Put in Bay Attractions

For a complete listing of
attractions, please visit
"The Official Web Site for Island Fun"
at putinbay.com

Put in Bay Attractions

Golf Cart, Bicycle and Moped Rentals - One of the best ways to tour Put in Bay is on a gas powered golf cart. Golf carts on South Bass Island are licensed motor vehicles and operated on public roadways with all of the same rules and regulations of an automobile. Golf carts may be rented hourly, daily, overnight, or multiple days and are designed to seat 2-4-6 or 8 people.

Delaware Golf Cart and Bike Rental is located in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay and features late model Club Car golf carts, Tomos mopeds, and Atlas bicycles

Perry's Cave - Perry's Cave, registered as on Ohio Natural Landmark, is a NATURAL limestone cave steeped in historical tradition. The cave lies 52 feet below the surface of South Bass Island in Lake Erie. The discovery of the cave, in 1813, is credited to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, hero of the Battle of Lake Erie. The cave is 208 feet long by 165 feet wide; the walls, ceiling and floor are heavily encrusted with calcium carbonate deposited by centuries of water dripping from the ceiling. The temperature remains in the vicinity of 50¡. Descending from the shop area, tours are at frequent intervals. The average tour takes 20 minutes, but you may need to allow longer because our courteous and knowledgeable guides talk to you, not at you. A light wrap and comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles are suggested.

Heineman Winery - A must see on any trip to Put-in-Bay is the Heineman Winery. Operating since 1888, the Put in Bay winery features tours, a wine garden and the Crystal Cave, the world's largest geode. Tours are available at a cost of $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children 6-11. A complimentary glass of wine or grape juice is given with each tour. Younger children are admitted free.

South Bass Island State Park - The jewel of the Ohio State Parks system, this 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. There is a boat ramp, swimming, and picnic area and is a great afternoon destination for a family picnic.

Stonehenge Estate - A visit to South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay isn't complete without a visit to Stonehenge. Nestled on seven acres of woods and beautifully landscaped grounds, Stonehenge brings to life a segment of island history from the 1800's through present day living. You can enjoy the beautiful grounds, farmhouse and wine press cottage at your leisure while taking a self-guided audiocassette tour of the property. Be sure to stop in and visit the gift shop.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum - The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society was founded in 1985 by island residents who realized that our historical treasures would soon be lost to economic development. Rich in history, the Lake Erie Islands have witnessed a phenomenal amount of history that has been captured and preserved in over 6,000 square feet of displays. Walk through the Transportation Building filled with boats or view the models of some of the greatest ships to sail Lake Erie. Marvel at the rise and fall of one of the world's largest wood frame hotels, the Hotel Victory, or learn about the winemaking industry. The Museum covers it all! Stop in and visit for a fascinating walk through time!

Island Tour Train - A great way to see and learn about Put in Bay island is a narrated ride aboard the island tour train. This one-hour tour of the sites and history of Put-in-Bay makes stops at numerous island attractions and shares a wealth of information. Adult fares are $8.00, kids 6-11 are $1.50 and children under 6 are free.

Put in Bay Special Interests

Perry Peace Memorial and Visitors Center - On 10 September 1813, Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry met and defeated a British flotilla, under Commander Robert Heriot Barclay, at the Battle of Lake Erie. With a squadron of nine ships, manned as a mixed crew of soldiers, marines, and sailors, Perry achieved one of the most significant victories of the War of 1812. At the most crucial period of the engagement, with the flagship the Lawrence battered into a helpless wreck, Perry transferred his command to the U.S. Brig Niagara, aboard which he broke the British battle line and achieved his great triumph. Moments after the final gun went silent, Perry wrote his now famous message to General William Henry Harrison: " We have met the enemy and they are ours."

In the decades following the battle, several movements were generated to construct a monument to Perry. Enthusiasm was plentiful, but finances were not. It was not until 1910, with the centennial of the battle approaching that the dream of building the Perry Memorial actually came to pass. Begun in October of 1912, Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial opened to the public in June of 1915. In 1936, the Memorial was declared a National Monument by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, at which time the memorial became part of the National Park System.

Rising 352 feet above Lake Erie, the Perry Memorial is the most dominant feature of the Lake Erie Islands. Interred beneath the rotunda floor are the remains of the three American and three British officers who were killed during the Battle of Lake Erie. Carved in the rotunda walls are the names of Perry's vessels along with the names of the Americans who were killed or wounded in the battle. After a climb of 37 steps to the lower landing, an elevator takes visitors to an open-air observation deck 317 feet above Lake Erie.

On a moderately clear day the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Lake Erie Islands and the shorelines of Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario. From mid-June through the end of August, Park Rangers offer interpretive talks about the Battle of Lake Erie, the War of 1812, construction of the monument, and other topics of interest. Talks normally occur on the plaza at the base of the Memorial and are usually offered on the hour from 11:00 am to 5 pm. On weekends, Rangers offer living history demonstrations. Dressed in War of 1812 military and civilian uniforms, Rangers present talks about the battle and the war, concluded with a firing demonstration of reproduction flintlock muskets and rifles. On scheduled weekends there are firing demonstrations of a reproduction 32-pounder carronade.

In 2002, the National Park Service opened a new $2.4 million visitor center. The Perry Victory Visitor Center features a 15-minute movie about the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie, a large display area, three large historically accurate paintings of the battle and a gift shop. The centerpiece of the visitor's center is the 1860 statue of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, on permanent loan from the city of Perrysburg, Ohio. The statue is Ohio's first public memorial.

Put in Bay Outdoor Recreation

Put-in-Bay Parasail - Parasailing is a spectacular way to see Put-in-Bay from a 600-foot towline. Taking off and landing on boats equipped with flight decks, you stay dry!! Parasailing is safe and fun for ages 3 and up.

Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals - On a hot summer day, renting a jet ski is a great way to cool off. The rental office is open weather permitting from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Saunders Resort Golf Course - Saunders Golf Course features a 9-hole par three and four challenge for golfers of all ages. This is a walking course and golf carts rented or private are not permitted on the course.

Put-in-Bay Raceway - Compete with remote control cars on a specially constructed banked track. Great Fun for all ages. For only $2.00 per racer you can challenge up to 4 other racers to a 2 1/2 minute race on our oval track. Located behind the Boathouse Bar and Grill.

War of 18 Holes - Located in front of Perry's cave, this 18-hole miniature golf course is sure to provide a challenge for the entire family. Test your putting skills and see who is victorious in your War of 18 Holes.