South Bass Island
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On the west side of the Perry Victory Monument is an excellent visitor center that provides some great information not only on Perry's Victory over the British on Lake Erie during the War of 1812, but also on the war itself and how the closure of that war made the United States and Great Britain friends.
The visitor center is free, offers a video presentation and gift store.
South Bass Island as it is now referred to has also been called Put-in-Bay Island. The island is 3.5 miles long by 1.5 miles wide and covers 1382 acres. For over a century, South Bass Island has been famous as a summer resort. Ruins of the Victory Hotel, destroyed by fire in 1919, are still evident in the State Park campgrounds. Tourism thrives today making the islands one of the most popular vacation spots in Ohio. The four areas comprising Lake Erie Island state parks were added to the state park system in the early 1950s. South Bass Island is accessible by ferry from Port Clinton or Catawba Island. From South Bass Island, you can also catch a ferry to North Bass Island.
Probably the biggest attraction on South Bass Island is downtown Put-in-Bay. It definitely has the spirit of island life. Known for its party atmosphere, Put-in-Bay also has a central park, and numerous dining establishments and hotels. For those looking for something more than a quality night life, check out these other island attractions:
South Bass Island State CampgroundThe family campground features 10 full-service camp sites with electric, sewer, and water hookups, 125 non-electric sites, showers, latrines 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.
Perry's CavePerry's Cave is the oldest attraction on South Bass Island and is still one of the most popular tourist stops on the island.
The natural limestone cave has historical tradition. It is 52' below South Bass Island. It is 208' long and 165' wide. Calcium carbonate encrusts the walls, ceiling, and floors of the cave. The temperature in the cave constantly stays at about 50 degrees.
The underground lake at Perry's Cave rises and falls with the water level in Lake Erie. When the lake was first discovered by Commodore Perry in 1813 some of his men became ill, but they recovered soon after drinking the cold water of the underground lake. Water from the lake also met the needs of guests at the Victory Hotel.
Next door to Perry's Cave is the 4000 square foot Butterfly House which opened in 2004 and houses over 500 different types of exotic butterflies from around the world. Relax with soothing music as butterflies flit about the scented butterfly bushes and other beautiful flowers.
Kids will enjoy the secret walkways throughout the garden and to get close to the butterflies in their natural environment. A 15-minute educational presentation is also included at no extra charge and you can stay as long as want.
The Aquatic Resources Visitor Center is a great spot to entertain the kids, and it's also FREE. Operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the center offers hands-on displays, provides free fishing gear, bait and tackle for the kids to learn to fish. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 5. Anglers 16 and older must have a valid Ohio fishing license.
The entire family can enjoy fishing from the center's large dock overlooking Put-In-Bay harbor. Fish most often caught include yellow perch, sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass, and even some largemouth bass. Benches and a small picnic area are provided, and courtesy docking is available for boaters visiting the center. The center is located at 1 Peach Point Road, approximately one mile west of downtown Put-in-Bay.
Bike rentals and golf cart rentals are available at a number of locations throughout the island.
The island is fairly flat and even if you haven't rode a bicycle in years, you should be able to get around and see the major attractions away from Put-in-Bay on a bicycle.
Don't feel like putting out that much effort? Then consider taking the train. There is a very informative narrated ride on the island tour train. The tour lasts about 1 hour and makes numerous stops along the way so you'll get a good idea of what's available and what you might like to go back and see again.
Perry's Victory Monument is the most distinctive feature of South Bass Island. Depending on the renovation schedule, you might even be able to take the elevator to the top of the monument. There is also a worthwhile visitor center not far from the monument that is free.
Arts & Culture
Art in the Park & Toledo Symphony Concert, September 6
Stroll through DeRivera Park to view and purchase diverse art from local and regional artists before spending a relaxing evening at the Perry Victory Visitor Center listening to the musical styling's of the Toledo Symphony.
Fifth Annual Island Wine Festival, October 4
Savor the taste of more than 300 wines while enjoying an array of cheeses, sandwiches and desserts.
15th Annual Island Oktoberfest, October 11 - 12
Celebrate the German heritage with everything Deutschland from beer and wine to spatzels and Polka.
Historical
Historical Weekend, September 6 - 7
Commemorate the "Battle of Lake Erie" at Perry's International Peace Memorial beginning with the grand parade, which features local dignitaries and antique cars. The parade is followed by musket and cannon firing demonstrations, a War of 1812 military encampment and a Boy Scout camporee.
Sports
Fifth Miller Boat Line 5K, September 20
Join more than 400 runners in a challenging race around the shoreline of the island.
Fall Bay Regatta, October 4 - 5
Surround yourself with the island's breathtaking fall foliage while watching the 28th annual sailing race.
Island Holidays
35th Annual New Year's Eve at the Bay, September 13
Ring in the New Year early with Monte Carlo Casino-style street games and an evening of holiday festivities.
Half-way to St. Patty's Day, September 27
Embrace Irish festivities during the eighth annual half-way mark to St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Halloween at the Bay, October 25
Celebrate the ghostly holiday and the island's last big weekend by visiting downtown Put-in-Bay where taverns are transformed into haunted hollows and hundreds wear costumes.
As you depart from Put-in-Bay Harbor, on the west side of the island, you might notice what looks like a grounded lake freighter sitting atop the cliffs of the island. It is in fact the Benson Ford, once the flagship of the Ford Motor Company's fleet of Great Lake freighters. It was named after one Henry Fords grandsons. It saw service for more than 50 years, yet in 1986, its usefulness had come to an end and the next port for the big freighter was to be the scrap yard.
About the same time, Frank and Lydia Sullivan were island hopping and looking for a summer home. That was when Frank heard about the big freighter being scrapped and when he started thinking big. What if they could cut off the front of the ship that housed the walnut-paneled staterooms, fireplace and special kitchen that Henry Ford had installed in his flagship.
After much expense and problems, the front end of the ship was removed and loaded on a large barge in Cleveland and shipped the 60 miles to its current resting spot. It took a number of lifting cranes to jockey the structure into place. The bow of the ship sticks out over the cliff.
The unusual home was sold in 1999 for a reported price of $451,000.