Put-in-Bay

The town of Put-in-Bay [1] is located on South Bass Island on Lake Erie in Northwest Ohio.

Culture and History

The primary industry of Put-in-Bay is tourism. The tourist season runs roughly between April and October. There are approximately 500 full-time South Bass Island residents, most of whom remain on the island over the winter. Supplies and perishables are flown to the island during the winter months along with the mail, parcels and bank employees who staff the island's only bank (for one day a week) until the spring. The island has a single school that is used for all classes – grades kindergarten through 12 – and also serves the educational requirements of Middle Bass and North Bass islands.

Travel to Put-in-Bay - Visa Requirements

The most common methods of transportation to and from the island are via ferry boat, propeller driven aircraft and private boat.

By ferry

• Miller Ferry Catawba Dock, at the end of Route 53 North, Catawba, [2]. Known as Catawba Point. Ferries to Middle and South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay). Miller Boat Line has larger car-ferries, but are a bit slower than some others. Reservations required for cars and trucks, not needed for passengers.
• The Jet Express, in downtown Port Clinton, and Sandusky, 1-800-245-1538 (email: fast@jet-express.com), [3]. Trips to Kellys Island and Put-in-Bay.

Tours and Getting around Put-in-Bay

• Golf Carts, Bicycles and Mopeds are the most convenient way to get around the island and are available at Delaware Rentals [4]

Put-in-Bay tourist attractions and sightseeing

• Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorating Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's September 10, 1813 naval victory over British ships in the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. Construction of the monument began in 1912 and it opened to the public on June 13, 1915. It is 352 ft (107 m) tall and made up of 78 layers of pink granite, topped with an eleven short ton (10 metric ton) bronze urn. The remains of six naval officers, three British and three Americans, were interred beneath the floor of the monument's rotunda. Small fee ($3) to take elevator to observation deck, which has views of the surrounding islands and southern Canada.

Put-in-Bay city tours

Besides the scenery, the village is a known party hang-out. Large numbers of boaters congregate here in summer.

Put-in-Bay souvenirs and shopping

Typical tourist bric-a-brac and t-shirt shops are plentiful here.

Put-in-Bay Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

There are numerous eateries in the village. Many are located along Delaware & Bayshore Avenues, in the center of Put-in-Bay, but others are scattered throughout the village.

• Dairy Queen The island's only corporate franchise restaurant has fast food and typical ice cream treats.
• Chicken Patio on Delaware Avenue is an island fixture. The savory smoke from grilled BBQ chicken wafts over the area and lures in visitors. Unique wine-based BBQ sauce and outdoor seating with a view of the central village.
• Boathouse Bar & Grill on Hartford Avenue. A nautical-themed establishment with sandwiches, fresh perch, walleye chowder. Often has live music on weekends.

Put-in-Bay nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

There are many watering-holes in the village, many with live musical entertainment.

• Beer Barrel Saloon, [5]. The Beer Barrel Saloon has been an island tradition since 1989. It features live entertainment nightly and the World's 3rd longest esBar and 405'10"

Put-in-Bay cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

• Bay Lodging Resort, Lakeview Ave, ☎ 1-888-742-7829, [6]. checkin: 3:00; checkout: 11:00. The Bay Lodging Resort offers rooms and suites in a quaint and quiet setting just three blocks from downtown Put-in-Bay. Guest's of Bay Lodging will enjoy the islands only indoor / outdoor swimming pool and full service restaurant and bar.125 to 375.  

• Grand Islander Hotel, 432 Catawba Avenue, ☎ 1-888-742-7829, [7]. The Grand Islander Hotel is located downtown Put-in-Bay and features 2 of Put-in-Bay's hottest spots, Splash and Level 2. Splash! is The World's 5th Largest Swim-up Bar and features 97 seats in the water and live entertainment on the weekends geared toward a mature older crowd. Level 2 is Put-in-Bay's only black ethnic style dance club and is located on the second floor of the Grand Islander.  

• Islander Inn, 225 Erie St, ☎ 1-888-742-7829, [8]. checkin: 3:00; checkout: 11:00. The Islander Inn is Put-in-Bay's oldest hotel. Located in the middle of downtown, The Islander features 1 pool and 3 wading pools and the Dizzy Lizard, Put-in-Bay's original swim-up bar. 

• Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel, 439 Lorain Ave, ☎ 1-888-742-7829, [9]. checkin: 3:00; checkout: 11:00. Put-in-Bay's newest full service resort with large heated pool and swim up bar, worlds largest Jacuzzi and the islands only full service conference center with all rooms and facilities located on site. 
• Edgewater Hotel, 266 Delaware Ave, ☎ 419-285-2724, [10]. checkin: 3:00; checkout: 11:00. Edgewater Hotel is located on the main strip downtown Put-in-Bay across from the park and watrfront and feature suites and rooms, golf cart and bicycle rentals on site.125.00.  

Get out

• The Sonny S [11] takes passengers from Put-in-Bay to Middle Bass Island ($5).
• Cedar Point Amusement Park is in Sandusky. A high-speed ferry [12] takes visitors to downtown Sandusky. Additional transport required to reach park. For additional island information vist [13] and [14]
• Go to Cleveland

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