A Guide to Lake Erie in Ohio
Lake Erie is the eleventh largest lake in the world (by surface area), and the fourth largest of the Great Lakes in surface area and the smallest by volume. Lake Erie is the warmest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes, and the Lake Erie walleye fishery is widely considered the best in the world.
There is many things to do while at Lake Erie such as Cedar Point Amusement Park. You can enjoy boating, fishing and water parks. Stroll through lush public gardens and view wildlife or bird watch at our many natural areas. Visit cultural sites, museums, lighthouses and landmarks. Wine and dine at local wineries and get your fill of antiquing at our many shops. Take a trip to the islands for some water recreation or simply relax on one of our beautiful beaches. All of this and so much more memories truly are made of this!
Located along the sandy shore of Lake Erie is Cedar Point, a 364-acre amusement park/resort that is home to the most rides (68) and roller coasters (16) on the planet. Featuring some of the tallest and fastest scream machines around, this thrill-seekers’ paradise also boasts a gigantic water park (Soak City); four resort hotels; a luxury RV campground including cottages and cabins; two large marinas; an entertainment complex (Challenge Park); award-winning live shows; gift shops; restaurants; kids’ areas; and much more.
Located along the mile-long Cedar Point beach lies Soak City, a water-lovers’ dream come true. This huge 18-acre water park features two relaxing inner-tube river rides; more than a dozen thrilling water slides; a gigantic 500,000-gallon wave pool; Splash Zone, a multi-story interactive play area with more than 100 different wet and wild water gadgets that spray, squirt and drench guests; two kids’ areas; and much more. Soak City also features sunny and shaded lounge areas, an adults-only swim-up refreshment center, as well as restrooms, changing facilities, food and drink locations, a merchandise shop, and more.
Great Wolf Lodge Located at 4600 Milan Rd. (U.S. Rt. 250), Sandusky, Ohio has much to explore also. Ohio’s first indoor water park features 271 family suites; a 42,000 square-foot indoor entertainment area, which includes a 200,000 gallon water park; a 100-game arcade; and Cub’s Cabin children’s activities. The resort also has two on-site restaurants, Gitchigoomie Grill and Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty, as well as meeting space, and two gift shops. Spending the afternoon in the indoor water park, Bear Track Landing, will leave your family smiling from ear to ear. The water park attractions include a four-story tree house water fort, nine water slides, five pools, and two giant whirlpool tubs. After splashing around, enjoy a delicious family style meal at the Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty Restaurant, or feast on regional favorites like Lake Erie walleye or perch at the Gitchigoomie Grill, which features an authentic 1947 Piper Tri-Pacer float plane and a Canadian fishing lodge atmosphere. After satisfying your hunger, catch story time with the kids around the lobby fireplace. The entire family will be thoroughly entertained by the time you retire to your cozy suite, complete with microwave and mini-refrigerator.
Lake Erie also has many Islands. As they have for decades, boatloads of tourists flock to Kelley’s Island every summer. They come for the peaceful atmosphere, the old-fashioned charm and the natural beauty. The largest American island in Lake Erie has drawn people for thousands of years. Native Americans etched stories of their lives on limestone boulders. These faint drawings can still be deciphered on Inscription Rock. The entire island is on the National Register of Historic Places. Over 300 buildings associated with the settlement of the island remain. Many of these island manors reflect 19th century architecture made from local limestone. Today, the island is a haven for birdwatchers and other naturalists, since it is an annual rest stop for migrating songbirds and the Monarch butterfly. Wine production is also enormously successful because of the limestone-rich soil and the regions tempered climate.
Traveling along the Lake Erie shoreline, visitors will find quaint, nautical villages known for their beauty, natural settings, and rich abundance in history.
The village of Marblehead is the home to the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes (pictured here on left). Constructed in 1821 as a navigational aid for boats entering Sandusky Bay, this picturesque lighthouse is located along the rocky shoreline of Lake Erie. While visiting the lighthouse, guests can also tour the on-site keeper’s house. Located on the grounds of the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, the home features historical artifacts, a welcome center, and a small gift shop. The Wolcott House Museum is located just a stone’s throw away from the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. This historic house, constructed in 1822 by William Kelly for Benajah and Rachel Wolcott, served as the home of the first keeper’s of the Marblehead Lighthouse. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie in Marblehead, East Harbor State Park offers visitors a 7-mile hiking trail system winding through many different habitats within the park. Excellent birdwatching locations, camping and swimming are also available. Throughout the year, East Harbor hosts several different family-oriented and educational events.
A quick ferryboat ride away, Put-in-Bay and the other Lake Erie Islands are what remain after glaciers spread across the land during the Ice Age. Today, more than 2 million people visit the islands each year. Morning, noon, and night, the islands are filled with activities for all ages. Sip wines at an island pavilion. Dine on fresh Lake Erie perch. Explore underground caves. Travel scenic stretches of roads on a bike or a golf cart.
During the summer, the colorful Village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island appears to be an artist’s concept of lively, vibrant living, offering unique experiences for visitors of all ages. Put-In-Bay’s name came from ship captains who used to “put in the bay”, seeking shelter from Lake Erie storms. A “Victorian-style” setting can be used to describe Put-In-Bay’s century-old homes and business buildings. Attracting over one million guests each year, approximately 450 residents live on the island year round. Summer festivals, live entertainment, historic attractions and unique island life are why so many visitors return year after year.
Lake Erie also has many places to stay. From quaint bed and breakfasts to fun-filled resorts and campgrounds, Lake Erie offers getaways to fit any desire. There is a number of Hotels/Motels, Bed& Breakfast Inns and campground and vacation rentals all over the area.
When you get hungry after a day of play Lake Eries Islands have many places to eat. Angry Bull Steakhouse 3317 Cleveland Rd. E (U.S. Rt. 6) Specializing in Angus prime rib, with a full menu featuring choice steaks, lobster, king crab, and lake perch. Catering for corporate dinners and banquets available.
Brutus’ Sports Pub & Grill 4115 Boos Rd.
Restaurant and sports pub specializing in burgers, hot dogs, chicken and perch sandwiches, fresh cut french fries, wings, and lots of munchies.
Maw’s Place at the Colonial Inn South 12211 U.S. Rt. 250 Family restaurant serving omelets, French toast, and egg specialties. Dinner features steak and Lake Erie perch. Kids menu available.
Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que at Cedar Point Marina âÂ?¢ 1 Cedar Point Dr.Featuring hickory-smoked St. Louis-style ribs, Texas beef brisket, and Famous Dave’s award-winning barbecue sauce. Famous Dave’s also features barbecue and country roasted chicken, barbecue sandwiches, burgers, salads, and down-home classics such as made-from-scratch coleslaw, potato salad, Wilbur beans, corn bread muffins and Dave’s Famous Fries.
Great Karoo Marketplace Restaurant at Kalahari Resort (Opened May, 2005)
Great Karoo is truly a Marketplace Restaurant. Watch your meal prepared right before your eyes, or choose from a mouth-watering selection of daily specials designed for the entire family. From succulent cuts of meat to a host of salads, freshly prepared pastas, vegetables and so much more. And be sure to save just enough room for dessert. Great Karoo is open 365 days, from 7 am. There is many more places to eat from simple places like McDonalds to fine dining.
Lake Erie is a great vacation spot. Come and explore one of the great lakes.
