12 Things To Do On Put-In-Bay When You Can't Drink
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

12 Things To Do On Put-In-Bay When You Can't Drink

Drinking is not the only thing you can do on this beautiful island.

76
12 Things To Do On Put-In-Bay When You Can't Drink
Wikimedia Commons

So, you're on a beautiful island in Lake Erie but aren't drinking. Maybe you're not 21 yet, or maybe you're a recovering alcoholic. Either way, drinking is not on your game plan for today. What do you do? Here are 12 things you can do in Put-in-Bay on your next vacation day.

1. Getting over there

Here comes your first big decision. How do you want to get over to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island? It's pretty far from the mainland, so a ferry is your best option. That leaves you with the Jet Express or Miller Boat Line. They both have pros and cons. The Jet Express offers downtown service and is accessible to wheelchair users, but is expensive. The Miller Ferry offers inexpensive service, but can become hectic on busy days and less accessible. It's up to you, but I'm biased towards the Jet Express.

2. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial

You cannot miss this attraction, also known as Perry's Monument. The monument stands 352 feet tall and can be seen from most places on the island and in some surrounding cities. The monument itself has about 45 stairs for visitors to climb before an elevator ride, but the Visitor Center is fully accessible.

3. Crystal Cave

Heights aren't your thing? Try going underground into one of the two visitor friendly caves on the island. This cave is located at Heineman's Winery, about a mile from town. This cave is the world's largest geode and is made of celestite crystals. This also has 40 feet worth of stairs and a short walk around the cave.

4. Perry's Cave Family Fun Center

If you want to see another cave, check out Perry's Cave. It's fifty feet below ground and offers more standing and walking room than Crystal Cave. Standing on the ground, you can visit the Butterfly House, War of 18 Holes, Gemstone Mining, Fort aMaze'n, a rock wall, and an antique car museum. It's fun for the entire family.

5. Water activities

Do you like parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kayaking? It's here and it's amazing. I used to go kayaking, and it is so beautiful on the water. Use sunscreen! (Also, I was really on the kayak here, and it was really nice out that day. It was the only day I didn't get sunburnt.)

6. Tour Train

This is the best way to get a more structured tour of the island. These guides drive you around the island to multiple different stops and offer discounts on each place.

7. The Benson Ford

I have no clue how to actually get here, but the Benson Ford ship is quite a sight to see. You'll see this ship if you come over to the island on the Jet Express. What's so special about this ship? The forward cabins of the Benson Ford are located on the cliffs of the island. It is now a summer home to a family from a nearby town. It was also featured on MTV's Extreme Cribs.

8. Shopping

While I'm not a huge shopper, the island does have its fair share of cool things to buy. A personal favorite is Del Sol, where everything changes color in sunlight. I have nail polish that changes color. There are gift shops, souvenir shops, and apparel shops all around the island. Just be warned, everything here is expensive.

9. Eating

You honestly can't go wrong here. This island has Italian, American, Irish, seafood, barbecue, pizza, and a dessert bar! I'd recommend a certain place, but honestly, I can't. They are all amazing.

10. Island Hopping

Don't want to stay on just one island? You don't have to! There are ferries and planes to North Bass Island, Middle Bass Island, and Kelleys Island. If you want to get really fancy, try going to Pelee Island. (It's in Canada!)

11. Events

There are always events going on on the island. Always. There's probably one right now, to be completely honest. And if there isn't, you can always find information on upcoming events. Get a view of the US Brig Niagara at the Bay, or check out some of the cool events. Some of the bigger events include Pyrate Fest, Fourth of July, Christmas in July, Labor Day Bash at the Bay, Half Way to St. Patty's Day, and Halloween. Feel free to dress up!

12. Geocaching

This little known activity is fairly popular on the island, with multiple caches. Don't know what geocaching is? Well, it's like a grown-up scavenger hunt. At least one of the areas is fairly unpopulated, although I don't know how often these caches get updated.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41725
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26173
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951436
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

135431
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments