Many people think of Put-in-Bay as a party island where young people pack the bars on weekends, to drink and listen to songs about drinking, partying and life on Lake Erie by a roster of longtime favorite island musicians.
But it’s also a peaceful and pretty place to hang out during the week when the visitors lean more toward families. And while some popular attractions, such as the Butterfly House, the Aquatic Visitor Center and the tours to the OSU Stone Lab on Gibraltar Island, are closed or not opening until later this summer due to the pandemic, there’s still plenty to do, particularly if you like active, outdoor activities.
Because much of the focus is on the activity on Catawba Avenue, the island’s main drag, a lot of people don’t take time to check out its four nature preserves, which offer multiple trails for hiking and photographing plants, insects, birds and other wildlife. A Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve, there’s a small beach and stunning lake views, as well as excellent birdwatching opportunities, kayaking and fishing. Massie Cliffside Preserve has a fishing dock, lake views and multiple trails on 11 acres. The trail at Dodge Woods Preserve offers a walk though forested land; it’s adjacent to the island’s bike path too and there’s a bike rack if you want to stop and explore. The half-mile Jane Coates Wildflower Trail teems with native flowers and songbirds.
South Bass Island State Park covers 33 acres, including forestland and lakeshore. There’s a fishing pier and fish cleaning house and you can even buy your fishing license onsite. Bike and golf cart rentals make getting around the three-mile island a snap.
If you’d prefer to be on the water, kayaks and watercraft are available to rent, and parasailing and charter boat tours are available. Go here to find out more about the various outdoor activities and other attractions on the island.