official tourism bureau

Tours & Activities
Put-in-Bay put in bay antique car museum 2

Antique Car Museum

The Antique Car Museum at Perry’s Cave is a free attraction, open to the public. Come stroll through the past as you view Ford Model A’s and T’s. See the islands oldest automobile and an early Model T modified to be a snow mobile used by the US Postal Service to deliver in harsh winter climates. Fun for car lovers of all ages!

Antique Car Museum
Catawba Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay put in bay aquatic resource center

Aquatic Visitor Center

The Aquatic Visitor Center, a historic former state fish hatchery, is operated by Ohio Sea Grant & Stone Laboratory in partnership with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Activities include inspecting Lake Erie’s complex ecosystem through hands-on displays, observing and identifying live fish in aquaria, and discovering current research to protect Lake Erie. Children under 16 can fish for free off the dock. The AVC is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays, June 21-September 9, 2017. Guided group tours and school field trips are also offered May through October by appointment.

Aquatic Visitor Center
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
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Butterfly House

Put-in-Bay’s Butterfly House at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center offers visitors a unique viewing experience of hundreds of different exotic butterflies in their beautiful atrium filled with plants, fountains and sculptures. The butterflies on display are not native to the United States and precautions are used so they cannot escape their home in the atrium. Visitors walk amongst the butterflies and can purchase butterfly specimens and posters in the gift shop to help remember their trip.

Butterfly House
Catawba Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
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Chocolate Café and Museum

A delicious attraction just outside of downtown, Put-in-Bay! The Chocolate Café offers many chocolates, sweets and treats including ice cream, pastries and cakes. Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a cup of the popular, hot chocolate! The museum features exhibits about how chocolate is made and more. Sit inside the café or enjoy the outdoor seating in the Biergarten!

Chocolate Café and Museum
820 Catawba Ave
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay crystal caves

Crystal Cave

Crystal Cave, the world’s largest recorded geode, is located on Catawba Avenue directly beneath Heineman Winery. A tour of the cave is included with a tour of the winery. The walls of Crystal Cave are covered in celestite crystals, used in the manufacturing of fireworks. The cave was discovered in 1897 by workers digging a well for the winery. Tours of the cave and winery are given from the first of May through the end of September, beginning at 11:15 and ending at 5 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12:15 to 5 pm on Sundays.

Crystal Cave
978 Catawba Ave.
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay put in bay winery 1

Dollar Estate & Put-in-Bay Winery

Situated on the water, directly across from Gibraltar Island, the Put-in-Bay Winery offers tours, tastings, and snacks with a view of Put-in-Bay’s harbor. Schedule a tour of the Dollar House and Put-in-Bay Winery and taste five of the wineries offerings varying from dry to sweet or create your own flight of Put-in-Bay Wines, Pelee Island wines, West Coast or other featured wines to create the ultimate experience. The winery offers a 10% discount on 6-bottle purchases and 20% discount on 12-bottle purchases.

The Historic Victorian, Italianate Doller Mansion built and owned by Valentine Doller, an Island Entrepreneur and former mayor of Put-In-Bay, was built between 1866 and 1885 and is an excellent venue for your next social event. The large lakeside front yard offers a panoramic view for parties up to 400 that few are likely to forget. The picturesque gazebo located in the backyard is ideal for large events. The vast backyard makes plenty of dancing and socializing room for receptions, company picnics/outings, and family reunions. Planning something smaller? Have an intimate birthday, cocktail or dinner party inside this historic home for as few as 15 guests or as large as 60 guests.

Dollar Estate & Put-in-Bay Winery
(at The Doller Estate)
Bay View Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay Gibraltar Island Tours 2

Gibraltar Island Tours

The tiny 6.5 acre island in the middle of Put-in-Bay is home to The Ohio State University’s Biological Field Station, F.T. Stone Laboratory. Visitors take a guided walking tour of the island including stops at Perry’s Lookout, the glacial grooves and historic Cooke Castle before learning more about the research being conducted at Stone Lab.

Gibraltar Island Tours
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay heineman winery

Heineman’s Winery

Heineman’s Winery was established in 1888 by Gustav Heineman. Gustav’s grandson, Louis, great-grandson, Edward and great-great-grandson, Dustin, continue to operate Heineman’s Winery today. A combined tour of the winery and Crystal Cave are given daily from the first of May to the end of September. A complimentary sample of wine or grape juice is given after the tour. Wine and juice is sold by the glass or by the bottle. You can enjoy a glass of wine, and a platter of cheese, fruit, and crackers in Heineman’s wine garden. Heineman’s wines are made from grapes grown on the island, and have consistently won awards in many categories. They currently produce more than 21 different wines, including an ice wine.

Heineman’s Winery
978 Catawba Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay paratus air

Helicopter Tours by Paratus Air

Looking for a way to enhance your visit to Put-in-Bay? Choose from one of two options to see the islands in a truly unique way! Put-in-Bay helicopter tours are open from the second weekend of May through the end of September! Please call our office at 914-FLY-HELI to schedule your helicopter tour today. The “Put-in-Bay Tour” shown above takes you on a trip around South Bass Island. You’ll see gorgeous, bird’s-eye views of Cedar Point, Port Clinton and, of course, the beautiful Put-in-Bay itself. Starting at $39.99 per person, minimum two (2) passengers, maximum three (3) passengers per trip.

Helicopter Tours by Paratus Air
(Put-in-Bay Port Authority Airport)
1494 Langram Rd
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay leihs

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society

The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society offers a glimpse into Put-in-Bay’s past. More than 6,000 square feet of display area features the original sprawling resort hotels such as the Hotel Victory, wine making, a movie on the island’s history, and artifacts from the old Put in Bay Car Races. You’ll also find examples of island memorabilia (Put-in-Bay souvenirs), and I-LYA (Inter-Lake Yachting Association) artifacts. Located off Catawba Avenue behind the Put-in-Bay Town Hall on Town Hall Lane. Watch a free history film and view a collection of model ships and ferries, some made by island craftsmen. Adult admission is $7. Seniors $4, Groups $4 each Veterans and Children free. Open daily 11-5pm from the first of May through September.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society
25 Town Hall Lane
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
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Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center

The Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center opened in 2008. Formerly the Alaskan Bird House Wildlife Museum, this facility features a variety of animal and water fowl mounts that are native to the islands and Ohio. The center also features a nature trail filled with native plants, that offers an excellent vantage point for bird watching. There are also activities for kids.

Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center
Meechen Road
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay perrys monument

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a symbol of the long-lasting peace enjoyed by the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. The 352-foot Doric column has an observation platform that offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding islands and mainland.

The Perry Memorial Visitor Center, located on the grounds, offers a 15-minute free movie on the War of 1812 and Battle of Lake Erie. The visitor center also has a display of artifacts, including a British musket, a scale model of the US Brig Lawrence–Perry’s flagship–and a large flat hull diorama of the Battle of Lake Erie as Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry crossed through cannon fire to reach the US Brig Niagara and change the course of the battle.

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial
Put-in-Bay perrys cave

Perry’s Cave

Historical documents show that men under the command of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry discovered this limestone cave 40 feet underground during their occupation of the island in 1813. Perry used the underground stream in Perry’s Cave for drinking water during the hot summer prior to the “Battle of Lake Erie”, fought on September 10, 1813. This pivotal naval engagement was fought during the War of 1812. The water in the stream is a consistent 50 degrees year-round.

Perry’s Cave
Catawba Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
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Put-in-Bay Floating Tiki

Come aboard the floating tiki bar and enjoy a fun cruise! Whether you’re exploring the beautiful waters of Lake Erie or floating with friends for a fun time, you can’t beat the Tiki Barge experience. Book your float today!

Put-in-Bay Floating Tiki
341 Bayview Ave
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay PUT IN BAY GHOST WALK

Put-in-Bay Ghost Walk

Explore the spooky side of Put-in-Bay on this family friendly guided lantern tour of the village. Tours depart from in front of The Boardwalk on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7:30 (weather permitting). Cost is $15 per person. Children 12 and under are free (must be accompanied by an adult). Tickets available at starting location 20 minutes prior to tour.

Put-in-Bay Ghost Walk
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay south bass island lighthouse wedding

South Bass Island Lighthouse

Owned and operated by Ohio Sea Grant, visitors to the South Bass Island Lighthouse can climb the tower for a beautiful view and learn about the history of this national historic place. Free and open for tours 11 a.m-5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays from June 19-July 18, 2017 or by appointment (groups of 10 or more, $3 pp). The grounds are open dawn from dusk most days, but are occasionally closed for private events.

South Bass Island Lighthouse
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay tour train put in bay

Tour Train

The Put-in-Bay Tour Train offers a 55-minute narrated historical tour of Put-in-Bay and makes stops at several attractions, including Heineman Winery, Perry Cave’s Family Fun Center & Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. Ticket booth located at the Depot. Group rates available for school, wedding and tour groups. Printable coupon for $1 off each adult in group available on our website.

Tour Train
Bay View Avenue
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456