Limestone cliffs, historic wineries, crystal caverns and a
shimmering Great Lake greet visitors to the Lake Erie Islands state parks. These four
state parks offer unique island retreats with an atmosphere both festive and casual.
Fishing, boating and swimming can be enjoyed at each park.
Nature of the Area
Several parks comprise the Lake Erie Island group. The islands were formed during the
glacial period when massive ice sheets entered Ohio. Glaciers gouged and scoured the
bedrock; their tremendous weight left deep depressions which filled with meltwater,
forming the Great Lakes.
Lake Erie, the smallest of the Great Lakes, is shallow--allowing for violent storms
with high waves. The lake is divided into three basins. The western basin has an average
depth of 25 to 30 feet; the central basin averages 61 feet; and the eastern basin shows an
average depth of 120 feet.
Lake Erie has high nutrient levels and warm temperatures which produce greater numbers
and varieties of fish than any other Great Lake. Annual catches nearly equal the combined
catch of all other Great Lakes. Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish
and walleye are dominant species.
The islands are composed of limestone bedrock. Small scratches in the rock surface
known as glacial striations are common while major grooves such as those found at Kelleys
Island are rare but awesome. Vast stands of red cedar and the presence of underground
caverns, both associated with limestone are found here. The islands and shoreline support
a variety of reptiles including the state's highest concentration of the harmless fox
snake. The timber rattlesnake was at one time quite prevalent on the islands but is now
gone from the area. Rattlesnake Island was so named due to the presence of this reptile
years ago.
Migrating songbirds rest here before winging across the lake. Hundreds of different
species have been identified, making this one of the best birdwatching areas in the
country. Several nesting pairs of the magnificent bald eagle are located in the area.
History of the Area
Prior to the War of 1812, the Lake Erie Island region had been occupied by Erie, Ottawa
and Huron (Wyandot) Indian tribes at different times throughout the years. A testimony to
their existence on the islands is carved in Inscription Rock on Kelleys Island.
Pictographic writings over 500 years old are etched in this massive limestone boulder. The
powerful Iroquois nation defeated the Erie Indians while the Ottawa and Huron were
eventually moved out by European settlers. The War of 1812 ended the last Indian threat to
the European settlement of Ohio. One decisive naval battle of that war was fought in
Put-In-Bay, off the shores of South Bass Island. Oliver Hazard Perry with an inferior
fleet defeated the British making famous his saying, "We have met the enemy and they
are ours." The victory gave the Americans control of Lake Erie and led to the
ultimate defeat of the British in that war.
The islands remained sparsely settled until 1854 when J.D. Rivers purchased five of the
islands. At first he turned Put-In-Bay into a sheep ranch, having at one time a herd of
2,000, but eventually he converted the island into a fruit farm. Despite the extreme
northern location, the islands have the longest frost-free period of any area in Ohio due
to the stabilizing effect of the lake.
It soon became apparent to islanders that the cultivation of grapes was very
profitable. The grape culture has had a dramatic influence on the islands, sometimes
called the "Wine Islands." By 1887, more than one-third of the grape product and
nearly one-half of the wine product of the entire state was credited to this area. Wines
from these islands were once pronounced by the best judges as being comparable to the best
productions of France. Several island wineries still exist today.
In addition to raising fruits, the islands supported other profitable industries.
Logging of red cedar, quarrying for limestone and the propagation of fish provided
additional means of support.
For over a century, South Bass Island has been famous as a summer resort. Ruins of the
Victory Hotel, destroyed by fire in 1919, are still evident. Tourism thrives today making
the islands one of the most popular vacation spots in the state. The four areas comprising
Lake Erie Island state parks were added to the state park system in the early 1950s.
Catawba Island
This day-use park also serves as the main headquarters for Kelleys Island, South Bass
and Oak Point state parks. A fishing pier, launch ramp, picnic shelter and picnic areas
can be found here. Swimming is permitted at your own risk.
Kelleys Island
The family campground contains 129 non-electric sites, showers, flush toilets, and a
dump station. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. A youth group camp is
available by reservation for organized groups. Five miles of hiking trails lead to scenic
vistas and historic sites. Picnic areas, a picnic shelter, launch ramps, fishing access
areas and a 100-foot swimming beach are also available. Limited hunting is permitted in
designated areas of the park. Check with the park office for details. Kelleys Island can
be reached by ferry from Sandusky or Marblehead Peninsula. Two Rent-A-Camp units
consisting of a tent, sheltered picnic table, cooler, cookstove and lantern are available
during the summer season.
Oak Point
Located on the northwestern tip of South Bass Island, this day-use park offers a scenic
picnic area, fishing access and overnight docking facilities.
South Bass Island
The family campground features 135 non-electric sites, showers, latrines and a dump
station. Pet camping is permitted on designated sites. A youth group camp is available by
reservation for organized groups. Four cabents, combining the best features of a cabin and
tent, are available through a lottery system for weekly rental from Memorial Day to the
last weekend in September. A separate lottery is held for rental of the rustic cabin
located near the park office. Contact the Catawba Island park office for lottery details.
A picnic shelter, picnic areas, launch ramp, fishing pier and small stone beach area are
also available. South Bass Island is accessible by ferry from Port Clinton or Catawba
Island.
Area Attractions
Several other state parks are near the Lake Erie Islands. Crane Creek State Park, west
of Port Clinton, is one of the state's foremost birding areas and is notable for its
spring and fall bird migrations. East Harbor State Park on Marblehead Peninsula sports the
largest campground in the Ohio state park system. Swimming, picnicking, boating and
fishing are popular at East Harbor.
State nature preserves located in the area include Sheldon Marsh, Old Woman Creek, Erie
Sand Barrens and DuPont Marsh. Contact the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
for more information.
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