Ohio's Lake Erie Shores and Islands region is bursting with a multitude of unique attractions and entertainment. With activities that range from thrilling roller coaster rides to rejuvenating yoga classes on the beach, there are events for everyone to enjoy. Here are only 14 reasons as to why the 419 is an ideal vacation destination.
1. Fishing.
Hop on a fishing charter or cast a line off a pier in attempt to reel in some perch, bass, and walleye.
2. Watercraft rentals.
Explore the water in a kayak or canoe. Jet skiing, paddle boarding, and parasailing are three other exciting ways to spend time on the lake.
3. Beach yoga.
Start off the day strengthening your core at a yoga class while balancing on the warm sand and listening to the rolling waves. Afterwards, you will feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
4. Lighthouses.
You can tour the grounds or climb to the top of different lighthouses located along the shores of Lake Erie for breathtaking views of the area and great photo opportunities.
5. African Safari Wildlife Park.
Drive through the safari park where you will meet alpacas, bison, camels, deer, giraffes, and zebras as you feed the animals greeting you at the windows of your vehicle. Upon completion of the driving excursion, you can check out the walk through animal exhibits to see pigs, rabbits, kangaroos and a white alligator or attend an educational program.
6. Museums.
The Keeper's House, The Castle of Dreams, Liberty Aviation Museum, Ottawa County Museum, Chocolate Museum and Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum are just a few examples of the interesting museums in the area.
7. South Bass Island.
Take a boat, ferry or plane ride across Lake Erie to get to South Bass Island where you can browse around various shops and restaurants located in the village of Put-in-Bay. Enjoy a bowl of famous lobster bisque from The Boardwalk, visit Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial for an observation deck tour, spend some time at the Aquatic Visitor's Center or tour Heineman Winery and Crystal Cave. Perry's Cave, Butterfly House, War of 18-Holes Mini Golf, Fort aMAZ'n, Rock Climbing Wall, Antique Car Museum, Gemstone Mining and Lantern Tours are all activities available in the Family Fun Center.
8. Kelleys Island.
Drive a golf cart or ride a bike around to experience this serene, nature oriented island. Walk around the perimeter of the Glacial Grooves to view the area where the glaciers moved across the native limestone bedrock. You can also look at the American Indian symbols carved into Inscription Rock and learn the history about the island at the Kelleys Island Historical Museum. Located in downtown, the Caddy Shack Square offers an arcade, refreshments, mini golf, and shopping.
9. Water parks.
Ride the slides, float in the lazy river, and play in the tree house at one of the area's indoor or outdoor water parks.
10. Bird watching.
Throughout the area, there are numerous nature preserves and metro parks comprised of prairie meadows, wetlands, or grassy and wooded habitats which are excellent places to view bird migrations all year long.
11. Cedar Point Amusement Park.
Spend a day surrounded by exhilarating amusement park rides, spectacular live shows and entertaining arcade games at the roller coaster capital of the world.
12. Restaurants.
Eat at one of the area's waterfront dining locations and enjoy a fresh Lake Erie perch or walleye dinner.
13. East Harbor State Park.
Walk across the nature trails or pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon sunbathing on the golden beach while visiting this beautiful state park.
14. Sunsets.
There's no better way to relax after an adventurous day in the 419 than watching the sun's rays disperse into gorgeous shades of pink over peaceful Lake Erie.
