Looking for a cool day adventure for the family? Runaway to Put-In-Bay! This quaint island gem in Ohio has been a tradition in my family since I was a little girl. Cool caves, historic sites, wineries, various restaurants/bars, hiking trails, watersports, fishing, helicopter rides, museums, a walking 9-hole golf course, a mini-golf course, and a dog park all offer something for everyone! I refer to Put-In-Bay as the small version of Mackinaw Island or "Golf Cart" island since that's primarily the only form of transportation.
Getting There: Miller Ferry
If you are located in Ohio or Michigan, Put-In-Bay just may be about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive away. The Miller Ferry, which is about a 15 minute ride, has always been my way to the island. Although one-way and round-trip tickets to the ferry can be purchased online, they can also be purchased directly at the ferry dock the same day.
Tip #1: In preparation for my recent trip to Put-In-Bay, I found that if you download and present
the Shore Savings Card at the ticket booth you save $1 off each round-trip ticket ($16 discounted round-trip fare per person). Click here to download your own Shore Savings Card to save on the ferry and much more.
Tip #2: The island is different post-pandemic and the optional bike rental seems to be almost a thing of the past. Be sure to book a golf cart for the day in advance of your trip! E's Put-In-Bay Golf Carts is one of the closest golf cart rentals to the right of the ferry dock and a 4-Passenger cart is priced at $84.80 (fees included). If you wait until getting on the island, there's a strong chance that you won't be able to get a rental. Simply complete the drivers license and drivers insurance prompt online for an easy rental pick-up. And yes, the state police are very present on the island! Tip #3: If you want to arrive by ferry directly in the downtown area, be sure to checkout Jet Express Ferry.
Must-try: Seafood has never tasted so good!
If you are a seafood lover like myself, be sure to stop at The Boardwalk restaurant for lunch or dinner. Expect to enjoy your meal on the patio or in the air-conditioning while taking in the beautiful Lake Erie views. This is one of my favorite restaurants on the island and the menu is endless! Mahi mahi, Lake Erie Walleye, Lake Erie Perch, Lobster Bisque, and Shrimp & Lobster Mac & Cheese are some popular selections. In the mood for a refreshing drink? The Riptide Rum Punch was amazing...I should've had another!
Expect to pay top dollar for for meals and drinks throughout the island. For the New England Warm Buttered Lobster Roll and the Riptide Tum Punch, the bill totaled $65.89 (20% tip included). When it comes to good food and travel, I'm willing to pay more for the best experience. If The Boardwalk doesn't suit your fancy, try one of the other top five restaurants on the island.
According to Tripadvisor.com, the top 5 best restaurants for 2023 are 1) The Forge, 2) Goat, Soup, & Whiskey, 3) Pasquales Cafe, 4) The Keys and 5) The Boardwalk. I am surprised that The Boardwalk isn't higher on the list!
Best Way to Explore: Tour Train
Of all the years I've set foot on Put-In-Bay island, I've never been on the Put-In-Bay Tour Train! This one hour train ride is narrated and help's you explore the main highlights of the island with it's five stops including: 1) Perry's Cave & Family Fun Center, 2) Heineman Winery & Crystal Cave, 3) Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial & Visitors Center, 4) The Doller House & Museum of Island Life and 5) Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. What's great about this train ride is that you can make your own itinerary of stops or choose to simply enjoy the one hour ride on the train. You are allotted one hour at each stop and the train will arrive for pick-up to continue exploring. This can literally be all day fun or just one highlight to your visit!
Tip #4: You can purchase tickets and board at The Depot downtown. It's a few doors down from The Candy Bar (try the birthday cake ice cream...it's delicious!). The total cost for an adult ticket is $15.00 (atleast during Memorial Day weekend).
Tip #5: If you choose to enjoy each stop on the route, be sure to allow for about 5 to 6 hours to complete the experience.
Tip #6: If the weather is hot, consider investing in a Cooling Towel (click here to read about my Cooling Towel recommendation).
Last Thought: Always a great day trip!
Visits to Put-In-Bay never get old for me! I've explored Perry's Cave, mined for gold, admired the sights in the Butterfly House, played in the park, and biked as a kid. In adulthood, the experience has been that much better reminiscing, indulging my taste buds, and truly taking in what the island has to offer. There's still more to do too! I'd love to go hiking, fish, rent a boat for the day, play the walking 9-hole golf course, visit the newest winery, try more restaurants,, take a helicopter ride, and experience an overnight stay on the island. There are more Fridays to look forward to for sure!
- Nina
Wow! This is great info. Going to put put in bay on my next trip list!