LEMTA On the Water 2023

Dear Water Enthusiasts,

As president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA), and executive director of On the Water Ohio (501c3), I am delighted to introduce this special magazine insert dedicated to the awe-inspiring waterways and remarkable experiences at the Lake Erie Islands. Nestled within the Great Lakes, these destinations offer a world of aquatic wonders waiting to be explored.

Within these pages, you’ll discover a wealth of information, inspiration and practical tips to make the most of your visit. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, serene relaxation

create unforgettable memories. Explore secluded coves, discover hidden beaches, and experience the thrill of swimming in Lake Eries’s beautiful waters.

This magazine insert serves as your guide to unlocking the full potential of waterbased enjoyment on the Lake Erie Islands. It showcases the remarkable experiences awaiting you and provides essential information to help you find your perfect destination.

On behalf of LEMTA and On the Water Ohio, I extend my deepest appreciation to our partners, contributors and sponsors who

MICHELLE BURKE President, Lake Erie Marine Trades Association

Need a Getaway? IT’S A SHORE THING

You’ve come to the right place! At Shores & Islands Ohio , we’ve got something for everyone. Sunny beaches and on-the-water family fun. Outdoor dining and check out our Cheers Trail. Miles of natural trails for hiking and biking. And quaint shops and museums waiting to be explored. Whether it’s a short trip or an extended vacation, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more here at Shores & Islands. Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.

Lake Front Park, Huron

PLAY, STAY, GETAWAY

No matter your style — paddle, sail, power, ferry — you’ve got a world to explore in Lake Erie with islands for every way you want to experience Ohio on the water.

LOOKING FOR A DESTINATION TO EXPLORE and ignite your sense of adventure? The Lake Erie Islands, boasting a Key West feel with pre-Civil War history, have you covered. A casual getaway with endless waterfront recreation, the islands offer a diverse and dynamic playground for seasoned and novice boaters and every member of their family or group of friends.

“From the laid-back vibe of Kelleys Island to the more active, entertaining vibe of Put-in-Bay and the more natural focus of Middle Bass and North Bass, you can plan any type of getaway on Lake Erie with ease,” says Michelle Burke, president of the Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA).

The Lake Erie Islands are a treasure — and perhaps

By Kristen Hampshire

uncharted waters for those who have not yet discovered their possibilities. But what makes them an ideal destination is just how easy it is to experience all there is to offer, Burke points out.

“There is so much to celebrate about our islands, from the geologic past and their formation from miles-long glaciers to the centuries-old wine industry,” she adds. “The amazing Ohio parks offer amenities and fun for the whole family. There are so many ways to do the islands, whether you want to dine waterfront with live music or rent a golf cart and take an elevator to the top of the Perry Monument on Put-in-Bay.”

Ready to launch, cast off or get a ferry ticket? We’ve got you covered. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

SOUTH BASS ISLAND

RICH WITH HISTORY and rocking with entertainment, South Bass Island offers something for everyone. Ferry service to Middle Bass Island allows you to explore more. From kayak tours to waterfront dining destinations and plenty of free ways kids can take in the island, here are some highlights you’ll want to build into your itinerary.

TIE UP. Put-in-Bay’s downtown public docks A and C offer daytime and overnight stays, as does DeRivera Park B dock. A quarter-mile west is Peach Point in Oak Point State Park. You may be required to raft off up to four boats in public dock spaces, so plan ahead with extra bumpers. Also on the west side of the harbor, Crew’s Nest provides both daily and overnight dockage in a clean, quiet atmosphere that’s perfect for families. There are multiple options if you’ll be a regular on Put-in-Bay, but a membership to Park Place Boat Club is worthwhile for preferential access to docks at The Boardwalk and The Keys, says Peter Huston, project manager of the Great Lakes Islands Alliance and an island resident. Park Place is next to the C dock.

WATERFRONT EATS. Soak in the sunshine and feel the lake breezes at The Boardwalk, an island staple since 1985 with a harbor view that’s “up close and personal — waterfront and center,” The Boardwalk’s Sara Booker Sheehan says. It’s known for lobster bisque and a menu

that goes from casual burgers to upscale cuisine. Join in the family-friendly sunset flag ceremony, nightly from Fourth of July to Labor Day. Patriotic music fills the harbor as the flag is lowered.

“Everyone stands at attention,” Booker says. “It’s a moving experience to see everyone honoring the flag. And at the end, everyone blares their horns and we have a nautical salute.”

For a Caribbean vibe, check out The Keys and try conch fritters or Mahi tacos. While there, kids can decorate a piece of driftwood at one of the painting stations. The Keys preserves the pieces and hangs them in a growing art installation. “People come back year after year to find their piece of driftwood,” Booker says.

Cool off with a cone at Dairy Isle on the way to Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial.

EXPERIENCE THE HISTORY. If you’re a Put-in-Bay first-timer, your first stop must be the Battle of Lake Erie memorial honoring those who fought in the epic battle when “hero of the Great Lakes” Oliver Hazard Perry led a fledgling American fleet to victory against the Royal Navy of Great Britain. The memorial also celebrates the long-lasting peace among Britain, Canada and the U.S. Take the elevator to the top of the 352-feet Doric column — views for miles.

Experienced boaters might cruise toward West Sister Island, about 10 miles off the southeast coast of South Bass. There, a buoy maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard marks the spot where Perry claimed victory. “If you are interested in the island boating scene, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society has great pictures and memorabilia dating back to before 1900,” Huston says. A combination of established and rotating exhibits showcase winemaking, Victorian hotels, the ice industry and more. “It’s a wonderful immersion into the history of the islands.”

WINE DOWN. Heineman’s Winery opened in 1888, capitalizing on the island’s ideal grape-growing conditions. Today, it still produces a variety of reds and whites. Kids can explore the Crystal Cave, which houses the world’s largest geode and crystals up to 3 feet in length. The Put-in-Bay Winery on the Dollar House Estate offers harbor views and an exhibit that explains the winemaking process.

PADDLE THE COAST. Kayak the Bay offers personalized tours if you call ahead — or you can paddle a sit-inside or sit-on-top vessel for up to two hours. For more experienced paddlers, the South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous in June is the premier kayaking gathering on Lake Erie. Beginners can take a ferry to the island and paddle the Put-in-Bay Harbor, and there are miles of coastline for intermediate paddlers. The adventurous can begin their rendezvous at the mainland and cross between islands.

LAKE ERIE, CLOSEUP. The Aquatic Visitors Center offers hands-on science activities, live lake species, research exhibits and a look at how the historic hatchery operated. Children under 16 can fish for free at the pier with borrowed gear and some bait provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Driftwood art (Top), Crystal Cave (Bottom)

KELLEYS ISLAND

ABOUT SEVEN MILES AND 25 MINUTES BY BOAT from South Bass Island is Kelleys Island. You’ll find a slower pace, friendly hometown feel, and acres of woods, preserves and quarries to explore. Still, there’s action. It’s the largest freshwater American island in Lake Erie and loaded with recreational possibilities.

TIE UP. Five private marinas on the island include Seaway Marina, The Casino (located downtown), Portside Marina, Crafts Marina and West Bay Inn. Seaway and Portside include convenience shops with essentials, snacks and beverages.

BOOK A STAY. Kelleys Island has its own version of VRBO called Stay on KI, loaded with vacation rental and lodging, from fully equipped homes to cottages and condos. The island’s bed and breakfasts include Water’s Edge Retreat with sweeping views of the south shore and room for 14 guests, and The Inn, a restored 1876 Victorian housing eight with water views.

WATERFRONT DINING. Located in the heart of Kelleys Island’s quaint downtown, the Casino Bar Restaurant and Dockage has live entertainment every Saturday, and its outdoor dining

JOHNSON’S ISLAND

THE RICH HISTORY ON JOHNSON’S ISLAND off Marblehead on the Sandusky Bay began during the Civil War when it housed the Depot of Prisoners of War and about 10,000 men were processed into its stockade, most of them Confederate officers. Eventually, the island became home to a couple of resorts and a quarry operation. Today, the private residential island is accessible by a causeway with a $2 cash gate toll so you can visit the Confederate cemetery on site. However, this is the only area of the island that is open to the public.

and Tiki Bar (along with indoor seating) are an ideal spot to watch the water and passing boats. Across the street, longtime watering hole The Village Pump serves up its famous Brandy Alexanders and Lake Erie perch. Kids and adults gravitate to Caddy Shack for its pizza, cold drinks, miniature golf course and rentals (golf carts, bikes).

Dockers at Portside Marina is known for its relaxing vibe and homemade hand-pattied crab cakes. The restaurant offers a weekday dock and dine special — free dock with $15 food receipt. Before you leave, treat the kids to Snack Shack’s oldtime candies, caramel corn and cotton candy, located in the island square.

UP FOR ADVENTURE. Hike, bike or kayak the island with a guide and the equipment you need to explore. Kelleys Island AdvenTours offers two-hour biking/hiking tours that peel back the layers of Kelleys Island history, while learning about the island's unique and diverse habitats. The Treasure Tour takes you through nature preserves by kayak, and the Sunset Tour starts from the North Shore’s state park and ends at West Bay. (Kayakers get a ride back from the crew for this one-way trip.) Call about private group tours.

RATTLESNAKE ISLAND

LOCATED NORTHWEST OF PORT CLINTON and a mile west of Middle Bass, the private Rattlesnake Island is home to the exclusive Rattlesnake Island Club and reserved for members and guests only. The island has its own runway, five-hole golf course (which is also the runway), and club with all the amenities. Occasionally, the island will host a homes tour — no guarantees.

NORTH BASS ISLAND

PRIMITIVE AND UNDEVELOPED

NORTH BASS ISLAND is a critical stopover point for migratory songbirds. There are less than two dozen people who dwell there during summers. “It has become sort of a rural outpost where you can bike, walk around — it’s a fascinating getaway,” Peter Huston, project manager of the Great Lakes Islands Alliance, says.

North Bass is open to the public, and accessible by boat, charter or aircraft. There is a dock on the south side of the island where you can tie up for a

CATAWBA ISLAND

IN MANY WAYS, CATAWBA IS A GATEWAY to the Lake Erie Islands as home of the Miller Ferry and the Catawba Island State Park with a public boat ramp if you tow your vessel.

PARK IT. We’re talking about the cliffs-andbeaches Catawba Island State Park beachfront and amenities for boaters, including four boat ramps and a cobblestone entry for kayaks and canoes. If you travel with your watercraft, there’s easy access to Lake Erie and the islands from the Catawba Island State Park, plus there’s a fishing pier.

TIE UP. Catawba Moorings provides transient dockage if you want to slip in and stay for several hours or nights. The same goes for Mid-Way Marina, which is a pledged Ohio Sea Grant Clean Marina (see A Sustainable State of Mind on page 39).

TASTE AND SEE. Soak in the orchard landscape Catawba is known for on a 60-acre farm estate that is Twin Oast Brewing. Forest, home-grown produce, fruit trees — the menu celebrates local flavors that pair with brews like Legitimate Swells, Ship Burner and Old Ohio.

At Gideon Owen Wine Co., formerly Mon Ami, stop in to sip or explore the 150-year-old history with a cellar tour, where you’ll enter the vaults and taste Catawba Island wine.

Orchard Bar and Table handpicks fresh ingredients from the property’s chefs gardens for menu items including a sharable like the Vintners Board, a main plate like seared scallops, and cocktails from the “coop” including Hen House

couple of hours, Huston points out. Or, you can drop anchor on the east side and swim into the bay to go ashore, fish or watch the wildlife.

Biennially, the historical society hosts a tour of the island, including its historic chapel and wine cellars. The next tour is scheduled for 2024. Miller Ferry helps out, transporting guests for the fundraising event; you can rent a golf cart once you arrive. To stay over any time with reservations, the four-bedroom Lake House can host up to 12 guests and includes a slip at the marina.

with Ketel One Botanical Cucumber and Mint, fresh-muddle mint, cucumber,

Twin Oast Brewing

Gideon Owen Wine Co.

Orchard Bar and Table

lime and simple syrup.

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND

ISLAND DINING. Live music by the lagoon, lounging by the pool — shop, dine, drink and stay over at J.F. Walleye’s on the waterfront. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, pizzas and of course, walleye bites. The Middle Bass Island General Store houses Uncle Joe’s Pizza serving Italian pies and subs in a full bar. And for overnighters, it’s a convenient spot to pick up a few groceries and other necessities. The Island Grind inside The Press House at the historic Lonz Winery serves fresh-ground coffee and a selection of cafe and bakery goods.

TAKE TO NATURE. Hike the trails and explore Middle Bass Island’s preserves, including the Petersen’s Woods and Kuehnle Wildlife Area with a 20-acre wildlife and marsh area, where you’ll spot songbirds, turtles and salamanders.

GRAPE ESCAPE. Lonz Winery is the island’s oldest and started as Golden Eagle Wine Cellars in 1866, growing to be one of the country’s largest wineries. The Lonz Winery is on the National Register of Historic Places. The iconic tower, building shell and footprint remain as an open-air plaza with historical wine exhibits in its preserved cellar.

A SHORT 15-MINUTE CRUISE FROM SOUTH BASS ISLAND lands you at the docks of the Middle Bass Island State Park and the adjacent St. Hazards with a microbrewery, restaurant, waterfront condos, cabins and transportation. Middle Bass is a serene getaway that Peter Huston says, “really enjoys its quiet charm.” Primitive camping options are available at the state park; campsites are available by reservation only.

TIE UP. Docks on Middle Bass Island are managed by the ODNR, with the exception of the Middle Bass Island Yacht Club. Online dock reservations for the Marina at Middle Bass are required by filling out a form at reserveohio.com/ohiocampweb/#!park/364; and day-use slips can be arranged by phone: 419-285-0311. Ferry over to Middle Bass from The Boardwalk on Put-in-Bay by way of the Sonny S.

GIBRALTAR ISLAND

HOME OF THE OHIO SEA GRANT

STONE LAB, Gibraltar Island is a Lake Erie campus for students and researchers studying critical issues facing the lake. Those include nutrients and harmful algae blooms; invasive species like zebra mussels; microplastics and marine debris; climate change impacting ice and water levels; and emerging contaminants like pharmaceuticals. Gibraltar Island is a “complex ecosystem,” says Chris Winslow, director of Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab. The 6.5-acre island is offshore from South

Bass and is part of Put-in-Bay Township, though you won’t find recreational ferry service and marinas open to the public since it is an education and research site. That said, a water taxi from The Boardwalk on Put-in-Bay departs for guided tours of Gibraltar Island on a weekly basis. And more than 3,000 students grade 5 to 12 take field trips there in spring and fall. Some of the excursions are overnight and kids stay in the dorms.

FUN FACT. The island was a summer retreat for Civil War financier Jay Cooke and his family

in the mid to late 1800s. Cooke’s daughter sold it to Julius Stone, who gave the island to The Ohio State University. The lab is named for Julius’ father, who was a naturalist.

TOUR THE ISLAND. Thursdays June 29 to Aug. 17, meet at the Boardwalk Restaurant dock 15 minutes prior to the start time. Tickets are $12 in cash per adult, $6 for children, plus $8 for roundtrip fare to Gibraltar Island, payable to the water taxi driver. Tours run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/gibraltar

A Su s t a inable State o f Mind

SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE BOATING includes stewardship — doing your part to do the simple things that keep Lake Erie and inland waterways clean. “As a boater, you are entering the natural environment, and there are positive and negative impacts,” says Sarah Orlando, program manager for Ohio Clean Marinas, a partnership with ODNR and Ohio Sea Grant.

The mission is three-fold: to drive awareness of rules; to encourage marinas to follow best practices and earn the Clean Marinas certification; and to provide easy clean ways for any boater to participate.

Responsible recreation is what it’s all about.

“There are many reasons to celebrate Lake Erie for the incredible resource it is, and to find balance with getting out on the water, engaging in recreation and doing it in a responsible way,” Orlando relates.

Whether you paddle a kayak, sail a rig or run a powerboat, here are some ways to leave less “wake” as you enjoy the water. — KH

CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY.

Paddlecraft that is transported from one body of the water to the next can introduce “hitchhikers” like zebra mussels and invasive plants, even fish larvae. “Our simple motto is clean, drain, dry,” Orlando says. “Clean off your vessel, drain all water by flipping it, and use a towel or sham. Ideally, let it air dry for several days before going to a new body of water.”

DON'T OVERFUEL.

Help keep Ohio’s waters clean by remembering not to top off the tank when you’re fueling up. Also, don’t forget to bring along a rag so you can catch any drips that might land in water when removing the fuel nozzle. “You might say a little bit won’t hurt, but with over 600,000 boaters in Ohio, that adds up,” Orlando says.

CHOOSE TO REUSE.

Single-use plastics add up to a lot of extra waste during a boating season. Rather than a 24-pack of bottled water, bring along jugs and ask guests to participate by toting along their own reusable drinking container. “Think of how much plastic you can divert from landfills,” Orlando points out.

MANAGE FLY-AWAYS.

When you’re underway, wind can blow debris off your boat and into the water. “Take a few seconds before you get on your way to tie down anything that might go overboard,” Orlando advises. Paddlers can bring a dry bag for trash. Sailors and powerboaters with room for a trash can or bucket can secure it with a tie or even a rock in the bottom.

WORK SMART.

When conducting maintenance, the best case scenario is an indoor environment with proper anti-pollution prevention practices in place. “At the very least, put down a tarp and go as far away from the water as possible to do your work,” Orlando says. “Clean up your trash and pick up all debris so when it rains, that material isn’t on the ground to be washed into the water.”

A Major Life Saver

THE 1-2-3 OF SAFE BOATING — factors that can save your life — are wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol and taking a safe boater education course. According to 2021 U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 81% of fatal boat accident victims drowned and of those, 83% were not wearing a life jacket.

“The four things to remember about wearing a life jacket are it has to be Coast Guard approved, the proper size for the intended wearer, in good serviceable condition and readily accessible,” says Walter Hodgkiss, lieutenant, ODNR.

Bright colored vests are always best. “It’s easier for other boaters to see you if you’re in the water, and it makes the chances of finding you better,” he says.

Every child 10 years of age or younger on a boat less than 18 feet long must wear a lifejacket on a watercraft. Life jackets are also mandated for everyone if you are on a jet ski, water skiing or tubing.

What’s the best life jacket? “The one you will wear,” Hodgkiss says.

There are options. Those include inflatable life jackets that automatically fill when you hit the water, and manual inflatables — even belt packs with a

cord you pull to inflate. But Hodgkiss reminds, “They won’t do you any good unless you wear them, and these types are only recommended if you are over the age of 16 and are educated on how they work.”

Read the label.

Accessibility is a common misfire with lifejackets. Stowing them in locked compartments, underneath fishing gear or in the center console does no good. “If your boat capsizes, you have to swim up under to open the hatch to get the jackets out,” Hodgkiss says of the console scenario.

Avoiding alcohol should be common knowledge, but a reminder is crucial. In one-third of fatal boating accidents, alcohol is a contributing factor. “When consuming alcohol, you can really mess up big,” Hodgkiss emphasizes.

Safe boater courses are required if you will operate a watercraft with more than 10 horsepower and were born after January 1, 1982. Every boater of every age benefits. “The more you can do to expand your boating knowledge, the better,” Hodgkiss says. “It can really help raise your awareness and keep you safer on the water.” — KH