The islands

Lake Erie's islands each have their own unique allure and no two are exactly alike. In fact it's the differences between islands that are situated so close together that make them so appealing as vacation destinations. Kelley's Island, the largest, is most famous for the pristine beauty of its glacial grooves. However, the island has lots more in store for its guests, including hunting (of the conventional sort as well as fossil hunts), sailing and snorkeling, hiking, watching wildlife and even horseshoe-pitching! South Bass Island, better known as Put-in-Bay, is a two – by – four mile island packed with a variety of activities. Don't let its size fool you; this island has a thriving nightlife, with many talented entertainers visiting it often, as well as a State Park, an amusement center, a peace memorial and much more. Middle Bass Island, by contrast, offers a more relaxing and tranquil vacation. It's the place to go when you need to take a romantic weekend away or when you want to experience a quiet, unflustered vacation far from the cares of your usual setting.

The Coast

On the coastline, there are temptations galore… but with Cedar Point amusement park around, who's looking any further? Cedar Point, keeps its' visitors busy with a mind-boggling variety of rides that spin, twist, whirl, and twirl them and have them begging for more. It isn't just rides though, Cedar Point's main differentiating factor is its location; with spectacular scenery from over 400 feet in the air and Erie's beautiful sandy beaches, it's no wonder it was voted the 'Best Amusement Park in the World' ten years in a row.

And as though Lake Erie weren't enough, the area holds not one or two, but seven great water parks! This region is known for its excellent fishing, and attracts anglers from all over the country seeking a variety of walleye, perch, trout and bass. And when it's winter, there's still ice-fishing. Some of the historical attractions are Edison's birthplace, a tour of the few remaining Underground Railroad sites, several museums, and a 19th century village. The scenery is superlative, and has been the inspiration of many artists who make this area their home away from home, coming here to reflect, to unwind, and to create. No matter what reason brings you here – to get away from work, take a weekend off with the family, escape for an intimate retreat, or an educational tour – the area has something just for you.

Points of Attraction

There's so much to do and so many places to see that someone's got to sort it all out and help the visitors to Ohio's Lake Erie figure out where to start. Here's where the Ottawa County Visitor Bureau and the Sandusky/Erie County Visitor & Convention Bureau come in. A convention and visitor bureau is a 'destination marketing' organization. Most are not-for-profit organizations that work to promote both visitor and business travel, and so are responsible for getting the news out about all the great attractions their area has on offer. Travelers on their way to Sandusky should definitely get information from the Sandusky/Erie County Visitor & Convention Bureau to help them plan their trip. The customer service representatives are well-informed and friendly and will most probably be able to give you helpful travel advice. The Bureau can be contacted on 800-255-3743.

Alternatively, you could visit the very informative website of the Ottawa County Visitor Bureau - www.shoresandislands.com. There's a wealth of information available, from where to stay and what to do, to special offers and a calendar of events. The site also allows you to download a printable travel planner or request that it's sent to you by mail.