14 Best Things To Do In Put-In-Bay You Shouldn’t Miss

Are you looking for things to do in Put-in-Bay Ohio? You have come to the right place.

Put in Bay is a charming town in northern Ohio on South Bass Island.

It is often called the ‘Key West of the North’ as it has incredible views, a lot of history, and some amazing beaches.

To get to Put in Bay you will need to take the ferry called the Jet Express. It leaves Port Clinton and Sandusky docks and costs $8 per person over 11 and $1.50 for those under.

Here are 14 of the best things in Put-In-Bay Ohio you should not miss!

14 Best Things To Do In Put-In-Bay You Shouldn’t Miss

Benson Ford Ship House

When it comes to attractions in Put-in-Bay there might not be any odder than this one.

Set on the shores of Lake Erie this unique home was once the forecastle of a huge cargo ship created for Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company.

The ship which used to haul iron around the Great Lakes is now a holiday home and is breathtaking. You can rent this 7,000-square-foot summer home.

It is occasionally open to the public so check to see if it is open when you are there.

However, you can easily see it from the Ferry to the island so make sure you take a look.  

Visiting this Put-in-Bay attraction would certainly make an incredible Midwest weekend getaway.

Perry’s Victory And International Peace Memorial

Towering 352 feet in the air you can’t miss this Put in Bay, OH attraction.

Built in 1915 this column is a testament to everlasting peace and friendship between Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.

The monument sits on a narrow piece of land close to downtown Put-in-Bay a short walk from the ferry terminal.

It is open daily and entry is $7.

The visitor center is free but the entry price will let you climb to the observation deck and the views from here are incredible.

On a clear day, you can see Canada.

The grounds in front of the column are a popular space for events so check to see if something is happening while you are there.

Wondering why this monument is so special? It’s 47 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and the observation deck sits 12 feet higher than Lady Liberty’s torch.

It is one of the tallest monuments in the country.

When thinking of things to do in Put-in-Bay, this must be on your list.

A Popular Put-in-Bay Attraction Is The Tour Train

If you want to get your bearings and see as much as possible, take a ride on the tour train.

It is bright, cheery, complete with choo-choos, and the children love it.

This open-air trolley is a one-hour guided tour and is a great way to also cool off and see all the Put-in-Bay attractions.

You can purchase tickets at the bus terminal in the heart of downtown.

The train stops at various locations including Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center, Heineman’s Winery, Perry’s Victory, and International Peace Monument, and the Lake Erie Island Nature and Wildlife Area.

Relax On The Beaches

The beaches in Ohio and especially Put in Bay are great places to cool off.

On the shores of Lake Erie, there are two main beaches for you to enjoy.

Near Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, there is a beach at the end of Delaware Ave.

The second beach is in the South Bass Island State Park.

Since the island is made predominantly of dolomite rock the beaches do tend to have a pebble shoreline.

The South Bass Island beach is bigger however the beach at the monument is nearer downtown and has great views.

Butterfly House In Put In Bay

I think a visit to The Butterfly House is a must for your things to in the Put-in-Bay list.

Apart from the fact it is full of butterflies, it’s a little oasis with soothing music and lush greenery.

The Butterfly House is truly special. Every visit to Put-in-Bay should include a stop here.

This peaceful oasis in the midst of Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center is full of beautiful butterflies, lush greenery, and soothing music.

It’s a 4000 sq foot space with over 50 species of butterflies.

The Butterflies are from all over the world and include such species as the Mosaic from Central America, the Rose Swallowtail from Southeast Asia, and the Dead Leaf Butterfly.

You can download a butterfly identification card before you go or just enjoy looking at these colorful and magnificent creatures.

Put In Bay Activities: Chocolate Cafe and Museum

Of all the things to do in Put-in-Bay, this is perhaps the most delicious. One side is the cafe and the other the museum.

In the cafe, you can meet your every chocolate whim. They also have 32 flavors of ice cream and as you can imagine the hot chocolate menu is very impressive.

The Museum features exhibitions about chocolate making as you would expect. There are also displays of movies linked to chocolate.

It’s both interesting and satisfying at the same time. A must for all chocolate lovers.

Stonehenge Historic Estate

Dating back to the 1800s, the Stonehenge Historic Estate’s Farmhouse and Wine Press Cottage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On the eastern shore of the island, about half a mile from the town, Stonehenge sits on six acres of woodland and has incredible views of Lake Erie.

The property consists of a farmhouse, the Wine Press Cottage, a pole barn, a workshop, and storage buildings. It is $7 to take a self-guided tour.

Take your camera because the views are amazing and the location is very picturesque.

Jane Coates Wildlife Trail

Jane Coates Wildflower Trail is a half-mile loop located on the southern end of South Bass Island.

With gorgeous wildflowers everywhere, you can look at migratory birds singing in the trees making this oasis an Ohio hidden gem in Put-in-Bay.

This trail is at its best in April and May but don’t let that put you off as it’s a lovely walk whenever you go.

The trail links three acres of woodland and is protected from further development.

Named after a local artist Jane Coastes it celebrates her love for the island.

The trail is a mix of Sugar Maple, Blue Ash, Basswood, Black Cherry, and Common Hackberry.

The islanders are very proud of this trail and you can often see one of them cleaning up the trail and keeping it pristine.

And when you walk it you will see why.

Put-in-Bay Winery

Located at the Doller House Estate, this is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

Founded in 2009 this property included a winery exhibition, a wine garden, and a store.

There are wine tours that go through the history of the region when it comes to wine.

You even get to try some of the local wine, a sparkling Moscato.

Learning about the Historic Ice House and the Dollars ice business which played an important part in this wine region is part of your tour.

The Doller House is an Italian-style beauty and the views from here are incredible.

It’s a testament to Put-in-Bays past and the history of this incredible entrepreneur, and would make a romantic Midwest getaway!

Seeing Crystal Cave Is One Of The Beautiful Things To Do In Put-in-Bay Ohio

The Crystal Cave is a not-to-be-missed attraction in Put in Bay.

It’s located at the Heineman Winery so you can also enjoy a glass of wine in the beautiful garden.

The cave is home to the largest geode in the world and some of the crystals are up to 3 feet in width.

The walls are covered in loads of crystals some up to 18 inches in length.

Discovered in 1897 by miners digging a well for the winery it was eventually opened to the public and its popularity grew from there.

The Cave is open seven days a week from May until September. Also, pack a sweater as it can get very chilly in the cave.

Massie Cliffside Preserve Is One Of The Peaceful Things To Do In Put-in-Bay

Massie Cliffside Preserve is an eleven-acre piece of shoreline that offers not only peace and quiet but also some incredible habitat.

It’s a short walk from Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial so it is easy to get to.

The trail takes you to the lake which is great for bird watching or photography. Or enjoy the surroundings.

There are some lovely benches along the edge of the cliff to enjoy the view. It’s a beautiful area and is well worth

Lake Erie Island Historical Museum

Located right in the downtown area the Museum archives and documents the history of the entire region.

It is open every day during the summer and is a great place to learn a little more about this incredible area.

Entry for adults is $5 and it’s easy to find just behind the police department and the Put in Bay Brewing Company.

The museum regularly puts on interesting exhibits and events so check before you go what is happening.

The museum covers everything from the history of the American Indians who once populated the islands to the turning point of the Battle of Lake Erie.

South Bass Island Lighthouse

First lit in 1897 the South Bass Island Lighthouse is pretty much the same as it was when it was built.

It is open on select dates through June-October so check before you go.

You can climb the stairs to the top and the views are stunning. There are also lots of historic educational points so you can learn along the way.

It’s an unusual lighthouse in that it is a red brick dwelling with an attached square tower. The tower stands forty-five feet tall.

Visiting this historic attraction in Put-in-Bay is worthy of your time. It is one of the best Ohio day trips you want to look into!

Perry’s Cave

Located less than a mile from downtown, Perry’s Cave Family Fun Centre of the most popular attractions in Put in Bay.

There are eight attractions in total here with the main drawn being Perry’s Cave.

The cave is located 52 feet underground and is magical. It’s home to a rare underground lake full of fresh water.

The lake rises and falls with the tides but no one knows where it is connected and it is one of Put-in-Bay’s mysteries.

The cave is said to have been discovered in 1813 by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry who used the lake to provide water for his troops during the War of 1812.

Bring a sweater because it can get cold in the caves.

Visiting Gibraltar Island Is One Of The Coolest Things To Do In Put-in-Bay Ohio

The island is in the Put-in-Bay Harbor and has the tallest land elevation in the area. This Ohio island is now managed by Ohio State University.

Originally owned by Jay Cooke a Civil War financier who gave it to her daughter it was then sold to Franz Theodore Stone who later donated it.

Stone left his mark and the building on the island is known as Stone Laboratory used for research by university students.

The Laboratory is the oldest freshwater biological field station in the United States.

It is named after Gibraltar Island in the Mediterranean Sea since it resembles the fortress island.

It is closed to the public. however, in the summer there are weekly science and history tours.

Packing List Suggestions When Visiting Put-in-Bay Attractions

Read about how to travel with just carry-on sized luggage to make your trip easier and more organized.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

these RFID Sleeves D sleeves are another perfect solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies with all those nature shots in Iowa.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. 

The replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh water whenever you need it.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great.

Not all beaches are created equally and these quick dry slip-on Aqua shoes will come in handy for pebblyOhio beaches.

These men’s quick dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

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As you can see there are so many things to do in Put-in-Bay, Ohio.