Kelleys Island
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KELLEYS ISLAND
If Put-in-Bay is the Las Vegas of the Lake Erie islands, then Kelleys Island is more like a country getaway.
On Kelleys you are unlikely to run into the groups of partiers that so often take over PIB. Instead, expect a serene setting in which one can take a look at the glacial grooves or the centuries-old Inscription Rock and then meander on a golf cart to the beach or one of several hiking trails.
This is definitely a getaway for the outdoors type, a family or a couple looking for a romantic getaway.
“There is a lot to do and see without spending money once you get here,” Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce director Marvin Robinson said. “For kids we have playgrounds, fishing at the state park, there are lots of hiking trails.”
Ila Dick, who volunteers at the Kelleys Island Historical Museum, said the island can get a little rowdy on weekend nights, but nothing like the atmosphere on Put-in-Bay.
“It’s a nice place to bring the family,” Dick said.
The 2,800-acre island is the largest on the U.S. side in the western basin of Lake Erie, with 18 miles of shoreline.
The easygoing pace of the island and breathtaking lake views make it an attractive getaway.
“We have things to do, but if you want to come here to relax, this is the place to do it,” Robinson said.
Plan to spend at least four hours on the island to give yourself enough time to absorb the Kelleys experience.
Perhaps start your trip at the cozy little town of Marblehead, where you can catch the Kelleys Island Ferry. On the drive to Marblehead, swing by Bergman Orchards, whose giant sign out front screams at passing vehicles to “Take a Peach to the Beach.”
You could take the Jet Express out of downtown Sandusky. The ferry ride is part of the experience: Nothing like the wind in your hair, the spray of the lake on your face. The trip over can get a tad on the pricey side. Adults pay $16 for a round-trip ticket, children 5-11 years old ride for $10 and younger children ride for free.
Once on the island, it’s recommended you rent a golf cart. Opting for the four seater costs $56 for four hours. Six seaters are also available.
A good first stop is Inscription Rock. Located on the southern part of the island, not far from downtown, the flat-topped limestone boulder contains pictographs of men, birds and animals carved by the Erie Indians 300-400 years ago.
From there, head up Division Street to the Glacial Grooves. Its self-guided tour with plaques describe how the grooves were created and include a history of the island.
There are at least three hiking trails available — The Boardwalk, the Northshore Loop Trail and the East Quarry Trail.
The Boardwalk Trail is made out of recycled plastic. The trail runs across the shoreline through meadows and woodlands to the North Pond Nature Preserve, where there is a tower that offers breathtaking views.
The Northshore Loop Trails offers hikers views of the “old crusher and lime kiln” through woodlands and along the shore where the Canadian Islands are visible.
The East Quarry Trail runs along the edge of an abandoned quarry and offers views of Horseshoe Lake.
A stop at the Kelleys Island Historical Museum is also recommended. Housed in an old church built in the 1860s, the museum features interesting artifacts that tell the story of the island.
Families can camp overnight at the state-run campground, take in a round of miniature golf at Caddy Shack golf course or dine at one of the nine bar and restaurants. There are also a variety of bed and breakfasts and a 31-room hotel is slated to open later this summer. Kayak and bike rentals are also available.k
