An Outdoorsman’s Guide to Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay, Ohio, is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located on South Bass Island in Lake Erie, this charming village is known for its picturesque scenery, historical landmarks, and fantastic recreational opportunities. If you’re an outdoorsman looking for some fun activities to do at Put-in-Bay, here are some ideas:
Fishing
Put-in-Bay is surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Erie, which offers excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including walleye, perch, bass, and steelhead. You can rent a boat or hire a fishing charter to take you out on the lake for a day of fishing. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent everything you need at one of the local bait and tackle shops. If you’re going to hire a charter, we recommend Champion Charters, Vitamin Sea Fishing Charters, Shorenuf Charters, or Erie Outlaw Sport Fishing.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Another great way to explore the waters around Put-in-Bay is by kayaking or paddleboarding. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the shallow bays, coves, and channels around the island. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can paddle out to nearby Gibraltar Island, which is home to Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory. There is a great article on paddling.com that details an awesome kayak trip around South Bass Island, click here to check it out. If you are a serious kayaker, be sure to check out our events page and look for the annual “South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous.”
Birdwatching
Put-in-Bay is a popular destination for birdwatchers, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons. The island is located along the Lake Erie Birding Trail, and you can spot various birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and shorebirds. The best places to go birdwatching on the island include South Bass Island State Park, Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve, and Jane Coates Wildflower Trail. Download the Birds of Ohio Field Checklist to get started in bird watching. For those who are spending a week on the island, take the ferry back to the mainland and hail a cab to East Harbor State Park, where you’ll find the Great Egret Marsh Preserve. The preserve is one of the most tranquil areas in the region to spot birds.
Hiking
Put-in-Bay has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding landscape. The South Bass Island State Park has two trails, the Massie Cliffside Preserve has a one-mile loop trail, and the Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve has a 1.5-mile loop trail. The trails are easy to moderate, and you can enjoy the scenery while getting some exercise.
Biking
Biking is a fun and convenient way to explore Put-in-Bay. The island is relatively flat, and there are several bike rental shops where you can rent a bike or bring your own. You can ride around the island, explore the different neighborhoods, and visit historical landmarks, including Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Golfing
If you like swinging the “ole sticks,” you’ll get a kick out of Saunders Golf Course, located on the island. The course is a 9-hole, par-3 course and is open to the public. You can rent clubs and carts, and the course offers beautiful views of Lake Erie. If you’re spending a week on the island and don’t mind a couple of ferry rides, pack up your clubs and head over to the mainland for some serious courses. Here is a list of our favorite nearby golf courses.
1. Sawmill Creek (29 Minutes) – This is a great course!
2. Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course (45 Minutes)
3. Thunderbird Hills North or South (28 Minutes)
4. Oak Harbor Golf Club (26 Minutes)
5. Mills Creek (20 Minutes)
In conclusion, Put-in-Bay, Ohio, is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, hiking, biking, or golfing, there’s something for everyone on this beautiful island. So, plan your next outdoor adventure at Put-in-Bay and create memories that will last a lifetime! If you want more ideas on things to do at Put-in-Bay, check out our map and guide.
If you plan a family-friendly get-a-way, April and early May dates are usually DESIRABLE AND AVAILABLE, especially mid-week.
