Mon 8/3-Sat 8/10
Each year, the Lake Erie Islands set aside the first week in August to celebrate the islands’ distinctive natural environment and to educate visitors about the importance of protecting and nurturing it. It includes events for visitors of all ages, taking place on South Bass Island (Put-in-Bay), Middle Bass Island and Kelley’s Island.
Some events are ongoing such as the opportunity to visit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center on Put-in-Bay, open daily through Labor Day from 11am-6pm, and only $4 for adults, $3 for kids 6-11 and seniors, $10 for the whole family. Beware: the extensive display of taxidermied animals might upset some although we were assured these animals were not hunted. But there are plenty of living things to see including an indoor turtle pond, bees and bird feeders out back, and a trail down to a pond deep in the woods.
Other highlights to mark on your calendar are the historical Gibraltar Island tour on Thursday August 8, offered twice each Thursday during the summer. It’s located off Put-in-Bay and reached by a water taxi from the Put-in-Bay boardwalk ($12 adults, $6 children). There a two-hour tour takes you through Ohio Sea grants Stone Lab where you can learn the work that’s being done to keep the Great Lakes healthy, as well as some historic relics including Jay Cooke’s castle.
That same day is Lake Erie Awareness Day from 10am-4pm on Put-in-Bay to learn about the island’s history, its flora and fauna and the danger of plastic pollution, as well as boating safety. It’s free; find the station locations here.
On Friday evening you can tour the Lonz Winery Cellar on Middle Bass Island. A homecoming event on Kelley’s Island sponsored by the Landowners Association with a fish fry Friday evening — and a parade, with a craft vendors’ market and food and drink on Saturday. And also on Saturday, back in Put-in-Bay you can take a free tour of the South Bass Island Lighthouse between 11am and 5pm for a spectacular view of the island and a glimpse of the area’s maritime history.
Get a full schedule of activities here.
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456