13 Essential Tips for a Perfect Visit Put-in-Bay Ohio
Put-in-Bay Ohio Travel Tips
My family has been visiting Put-In-Bay in Ohio for several years. We love getting away to for a local island adventure without the expense. We’re sharing our Put In Bay travel tips, so you can have an amazing trip.
Thanks to Miller Ferry, E’s Golf Cart Rental and Perry’s Cave for sending us tickets to visit and share our experience with you.
How Do I Get To Put In Bay?
Put-in-Bay is on an island in Ohio off of Lake Erie. In order to get there, you have to take a Ferry. Miller Ferry takes 20 minutes to get you to the island. It’s a smooth and pictoral ride on the lake….and you can pay to take your vehicle too.
Where Do You Get Ferry Tickets to Put In Bay?
Two ways to get ferry tickets: When planning to visit Put In Bay, you’ll need tickets. You can buy your tickets at the dock, but you can also buy tickets online. Head to Catawba island off 53 and buy your tickets at the Miller Ferry dock if you didn’t buy them online.
Double tip: If the line is busy for buying at the dock, you can go to the online pick up booth (on the far right) and pick up the tickets you ordered and be on your way quickly.
Check the free parking lots for spaces before you seek out a paid parking lot.
What if I Can’t Walk Up the Dock to Get on the Island?
The Lime Kiln dock has a steep hill to climb, it has given me trouble. Did you know you can ask the staff at the ticket booth before you get on the boat for assistance? Miller Ferry staff can have a golf cart waiting to assist you up the hill once you arrive off the boat. Just let them know!
Get a Golf Cart to See the Island
Make reservations for your golf cart!: You can easily go online and reserve your E’s Golf Cart Rental site and fill out a reservation request for your family and friends to enjoy a golf cart. You must be 18 years old to rent a cart and you need to bring your driver’s license.
How to Save Money on Your Trip to Put-In-Bay
Use the coupons: Miller Ferry does a great job having coupons on their site for you to save money on your trip! Be sure to print them out and bring with you to save money. You will be able to see more attractions in Put In Bay when you save money.
Pack a lunch: There are great restaurants on the island to enjoy some really great food. If you are looking to save money though, you could pack a light lunch and enjoy it in front of Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, downtown DeRivera Park or in the smallest state park, Oak Point Park.
What is There to Do on Put-In-Bay?
Know where you want to go: Before you go, look online at the things to do. This is our most important Put-in-Bay Ohio Travel Tips to make the most of your trip. Get a map from Miller Ferry or print one off and map out your plan of action.
You can rent a bike, bring your vehicle or our favorite and what most visitors do, rent a golf cart. E’s Golf Cart is to the right of the dock once you get up the hill and to the right
There is a bus at the top of the hill you can ride into town as well if you don’t your own transportation.
Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center is a great place to spend several hours with your kids (and adults). You can go gemstone mining there on this really cool system the have set up. There is a cave tour you can take which is really cool (wear good walking shoes). They also have a butterfly house that is one of our favorite things to visit, along with the War of 18 Holes. Wanna lose the kids for a bit, send them into the Maze! You can also tour the Antique and unique car bar, which is pretty cool.
11 Family Friendly Things To Do on Put-In-Bay
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial is a great view of the island and a favorite of ours. You can stop into the visitor center and make a reservation on when you want to visit the memorial instead of waiting in line. Best time saver EVER!.
Don’t forget the see the South Bass lighthouse and Perry’s Cave for a round of golf, exploring the cave and the butterflies too. You can also go fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and explore several nature trails. The island really has everything to keep your family busy for a few days. And if you really want, you can camp on the island!
Tips on the Best Time to Visit Put In Bay
When to visit Put In Bay: If you want a quieter visit and less crowded, traveling to Put In Bay Monday – early Friday will work well. My family loves traveling during the week when it’s less crowded and not as loud as the weekends can get, especially poolside. If you want quiet, visiting in the morning works well too on the weekend. Early May is going to have fewer people and the height of Summer will also have more people. Fall is beautiful to stay and visit as the colors change too. Check the schedule of of activities happening on the island too. There are a lot of great activities scheduled on the island year round.
Take the kids to the park: If you have younger kids, there is a park downtown where the shops and food are. You can get your food to go and enjoy eating the park. Conquer and divide and let the kids play and part of your party. Some stay with the kids and the rest go shop.
What to Bring With You to Put-In-Bay
There are a few things we have learned over the years to bring with us on our trip to Put In Bay. Here is our suggest travel guide must bring to Put In Bay:
- backpack (light weight)
- bottled water
- band-aids
- camera/phone
- comfortable walking shoes
- driver’s license and credit card & cash
- aspirin
- snacks
- sunscreen
- umbrella/poncho
What are your Put-in-Bay Ohio travel tips you use?