Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island is located in the western basin of Lake Erie about four miles north of Marblehead and ten miles from Sandusky on the Ohio mainland. The entire island measures more than four square miles and is the largest fresh water American island in Lake Erie. A short drive from major cities makes Kelleys seem right next door, yet the Canadian Border lies only a few miles north of the island.

Remnants of the island's past can be seen throughout the island as the entire island is on the National Register of Historical Places. Tour the island by bicycle, golf cart, or stroll historic neighborhoods and view restored architectural styles, scenic treasures and natural wonders.

The Glacial Grooves State Park is the largest and most spectacular example of glacial grooves left in the entire world. Walk the perimeter of this international study site to view a 400 foot by 35 foot wide gash of prehistoric glacial grooves scoured into native limestone bedrock by the advancement of the Wisconsin glacier 30,000 years ago.

Signs of the island's era as an Indian hunting ground remain on the Inscription Rock State Memorial. This flat-topped limestone boulder on the south shore of Kelleys Island has faint pictographs of men, birds and animals carved by the Erie Indians 300-400 years ago.

Fishing from various piers or boats will thrill you in the "Walleye Capital of the World". Island shops sell supplies and licenses, and will aid any angler as to the current "hot" locations and lure selection. Also perch, catfish, smallmouth and white bass are caught in quantity in their respective peak periods.

Constant lake breezes and small waves provide ideal weather conditions for jet-ski's, and sail or power boaters. As the quality and clarity of the Lake Erie waters steadily improves, shipwrecks from the 1700-1800's provide fun and excitement to both snorkelers and scuba divers.

Enjoy Kelleys Island natural beauty. Abundant waterfowl (heron, egrets, ducks, geese, sea gulls, and an occasional osprey or eagle) add to the island bird population (blue birds, hummingbirds, and migratory species in both spring and fall). Monarch butterflies feast in milk weed each September as they migrate to Mexico for the winter. White-tailed deer with fawns are seen grazing at dusk and dawn. Catch glimpses of rare species like the Lake Erie water snake or Kelleys Island salamander tucked among the rocks.

In the 800 acre Ohio State Park system on Kelleys Island, miles of self-guided nature and hiking trails can be explored. The North Shore Loop begins behind Glacial Grooves and follows the wild flower studded woods along the north shoreline. Discover fossils along the inactive east stone quarry, wetlands, and horseshoe lake while hiking the East Quarry Trail.

The modernized Kelleys Island State Park offers a sandy beach along the North Bay, a stone pier for fishing, a free double boat launching ramp, trailer parking, and 129 shaded camping sites, (no reservations). Group, rent a camp sites, and pet sites are also available. There are no electric or water hookups to individual sites. Several main shower houses are located throughout the park. Call 419-746-2546 for further information.

Kelleys Island is one of the stepping stones used by multitudes of migrating birds to cross Lake Erie. This 2800 acre island has 17 miles of shoreline and a 600 acre state park. Diverse habitats provide opportunities to see a large variety of birds, including h herons, ducks, hawks, shorebirds, cuckoos, woodpeckers, flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers, and orioles. The island's board walk will provide easy access to the North Pond located in the state park.

The downtown area remains the heart of island activity. Browse amongst the unique gift and clothing shops. Enjoy miniature golf, a video arcade, or a seat in Memorial Park. No banks are on the island - although there are ATM machines located in the Island Market and the Village Pump. Several restaurants provide dining experiences inside or outside with a range from full continental cuisine to pizza or sandwiches. Weekends provide a variety of entertainment. Small groceries provide staples, incidentals, and snacks. Top off your stay with a hand-dipped ice cream cone or some fresh island fudge.

The Jet Express's goal is to provide your family with an exciting boating experience that is both fun and affordable. The Jet Express ferry offers scenic cruises and provides narrated tours, while traveling in style, to downtown Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, Ohio, and saves you money by dropping you off right downtown, where the fun is! Children ages 6-12 save up to 86% off Adult fares, and Children 5 & Under Ride Free! Adults can save too...up to 25% off gate prices if purchasing an Island-Hopping ticket.

The Jet Express ferry offers the Lowest Fares Per Mile, giving your family more value for your travel dollar. Experience the Ride on the Jet Express and visit Lake Erie's choice island destinations of Put in Bay and Kelleys Island today.