4 Best Sights in Put-in-Bay, Ohio

South Bass Island has been a popular tourist destination since Victorian times, and a century and a half of the little island’s history is proudly displayed at this mostly volunteer-run museum. Here you’ll see photos of island life in the 19th century, as well as model ships, old documents and postcards, and educational displays about the entire Great Lakes region. It also screens a short historical documentary for interested visitors. Proceeds from the antiques store on-site help keep the museum afloat.

Deep below the surface of South Bass Island, the limestone Perry’s Cave, with its underground lake, has been an island must-see for generations. More recently, a family fun park has been built around the subterranean grotto, and now visitors can easily while away an afternoon at the attraction. Activities include miniature golf, gemstone mining, laser tag, an antique-car display, a rock-climbing wall, and a maze. There’s also a butterfly aviary that houses 50 different species from around the world.

Although most people are more likely to associate Ohio with corn or soybean production than they are with wine, the Buckeye State has had a strong viticulture industry since the early 19th century. South Bass Island has a couple of wineries of its own, the newest of which is Put-in-Bay Winery. There’s a gift shop and a small exhibit on winemaking; those who want a more thorough experience can go on one of the half-hour tasting tours, which combine a tasting session (for those of legal drinking age) with a tour of the estate’s Victorian mansion.

If you want to take a relaxing break from the tourist excitement in Put-in-Bay, this is a good place to start. Here you’ll find 33 lakeside acres of fields and woodland, as well as a picnic area, cabins, and a campground—if you do decide to stay the night, note that you’ll be sharing your abode with other creatures including songbirds and a couple of types of harmless snake. Popular activities at the park include fishing and boating, and you can rent a variety of watercraft from private vendors in the area.