Lake Erie
#The Lowdown

A Great Lake, Indeed: Lake Erie

By Travel Savvy

Getaway to Lake Erie 

The Great Lakes are a SHMOE...at least that's how our editor has remembered their names since 3rd grade. Together, Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Ontario, and Erie make up the largest body of fresh water on the planet. This time, we're exploring Lake Erie. This particular Great Lake is surrounded by almost 800 miles of shoreline and is home to 31 small islands (mostly on the western side), which means that the opportunities for fun are endless. Curious travelers should plan on staying and playing in Ohio, where they'll find amusement parks, water sports, landmarks, dining, and plenty of lodging choices from camp grounds to high-end hotels. Click through to learn what Ohio's Lake Erie region offers in terms of family vacation memories.

Tall Timbers Campground 1

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Tall Timbers Campground

Tall Timbers Campground

340 S. Christy Chaple Rd., Port Clinton, OH

www.camplakeerie.net

Pitch a tent with your family in the quiet woods of Tall Timbers Campground, located near all of Lake Erie's best attractions such as Put-in-Bay Island and Cedar Point Amusement Park. With all of the excitement going on outside of the camp, don't forget about the onsite amenities including: fishing ponds, swimming ponds, volley and basketball courts, outside movies and more. This Ohio campground also features water and electric hookups for families traveling in RV's, or choose to rent one of their RV's or private cottages.

Hotel Breakers 2

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Cedar Point

Hotel Breakers

1 Cedar Point Dr. (off US 6) Sandusky, OH

www.cedarpoint.com

When historic property Hotel Breakers originally opened its doors in 1905, the management had visions of turning the sprawling resort into the "Coney Island of the West." After a $50M renovation in 2015, the lakefront Ohio hotel is truly a grand destination, perfect for travelers of every age. Visitors stay in one of the 511 rooms and suites with complimentary wi-fi, have access to plenty of dining and cafes including a full-service Starbucks, multiple pools and hot tubs, on-site retail shops, and are just a few minutes away from thrills and spills at Cedar Point Park, one of the country's oldest amusement parks that is also know as the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World." 

Aquatic Visitors Center 3

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Aquatic Visitors Center

Aquatic Visitors Center

Aquatic Visitors Center, Put-In-Bay, OH

www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu

Open Wednesday through Saturday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

For a fun learning experience, head to the Aquatic Visitors Center (AVC) on Lake Erie's South Bass Island, one of several small islands off the Lake's southern shore. The AVC is located in Put-in-Bay, a northern township on South Bass. It's here that you'll discover all there is to learn about the lake's complex ecosystem. According to the website, this educational destination is operated by Ohio State University, and "served as the State Fish Hatchery at Put-in-Bay from 1907 through 1988." The center invites guests to engage in science-related activities such as microscopic investigations of the Lake's tiny species. Kids are invited to borrow the Center's fishing gear, and children under the age of 16 can cast their lines off their pier for free!

Air1 Airboats 4

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Air1 Airboats

Air1 Airboats

2312 River Avenue, Sandusky, OH

www.air1airboats.com

Open Monday through Sunday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Take your family on a thrilling 30-40 minute tour of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay and Cedar Point with Air1 Airboats! This high-speed boat ride is the perfect way to see wildlife, beautiful scenery and a view of famous Cedar Point from a different perspective. Two-hour evening/sunset cruises are also offered. Book your ride here!

The Boardwalk 5

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk

341 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH

www.the-boardwalk.com

A few miles off the southern shore of Lake Erie lies a series of islands, with South Bass Island being one of the most popular recreation and tourism destinations, accessible by ferry or private boat. Travelers head to South Bass's northern township, Put-in-Bay Harbor, for plenty of summer fun and dining options, such as the multi-level Boardwalk. Choose from several bars and restaurants under one roof at this family-friendly location, but definitely don't miss out on their famous Lobster Bisque! Thirsty adults will enjoy the Boardwalk's Mexican-inspired bar, Rita's Cantina, which offers the island's largest variety of tequila. For more information on menus and dining click here.

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