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 82 camp sites with
electrical hookups and 45 non-electric sites. 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. Also available are 2 Island Yurts
available for weekly rental during the summer months.
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 10 full-service camp
sites with electric, sewer, and water hookups, 125 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.
