Put-in-Bay is the village on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, reached only by ferry or small plane, known for its Perry's Victory memorial, downtown bar strip, and golf-cart-scale layout. It has a split character: a lively downtown around the boat docks and a quieter island beyond it with caves and a state park. Most visitors get around by rented golf cart or bike since the island is small.
| Distance | Port Clinton is 80 miles (129 km) west of Cleveland; 115 miles (185 km) north of Columbus |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5 hours by car from Cleveland; 20-minute ferry crossing |
| Getting there | Drive to Miller Ferry at Catawba Island: 5390 E Sand Rd, Port Clinton. Ferry: $15 adult round trip, $15 per vehicle. Call (419) 285-2421. Or take Jet Express from Port Clinton: (800) 245-1538, $22 adult. |
| Address | Miller Ferry Terminal, 5390 E Sand Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452 |
How to get there
- Car + Miller Ferry (most common)
- Jet Express from Port Clinton (passenger only, faster)
Location
Miller Ferry Terminal, 5390 E Sand Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
41.6540, -82.8188 View on map
Highlights
- Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial - a 352-foot Doric column commemorating the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie, with an observation deck at the top
- Crystal Cave - a geode-lined cave beneath Heineman's Winery, one of the largest strontium celestine crystal formations of its kind
- South Bass Island State Park - a smaller, quieter stretch of shoreline away from the downtown docks
- Downtown Put-in-Bay - the golf-cart-friendly strip of bars and shops around the harbor