bay Island Guide.
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial is a must see! Currently the grounds and Visitor Center are open! Only Observation Deck closed for summer as they are restoring it!
The
memorial honors Oliver Hazard Perry and the battle in Lake Erie that
was crucial to the American victory in the War of 1812. When it is open,
you can take an elevator up 317 feet and you will have an amazing view
of all of Put-in-Bay and the other Ohio islands.
The Chocolate Museum is a small but cute little chocolate museum! Learn the history of chocolate, and then stop by the store and check out all the chocolate goodies. They offer more than 100 different kinds of fine chocolates.
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.
Last year we did the cave, so this year we did miniature golf, the Butterfly house and Fort Amaze’n. 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 complete the maze under 5 minutes you score a free climb on the wall! Both my kids got all the punches and through the maze in just under 5 minutes!
The Butterfly house was wonderful, we love it each time we visit!
You get to walk around hundreds of butterflies of various species.
There are approximately 50 species in there at a time. This year there was some new species from last year. 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.
Restaurants, treats, snacks and more fill the island. You can not go
hungry! We grabbed a bite to eat at The Boardwalk’s Upper Deck! My husband had the fish sandwich special and I had a chicken sandwich. I had planned on taking photos, but it was so good that we scarfed it down. The kid meals are served on a frisbee! So dinner and a gift! Make sure to check out their specials too, the one my hubby had was amazing! Our waitress was Diamond and she was a sweet girl who lives half the year on the island!
We then went down the road and let the kids have their choice of candy
and the Candy Bar! This store featured so many unique candies and
chocolates. My son had a chocolate covered oreo and my daughter a chocolate covered graham!
If you have a pressed penny fanatic there is a machine at the Carriage House! I heard there was one at Adventure Bay as well, but we did not go in there.
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 only highlighted a few things to see and do, there is so much more!
Here are some helpful links for your trip:
Miller Ferry (directions, parking, ferry schedule):
www.millerfery.com
Twitter: @MILLEBOATLINE @PUT_IN_BAY
Instagram: @MILLERBOATLINE
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
