Roadside Attractions in Put‑In‑Bay Ohio: Unique Stops You Shouldn’t Miss

If you love quirky stops, fun photo ops, and interesting pieces of local history, Put‑In‑Bay is full of roadside attractions worth exploring. From giant statues to historic landmarks and hand‑carved wood sculptures, the island has a surprising number of unique things to see. This guide highlights the best roadside attractions in Put‑In‑Bay Ohio, complete with locations so you can easily find each one during your visit.

Put‑In‑Bay sits on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, not far from Cedar Point. Most visitors reach the island by ferry, and the fastest option is Miller Ferry from Catawba. You can bring your vehicle, but we prefer renting a golf cart from E’s Put‑In‑Bay Carts as soon as we arrive. It makes it easier to zip around the island, especially during busy tourist season. Put‑In‑Bay feels like a second home to us, and exploring these roadside attractions is one of our favorite things to do.

Roadside Attractions in Put‑In‑Bay

Anchor – Anchorage

This large anchor sits in someone’s yard, and it immediately caught our attention. Whoever lives here clearly loves Alaska and nautical history. We pulled off to the side of the road to grab a photo.

Location: East Point, on the eastern part of the island on the north side of the road.

First Boat to Do Ship‑to‑Shore Broadcast

History was made in 1907 when Dr. Lee de Forest broadcast race results from a boat in the harbor to an assistant on shore during the Inter‑Lakes Yachting Association Regatta. The boat is on display in the harbor and is a great stop for anyone who enjoys historic firsts.

Location: End of Dock C on Bayview Avenue near the corner of Toledo.

Butterfly Wood Statue

This beautiful wood carving features a butterfly at the top and a woman carved along the side. It is a stunning piece of art and a great photo spot.

Location: In front of the Butterfly House at Perry’s Cave, on the right side as you walk in.

Atlas Statue

As you get off the ferry and walk up the hill, look to your right. About a quarter mile down Highway 163 (Langram Road), you will find a large statue of Atlas on private property. You can pull off the road to take photos.

Location: Highway 163 / Langram Road.

3rd Longest Bar

Inside the Beer Barrel Saloon, you will find a bar that stretches 405 feet 10 inches. It is known as the third longest bar in the world and is a fun stop for anyone who enjoys quirky records.

Location: Corner of Delaware and Catawba Avenue.

Largest Geode

Crystal Cave at Heineman Winery is home to the world’s largest geode. You can tour the cave 40 feet underground to see it. There is a fee, but it is a unique experience and worth the stop.

Location: 978 Catawba Avenue.

Largest Doric Column

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial stands 352 feet tall, making it 47 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. It honors those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and celebrates lasting peace between the United States, Canada, and Britain. Visiting the park is free, and you can go inside the monument for a small fee. The observation deck offers incredible views of Put‑In‑Bay.

Location: 93 Delaware Avenue.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry Statue

Inside the park building at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, you will find a statue of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Be sure to watch the short film about the Battle of Lake Erie while you are there.

Location: 93 Delaware Avenue.

Joseph DeRivera Wood Carving

Joseph DeRivera was a Spanish merchant who purchased South Bass, Middle Bass, Sugar, Gibraltar, Ballast, and Starve Island in 1854 for $44,000. He played a major role in shaping Put‑In‑Bay. The carving in DeRivera Park was created from a 200‑year‑old tree damaged in a 2017 storm. Instead of removing it, the tree was topped and transformed into a statue by Matt Missey of Ohio Tree Carving. He spent 80 hours carving it with a chainsaw and other tools.

Location: DeRivera Park, downtown Put‑In‑Bay.

DeRivera Park Fountain

Diagonal from the Joseph DeRivera carving is a large fountain made from cement and local stone. If you visit at night, the lights make it even more beautiful.

Location: DeRivera Park, downtown Put‑In‑Bay.

South Bass Lighthouse

First lit in 1897, the South Bass Lighthouse is a peaceful and scenic stop. Tours are offered during select hours, but even if it is closed, you can still walk the grounds and enjoy the views. It is a great place for photos.

Location: 2368 Langram Road.

Put‑In‑Bay Sign

The Put‑In‑Bay sign near the campground is one of the most popular photo spots on the island. It is bright, bold, and makes the perfect backdrop for family photos, group shots, or a quick selfie to mark your visit. Because it sits right along the roadside, it fits perfectly with the theme of roadside attractions in Put‑In‑Bay. Most people stop here either when they first arrive or as they leave the island.

There is a small pull‑off area where you can safely park for a moment to take pictures. The sign is especially fun to photograph on sunny days or during golden hour when the light hits the colors just right.

Location: Near the South Bass Island State Park Campground entrance on Langram Road.