Places to Play
featured destination
Crystal Cave
The 3.5913-acre property is located at the intersection of Langram and Thompson Roads on South Bass Island, Ottawa County, Ohio. It was purchased by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District with Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Grants with the match funds coming from the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, the John Ladd family, and a bargain sale from owner John Dodge.
This wooded area is mostly young forest, having been a vineyard at one time. There is a mix of black walnut, common hackberry, black cherry, Kentucky coffeetree, wild grape, mulberry and eastern red cedar with some planted conifers and fruit trees on the edges as well as herbaceous plants and sedges.
Spring wildflowers such as Virginia waterleaf, bloodroot, wild leeks, false Solomon’s Seal, and buttercups are found in the trail area. Enchanters nightshade as well as the tall bellflower are followed by Short’s aster and goldenrod in the fall.
The variety of habitats make it a nice stop for birding in the spring migration season. The Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpine gloydi, state species of concern) and the melanistic form of the Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, state species of concern) have also been recorded in the immediate vicinity.
The property will be open to public access daily from dawn to dusk.
The 3.5913-acre property is located at the intersection of Langram and Thompson Roads on South Bass Island, Ottawa County, Ohio. It was purchased by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District with Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Grants with the match funds coming from the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, the John Ladd family, and a bargain sale from owner John Dodge.
This wooded area is mostly young forest, having been a vineyard at one time. There is a mix of black walnut, common hackberry, black cherry, Kentucky coffeetree, wild grape, mulberry and eastern red cedar with some planted conifers and fruit trees on the edges as well as herbaceous plants and sedges.
Spring wildflowers such as Virginia waterleaf, bloodroot, wild leeks, false Solomon’s Seal, and buttercups are found in the trail area. Enchanters nightshade as well as the tall bellflower are followed by Short’s aster and goldenrod in the fall.
The variety of habitats make it a nice stop for birding in the spring migration season. The Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpine gloydi, state species of concern) and the melanistic form of the Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, state species of concern) have also been recorded in the immediate vicinity.
The property will be open to public access daily from dawn to dusk.
Beneath the grounds of Heineman Winery lies a subterranean marvel, Crystal Cave, the world’s largest recorded geode. Discovered in 1897, this natural wonder is a hidden gem on Catawba Avenue, offering a unique spectacle with its walls adorned in shimmering celestite crystals—a substance once used in the manufacturing of fireworks.
A visit to Crystal Cave is an enchanting addition to the Heineman Winery tour, allowing guests to delve into an otherworldly realm that beautifully contrasts the sunlit vineyards above. The cave’s cool, mystical environment invites exploration and the chance to witness geological history up close.
The tours provide an insightful look into the cave’s discovery, its formation, and the unique characteristics of celestite crystals, without the mention of prices to ensure the description remains evergreen. With tours available from May through October, each visit is a journey through time, from 11:15 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 12:15 PM to 5 PM on Sundays.
Crystal Cave is a testament to the island’s geological diversity and is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and curious minds. For more details on the cave tours and to plan a visit that complements your wine experience, please explore heinemanswinery.com/crystalcave. Engage in the full Put-in-Bay experience where the legacy of winemaking meets the wonders of the natural world at Crystal Cave.
Beneath the grounds of Heineman Winery lies a subterranean marvel, Crystal Cave, the world’s largest recorded geode. Discovered in 1897, this natural wonder is a hidden gem on Catawba Avenue, offering a unique spectacle with its walls adorned in shimmering celestite crystals—a substance once used in the manufacturing of fireworks.
A visit to Crystal Cave is an enchanting addition to the Heineman Winery tour, allowing guests to delve into an otherworldly realm that beautifully contrasts the sunlit vineyards above. The cave’s cool, mystical environment invites exploration and the chance to witness geological history up close.
The tours provide an insightful look into the cave’s discovery, its formation, and the unique characteristics of celestite crystals, without the mention of prices to ensure the description remains evergreen. With tours available from May through October, each visit is a journey through time, from 11:15 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 12:15 PM to 5 PM on Sundays.
Crystal Cave is a testament to the island’s geological diversity and is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and curious minds. For more details on the cave tours and to plan a visit that complements your wine experience, please explore heinemanswinery.com/crystalcave. Engage in the full Put-in-Bay experience where the legacy of winemaking meets the wonders of the natural world at Crystal Cave.
Enjoy this 5.4 acres of waterfront park featuring a gazebo, rustic stone fountain, a number of memorials, ample picnic tables and a wonderful playground for children to play. After playing in the park, head down Delaware for a ride on the AntiQue Carousel. and then finish your day with some candy or ice cream just a hop, skip and a jump down the street.
Enjoy this 5.4 acres of waterfront park featuring a gazebo, rustic stone fountain, a number of memorials, ample picnic tables and a wonderful playground for children to play. After playing in the park, head down Delaware for a ride on the AntiQue Carousel. and then finish your day with some candy or ice cream just a hop, skip and a jump down the street.
Our tiki cruises are slow paced and relaxing to soak up the beauty of the Put-in-Bay harbor. Listen to your favorite tunes and crack open a cold one on our 60-minute cruises at Put-in-Bay Floating Tiki!
Our tiki cruises are slow paced and relaxing to soak up the beauty of the Put-in-Bay harbor. Listen to your favorite tunes and crack open a cold one on our 60-minute cruises at Put-in-Bay Floating Tiki!
Take a step back in time and visit Skip Duggan’s Antique Car Museum. This antique car collection was lovingly gathered by Charles “Skip” Duggan. The Antique Car Museum is dedicated to Skip in his memory. Skip was a lover of family and wanted to create a place where families could get together and learn while having a great time. We honor his tradition which founded Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center and invite you to share your family time with us.
Take a step back in time and visit Skip Duggan’s Antique Car Museum. This antique car collection was lovingly gathered by Charles “Skip” Duggan. The Antique Car Museum is dedicated to Skip in his memory. Skip was a lover of family and wanted to create a place where families could get together and learn while having a great time. We honor his tradition which founded Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center and invite you to share your family time with us.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Put-in-Bay’s past, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum is a must-visit attraction for all ages!
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Put-in-Bay’s past, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum is a must-visit attraction for all ages!
Gemstone mining is an extraordinary hands-on experience where you can discover real gemstones and fossils! Pan for real gemstones and/or fossils. Purchase a bag of rough mix at The Shop at the Top, and then let the water wash over the sand, and experience the fun of panning for REAL GEMSTONES & FOSSILS. Fun for ALL ages – young and old. Located just outside Perry’s Cave. You can spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour sifting. Many children will choose this activity over an ice cream cone!
Geode Cutting
Purchase an uncut geode at The Shop at the Top, and then take it outside to our Geode Cutting Station. Our trained staff will cut the geode in two revealing to you for the first time the inner beauty of this rough exterior gemstone. Every stone is a unique experience to see. So try gemstone mining today!
Gemstone mining is an extraordinary hands-on experience where you can discover real gemstones and fossils! Pan for real gemstones and/or fossils. Purchase a bag of rough mix at The Shop at the Top, and then let the water wash over the sand, and experience the fun of panning for REAL GEMSTONES & FOSSILS. Fun for ALL ages – young and old. Located just outside Perry’s Cave. You can spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour sifting. Many children will choose this activity over an ice cream cone!
Geode Cutting
Purchase an uncut geode at The Shop at the Top, and then take it outside to our Geode Cutting Station. Our trained staff will cut the geode in two revealing to you for the first time the inner beauty of this rough exterior gemstone. Every stone is a unique experience to see. So try gemstone mining today!
The Put-in-Bay Antique Car Parade, it’s a Sunday tradition! The Skip Duggan Antique Car Club was established in 2006 and at last count had 123 members. There are in excess of 200 antique cars on Put-in-Bay, including 26 Model T and 46 Model A Fords…and counting!
Sunday Car Parades: There are more antique and classic vehicles per capita on Put-in-Bay than anywhere else in the world! Historic and classic cars parade the island roadways and downtown every Sunday afternoon. The parade starts at the Twine Shanty (close to the Miller Ferry Lime Kiln dock) and winds it’s way through Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center and through the downtown area. Parades start at approximately 2:15 PM. Be sure to wave back as the cars pass by!
The Put-in-Bay Antique Car Parade, it’s a Sunday tradition! The Skip Duggan Antique Car Club was established in 2006 and at last count had 123 members. There are in excess of 200 antique cars on Put-in-Bay, including 26 Model T and 46 Model A Fords…and counting!
Sunday Car Parades: There are more antique and classic vehicles per capita on Put-in-Bay than anywhere else in the world! Historic and classic cars parade the island roadways and downtown every Sunday afternoon. The parade starts at the Twine Shanty (close to the Miller Ferry Lime Kiln dock) and winds it’s way through Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center and through the downtown area. Parades start at approximately 2:15 PM. Be sure to wave back as the cars pass by!
Located on Put-in-Bay Road, about 1/4 mile north of Maple Leaf Cemetery, Jane Coates Wildflower Trail is a nature trail protected by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy and now owned by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District. The surrounding woodlands of blue ash, hackberry, and chinquapin oak shelter spring wildflowers such as the wild hyacinths pictured as well as Dutchman’s Breeches, appendaged waterleaf, wild phlox, and Jack-in-the Pulpit. It can be a great place in spring and fall for migratory songbirds and warblers. A bench on the back portion of the trail is a great place to sit and birdwatch. The 1/2 mile trail is named for Put-in-Bay artist Jane Coates who was a jeweler, painter and conservationist. Many covet Jane’s free form sterling silver cast jewelry and her other works of art. Another Jane Coates legacy is the custom painted panels on Kimberly’s Carousel depicting historic Put-in-Bay images, including the Hotel Victory, the Steamer Put-in-Bay, Ford Tri-Motor “Tin Goose”, Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, and the Colonial Building.
Located on Put-in-Bay Road, about 1/4 mile north of Maple Leaf Cemetery, Jane Coates Wildflower Trail is a nature trail protected by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy and now owned by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District. The surrounding woodlands of blue ash, hackberry, and chinquapin oak shelter spring wildflowers such as the wild hyacinths pictured as well as Dutchman’s Breeches, appendaged waterleaf, wild phlox, and Jack-in-the Pulpit. It can be a great place in spring and fall for migratory songbirds and warblers. A bench on the back portion of the trail is a great place to sit and birdwatch. The 1/2 mile trail is named for Put-in-Bay artist Jane Coates who was a jeweler, painter and conservationist. Many covet Jane’s free form sterling silver cast jewelry and her other works of art. Another Jane Coates legacy is the custom painted panels on Kimberly’s Carousel depicting historic Put-in-Bay images, including the Hotel Victory, the Steamer Put-in-Bay, Ford Tri-Motor “Tin Goose”, Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, and the Colonial Building.
