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GETAWAYS
There are countless ways to fill a getaway with truly one-of-a-kind adventures in the Lake Erie Shores and Islands. Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you make your Shores and Islands experience one to remember!
Day One: Jumpstart your getaway by taking the whole crew to the world’s greatest amusement park! From its record-shattering collection of roller coasters to four dedicated children’s areas including Planet Snoopy, which debuts this summer, there’s definitely a thrill here for everyone. Need a break from the rides? An Ice skating spectacular, musical revues and action-packed games are sure to keep the whole gang entertained. Take a stroll through one of the many unique gift shops or indulge yourself with a decadent treat. And when the heat of the afternoon kicks in, hop to the adjacent water park or sunbathe on the beautiful, sandy beach bordering the park. The adventurers in your group might want to see things from a different angle—by parasailing over Lake Erie or racing by on a jet-ski. Wrap up your fun-filled day with a spectacular laser light show with musical accompaniment on the main midway before departing the park.
Day Two: The thrills don’t end with roller coasters at the Lake Erie Shores and Islands. Begin day two at a drive-through safari, where you and your family will come face to face with exotic animals from the other side of the world, without even having to leave the car! Imagine rolling down the windows and feeding a giraffe or zebra by hand. Should you run out of carrots, why not park and observe more animals in the walk-through area, check out the pig races or participate in an educational program? The kids can even experience a camel ride before you head to your next destination.
Want a big adventure for the little ones? Visit a miniature golf course, a forest filled with life-sized dinosaurs, a hands-on anti-gravity attraction or Ohio’s largest operating, multi-gauge electric train display. If you desire more animals, consider visiting a petting zoo with a variety of exotic creatures plus a fully-stocked fishing lagoon.
Your family’s discovery can continue below the earth’s surface, as you explore seven levels of caves and descend 110 feet underground to a crystal clear stream. Marvel at “the Earth crack” and pan for gemstones and fossils—just don’t forget a light jacket as the caves are a constant 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
After your guided underground adventure, treat your family to a day at the beach or enjoy some open-air fun at one of the area’s many amusement centers with activities like miniature golf, go-kart race tracks, bumper boats, water balloon launchers and arcade games. Should Mother Nature put a damper on your outdoor fun, take cover in one of our indoor water park resorts, complete with slides, activity pools, arcades, crafts and other fun activities. The brave ones in your bunch can cap off the day with an excursion to a nationally-top-rated haunted attraction or a pulse-pounding game of special effects laser tag.
Day One: It’s not just the water attractions that make the Lake Erie Shores and Islands an ideal destination for outdoor adventure. Start your experience on land by hiking through the woods at one of eight state parks, a federal wildlife refuge or one of many municipal parks. For those seeking a faster-paced adventure, many parks have trail systems ideal for bicycling; or, for a truly high-speed experience, hit the road on a Harley® rented from an area business.
Bird watchers flock to the Lake Erie Shores and Islands year round to study an abundance of different species. The area is recognized as being one of the top ten spots in the nation for migrating species; and it’s common to see bald eagles, rare warblers and other songbirds along the beautiful shore. Special lodging packages for birders and guided bird watching experiences are available.
Campers will discover that the Lake Erie Shores and Islands region is rich with idyllic settings to pitch a tent, park the RV or rent a cabin. Many camping properties offer upscale amenities like pools, children’s activities and educational programs - there are even campgrounds on the islands! Reservations are suggested.
Day Two: With over 200 miles of shoreline, there is water fun waiting for everyone today. Fishing enthusiasts will find some of the best action in all of the Great Lakes. It’s no wonder that more fishing licenses are sold here than in any other part of Ohio. Whether in your own boat, on a private charter, a walk-on headboat or simply off a pier or shore, you’re certain to land a memorable catch. Fishing is a year-round sport in the Lake Erie Shores and Islands. There are several captains available for ice fishing charters in the winter months.
For boaters, there is an abundance of mainland marinas to choose from, as well as several places to find harbor on the islands. A number of these locations also offer sailboat, pontoon boat, wave runner or kayak rentals. Parasailing is available, as well as snorkeling and diving experiences. You can even explore shipwrecks! For a more relaxing shore experience, enjoy swimming and sunbathing on one of the area’s public beaches.
After a day filled with adventure, you’ll find many quiet places along the shore to sit back and enjoy the amazing colors of a Lake Erie sunset.
ADD ANOTHER DAY Maximize your getaway by exploring the beautiful islands of Lake Erie! Kelleys Island, Middle Bass Island and South Bass Island, also referred to by its village name Put-in-Bay, are easily accessible from the mainland. To get there, choose from a number of transportation options including automobile ferries, high-speed passenger catamarans or island-hopping cruises that allow you to experience multiple islands during your day-long excursion.
Kelleys Island, the largest of Ohio’s Islands, is rich with breathtaking natural scenery. Rent bicycles with all the accessories, including baby carriers, or splurge on a golf cart to explore the island’s rocky shorelines, lush forests, fragrant vineyards and historical homes. Don’t miss the expansive Kelleys Island State Park for miles of hiking trails, wildlife sighting opportunities, a pristine beach and a view of the world’s largest, most spectacular glacial grooves. To satisfy those hungry appetites that should be kicking in, venture into town for a savory bite to eat or a game of miniature golf. But don’t leave without browsing the island shops for tropical-inspired island apparel and souvenirs to take home
For a truly serene escape, there’s no better place than Middle Bass Island. This small, secluded island offers visitors beautiful lake views, beaches, shopping, a wildlife refuge and an exciting Caribbean-themed resort.
The village of Put-in-Bay, on South Bass Island, offers a wide variety of activities for the entire family. Start with a narrated tram tour of the island or use rented bikes or golf carts to explore on your own. Take in an aerial view from 352 feet in the air, atop the country’s third-tallest national monument. Learn about the area’s role in the War of 1812 at the memorial’s visitor center or experience first-hand what life was like in the 1800s on a family wine-making estate.
Exciting attractions can be found all over the island, including a house of butterflies, miniature golf, cave tours, gem mining, bumper boats, a history museum and more. For those who love the great outdoors, South Bass Island also offers first-class fishing, golf, kayaking, parasailing and jet skiing.
When the sun goes down, Put-in-Bay nightlife pumps up! It is the entertainment capital of the Lake Erie Shores and Islands, as many restaurants and pubs showcase first-class musical entertainment and comedy performances.
Besides the fascinating people and places that make the Lake Erie Shores and Islands a historical gem, you can learn about the amazing geologic formation of the land itself, and discover exciting natural phenomena like the world’s best example of glacial scoring.
The region is filled with maritime history documented with museum exhibits and historical markers that illustrate how Lake Erie, and the ships that navigated her, played a major role in the area’s development. Hands-on displays feature information on local shipwrecks, boat building and the lake’s very unique ecosystem. The area also boasts six lighthouses, two of which offer seasonal guided tours, and one being the most popular lighthouse in all of the Great Lakes.
Military history buffs might be interested in a confederate soldier’s cemetery and former Civil War POW depot, a World War II POW camp for German and Italian prisoners, a War of 1812 memorial to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and a museum dedicated solely to the country’s wars and conflicts from the Civil War through the Global War on Terrorism.
The variety of historical sites is dizzying—only a few miles separate a 135-year-old Chautauqua community, the birthplace of one of the world’s most important inventors and a presidential home. Several museums and historic complexes protect and display impressive artifacts and collections from bygone eras, while others highlight the region’s history, including its involvement in the Underground Railroad with a self-guided tour of relevant sites.
The area’s winemaking heritage is evident at any of the region’s six wineries, where visitors can enjoy many vintages as well as tours, food and entertainment. Additionally, some of the villages and attractions offer wonderful guided tours as well as the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Lake Erie while traveling the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail National Scenic Byway. Discover natural areas and historic sites; find places for bird watching, biking, hiking, and canoeing. Experience majestic lighthouses, colorful songbirds, working canal boats, and lush river valleys. Call 800-441-1271 for a lighthouse map and guide to shipwrecks.
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