//
Village in Ohio, United States
Photo: 2old, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Put-in-Bay is a resort village 3 mi offshore of mainland Ohio on Lake Erie. Put-in-Bay is a village on South Bass Island, but the name commonly is used to refer to the entire island. A summer resort since the mid-1800s, the town is the hub of tourism among the Lake Erie Islands, with its numerous taverns, wineries, restaurants, and hotels. Along with the festive atmosphere of downtown Put-in-Bay, there are key pieces of American history to discover here, relaxing outdoor activities, and natural splendor. This island resort community is also close to a plethora of mainland parks and attractions, including the world-renowned Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This 352-foot (107 m) tall memorial commemorates Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's September 10, 1813 naval victory over British ships in the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. Construction of the monument began in 1912 and it opened to the public on June 13, 1915. It is made up of 78 layers of pink granite, topped with an eleven short ton (10 metric ton) bronze urn. The remains of six naval officers, three British and three Americans, were interred beneath the floor of the monument's rotunda. For $3, take an elevator to the observation deck, with views of the surrounding islands and southern Canada. Visitor Center features displays, a video theater, and gift shop.
The world's record, largest geode in the world. Located under Heineman's Winery on South Bass Island. Crystals in lengths of up to 18 inches, inside of this geode, that one can stand up in.
20- to 30-minute tours of the island's largest cave, a War of 1812-themed putt putt course, a 4,000-square-foot butterfly house with over 500 different types of exotic butterflies, a giant human maze, gemstone mining, an antique car museum, a rock-climbing wall, and two gift shops.
Gibraltar Island
Tour the Aquatic Visitors Center, participate in hands-on work of a scientist, or check out the view from the South Bass Island Lighthouse tower. Also houses Cooke Castle. Many additional educational options are also available.
Board the Tour Train to see the island while learning fun facts and history along the way.
Lakeside park with a children's play area.
Kayak rentals for $25 per person for up to two hours, and $10 per hour after two hours. Paddleboard rentals for $25 for up to two hours.
A nautical-themed family-friendly establishment with sandwiches, fresh perch, and walleye chowder. Often has live music.
Enjoy great views of the waterfront with generous portions of Lake Erie perch and walleye, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab, shrimp, burgers, or their famous lobster bisque.
Unique wine-based BBQ sauce and outdoor seating with a view of the central village.
Everything here is homemade and popular with locals. Located within the original Wharfside tackle and bait store, the back bar faces the water and provides a picturesque view of the bay.
Live entertainment weekends and most weekdays during the summer. Home to the world's third-longest bar at 405 feet, 10 inches (longer than the height of Perry's Monument!) Also home to Tipper's, offering everything from large (but more expensive) seafood and steak entrees to pasta and sandwiches at moderate prices. A salad bar is available, with luncheon buffet 11AM-4PM, seafood buffet on Fridays after 5PM, Prime Rib Buffet on Saturdays after 5PM, and breakfast buffet from 7AM-10:30AM Saturdays and Sundays.
Level 2 is Put in Bay's only true nightclub with a DJ 7 nights a week. The club has 3 VIP rooms, a light show, and lots of people.
It is possible to take a guided wine-tasting tour of the Valentine Doller Mansion and experience island life as it was in the 1800s. Sample five island wines while relaxing in the wine garden or enjoying the harbor view from the front lawn.
The Bird's Nest is in a quiet spot with amenities including a swimming pool, play area, fish cleaning facilities, picnic tables, and grills. One of the few lodgings that allow pets on the island. Open May through September.
The Grand Islander Hotel is in downtown Put-in-Bay and is home to the Splash! swim-up bar and the Level 2 nightclub. Splash! is the world's 5th largest swim-up bar, and features 97 seats in the water and live entertainment on the weekends serving an older, mature crowd.
The Islander Inn is Put-in-Bay's oldest hotel. Located in the middle of downtown, the Islander features 1 swimming pool and 3 wading pools and the Dizzy Lizard Swim-up Bar, Put-in-Bay's original swim-up bar.
This is the most economical way to stay on the island. The family campground features 125 non-electric sites, and 10 full service sites with electric, water and sewer hook-ups. The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. A youth group camp is available by reservation for organized groups. Four cabents, combining the best features of a cabin and tent, are available through a lottery system for weekly rental from Memorial Day to the last weekend in September. A separate lottery is held for rental of the rustic cabin located near the park office. Contact the Catawba Island park office for lottery details. A picnic shelter, picnic areas, launch ramp, fishing pier and small stone beach area are also available. South Bass Island is accessible by ferry from Port Clinton or Catawba Island.
Poolview and waterfront vacation rental assistances. 26 beautiful waterfront guest condos with multiple rooms, private decks.Fully furnished units, all linens included, pool access, golf cart rentals onsite.
By plane
There is a good airport on the island (2870 x 75 feet) offering charter services:
Visitors should seriously consider leaving their cars on the mainland.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Windsor · International · YQG
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Put-in-Bay and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.